First Draft Writers' Series
Third Thursday of each month, always FREE
Ursula LeGuin reading at First Draft.
The First Draft Writers’ Series brings authors and poets of note to the Pendleton stage to share new work. On the third Thursday of each month people who love the written word gather at the PCA’s Pearson Auditorium to hear our featured authors as well as three to five minute open mic readings by local emerging writers.
“Truly, [First Draft] was one of the best adventures of my writing career, right up there with winning the PNBA awards and being interviewed by Studs Turkel.” - Craig Lesley
Our Open Mic readers add incredible life to First Draft. Whether you're a professional, emerging literary artist, amateur or just get a burst of inspiration to write one thing, we'd love to have you read your original 3-5 minute piece for the audience. Up to ten people can sign up each month to share their work after the featured author and a quick Q&A. Just send us a note in the Zoom chat that you'd like to read.
NEXT:
Thursday, October 15, 2026
7:00 p.m. via Zoom
Zoom link HERE
(Having trouble with the link? Text or call Roberta at 541-310-7413 and she'll send it to you directly.)
Marina Richie's writing career began in the early 1980s as a reporter for a weekly newspaper in northeastern Oregon.That led to a journalism master’s degree in 1988 from the University of Montana, a complement to her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Oregon in 1981. Halcyon Journey was her first book for adults, and it earned the 2024 John Burroughs Medal, a National Outdoor Book Award (gold) and a Foreword Indies Award (silver). She has written two children’s books (under a prior name), Bird Feats of Montana and Bug Feats of Montana. The latter was selected as the one Montana book to represent the state at the National Book Fair in Washington, D.C. in 2009. She has worked as a journalist, writer of interpretive signs, wildlife viewing coordinator, and communications director for national wildlife initiatives—Teaming With Wildlife and the Sage Grouse Initiative (2011-2015). She's written for the National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, American Birding Association, National Wildlife Refuges, and Oregon Wild. She gives environmental presentations, teaches nature writing workshops, and serves on the board of the Greater Hells Canyon Council.
November: Ruby Hanson Murray and Laura Da' (in person and via Zoom)
December: Pamela Reese (in person and via Zoom)
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