’Tis the season to cozy up with a hot beverage and a good, old fashioned yarn. And, if you’re in the South Sound region, you’ll have two chances to hear me read you a story this month.

Creative Colloquy Volume Nine Book Release Party

When: Monday, December 18 | 6:30–9 p.m.

Where: Shakabrah Java, 2618 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406

Why: It’s hard to believe it’s been bringing lovers of the written word together for almost a decade, but Creative Colloquy, Tacoma’s homegrown literary community, is launching our ninth print anthology this week. I’ll be reading my short story, “Reviews of Sanctuary Creek Honey Farm,” alongside other authors whose poems and prose are in the book, including Kenra Brewer, Shaun A. McMichael, and Emilie Rommel Shimkus. Copies of the anthology will be available for $20 a pop.

Why Not: I love our annual book launch parties. There will be food and drinks, a raffle with excellent prizes, and live music performed by Karen Miller. It’s gonna be a blast. Why not celebrate our local literary scene?

Winter Solstice at Lakewold Gardens

When: Thursday, December 28 | 5–8 p.m.

Where: Lakewold Gardens, 12317 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499

Why: Lakewold Gardens, located on a 10-acre lakeside estate, is hosting a Winter Solstice celebration for the darkest days of the year. As part of the festivities, they’ve invited some of Creative Colloquy’s writers to perform a series of dramatic readings, ranging from classic Yuletide tales to original winter wonderland fare. I’m pleased to be reading an adapted version of Jack London’s fable of man vs. nature, To Build a Fire, alongside Christian Carvajal, Hannah Throntveit, and Jennifer Preston. The reading starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults; $16 for students, seniors, and military; $10 for youth ages 5–17 (under 5 are free).

Why Not: Snow isn’t in the forecast this holiday season, but you can still get your wintery fix at Lakewold Gardens. The beautiful surroundings and stories are sure to warm your heart and chill you to the bone (in a good way). Why not embrace a little darkness at the tail end of December?

I hope to see you at one of these literary events as we close out 2023!

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Jonny Eberle is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller. He lives in Tacoma, WA with his family, a dog, and three adorable typewriters. His writing has been published in Creative Colloquy, Grit City Magazine, and All Worlds Wayfarer. You can listen to his audio drama, The Adventures of Captain Radio, and his writing podcast, Dispatches with Jonny Eberle, wherever you enjoy podcasts.

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