20 // COASTWEEKEND.COM Writing group debuts ‘Kindness and Leather protection Gratitude: A Random Act of Publication’ for a mason jar The League of Intertid- al Writers, a new writing group, has released its de- but publication, “Kindness & Gratitude: A Random Act of Publication.” The free publication has been distributed around Clatsop and Pacific Counties for the public to read, keep, pass on, mail to friends and family. It fea- tures poems, short essays and memoirs that explore the theme of kindness and gratitude. The League is a group of writers (and one dog) from around the Pacif- ic Northwest that meets monthly in Astoria to write, talk, laugh, think, drink, eat and listen in a private As- toria home with a magnifi- cent view of Youngs Bay. “Kindness & Gratitude” was the outcome of a kind- ness and gratitude-themed writing workshop and the culmination of 10 other workshops on various themes. Roughly 10 to 12 writ- The League of Intertidal Writ- ers’ debut publication, ‘Kind- ness & Gratitude” PHOTOS COURTESY LEAGUE OF INTERTIDAL WRITERS ers meet for each workshop from a total membership of about 20 writers. Local author Matt Love, publish- er of Nestucca Spit Press, joins the group on occasion as a writing coach. “Kindness & Gratitude” can be picked up at the following locations: librar- ies, bakeries, liquor stores, driftwood forts, public re- strooms, bookstores, coffee shops, Gulley’s Meats and Fort George Brewery in Astoria. Any business in- terested in receiving copies to distribute should contact The League at leagueofin- tertidalwriters@gmail.com. “Kindness & Gratitude” looks especially inviting where people are waiting. The publication is also available as a PDF down- load to read on a digital device or print at home. The group plans to release other publications and invites area writers to join. All writers — from poets, songwriters, essay- ists, novelists, greeting card writers, bloggers, journalists and historians to teachers of writing — are welcome. For more information about gatherings and work- shops, email leagueofinter- tidalwriters@gmail.com. SEAVIEW, WASH. — Learn to make a mason jar coozie out of leather at a workshop led by Liz Wright at the Sou’wester Lodge 1 to 3 p.m. Satur- day, June 2. Become familiar with how to stitch, rivet and tool one of nature’s most dura- ble and beautiful materials. You’ll leave with a unique thermal sleeve with your own design that will trans- form a standard mason jar into a personalized camp mug that’s perfect for hot and cold drinks. This class — part of the Sou’wester’s Summer 2018 Workshop Series — is designed for people with very little or no leather- working experience. You’ll gain the basic skills and confidence you need to make all the leather goods your heart desires, such as wallets, belts and jewelry. The cost of the work- shop is $30, plus a $15 ma- terial fee to be paid directly COURTESY SOU’WESTER LODGE A leather coozie on a ma- son jar to the instructor. All supplies will be provided as well as coffee and hot tea. This workshop is for students 16 and older — 15 students max. The class is geared for begin- ners, but students of all skill levels are welcome. RSVP at souwester- frontdesk@gmail.com or 360-642-2542. Writing workshop mulls veracity in storytelling ASTORIA — What role do facts and truth play in nonfiction and fiction? What is veracity in storytelling all about? Join author, editor, publish- er and writing instructor Matt Love 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat- urday, June 2, for a “Veracity in Fact and Fiction” writing workshop in Astoria that will dive into the challenges, questions, dilemmas and obligations writers face when writing memoirs, fiction, essays, scripts poems, social media posts, even journalism. Love will guide partic- ipants through a series of writing prompts, surveys, short readings and discus- sions that compel writers to examine their time-honored or newly acquired beliefs on the rules and responsibilities of truth-telling with their words, if indeed there are any rules and responsibilities. The workshop takes place in a private home. The class costs $65 and will cap at 15 participants. Participants will pay at the beginning of the workshop. Scholarships are also available. Barter is accepted as well. To register, email Love at nestuccaspit- press@gmail.com.