On March 28 and 29, Casia Lodge plays host to a third annual celebration of the Methow Valley literary scene. Over 20 local writers will once again be on hand to share works contained in the Methow Valley Authors Library, a collection of books and journals from every author who has ever lived in, worked in, or wrote about the valley.
The initial collection, hosted on Casia Lodge’s shelves, was introduced at the inaugural Authors Fair.
The program this year, featuring 15-minute fireside book readings every half hour from 1 PM to 5 PM, again focuses on writers with books released over the last year—including poets Subhaga Crystal Bacon and Cindy Williams Gutiérrez, historian John K. Roth, novelist Nick Hershenow, and smokejumping legend Bill Moody.
Also featured are local writers who have not previously appeared, such as local historian Diana Hottell, horse-care expert Christina Cline, retired librarian Craig Seasholes, journalist Julia Babkina, and therapist Deb Kalmbach.
New work in progress will also be read, such as a collection of poetry about the men of fire country by Confluence Poets Merry Maxwell and Sam Owen.
The local literary scene has dramatically expanded over the last few years. The number of books sold by local authors has grown from a healthy trickle to well over a thousand books in 2025. Volumes by local authors are selling steadily at Trails End Bookstore in Winthrop and Nightshade Bowery in Twisp.
In past years, the Authors Library and Fair have had generous grants from Methow Arts and The Confluence, and the Shafer Museum has donated books to the collection. Over the last year, though, Ted Lafferty and Cindy Button have stepped up with financial support, the latter putting her own royalties back into the cause.
Trail’s End will be on hand to sell books on Saturday, while many authors will be on hand to sell books to their fans. Casia Lodge and Ranch is happy again to be hosting the event. Bar meals and beverages will be available in the pub starting at 3 PM each day of the event. For a full list of valley authors and a schedule of readings on March 28 and 29, you can visit MethowPress.com/index.php/MVAL
