"Homer is home to a thriving literary colony," Villani writes in "Best 100 Art Towns." Tom Bodett got his start here and still comes back for vacations. Nationally-known writers include Dan Coyle, Dana Stabenow, Nancy Lord and Rich Chiappone. There are a prolific number of authors and poets in the area, and the Homer Bookstore and Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center frequently invites the public to book signings for newly published books.
Amy Tan Reads at the 2007 Kachemak Bay Writer's Conference.
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The annual Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference, held June 6-10 and organized by the Kachemak Bay Campus, Kenai Peninsula College-University of Alaska Anchorage, brings award-winning presenters and hundreds of attendees from across the United States. This year's keynote speaker is Annie Lamott, author of "Bird by Bird" and "Operating Instructions." For more information, check the conference Web site at writersconference.homer.alaska.edu.
Good Reads
When it comes to Homer and the surrounding area, plenty has been written. Here are a few suggestions:
A Recreational Guide to Kachemak Bay State Park and Wilderness Park Insights into Hiking, Camping, Kayaking and More; by Joshua Duffus, published by Wizard Works, 2005, 127 pages, $17.95.
Alaska's Seashore Creatures - A Guide To Selected Marine Invertebrates; Carmen and Conrad Field, Alaska Northwest Books, 1999, 96 pages, $12.95.
Archaeology of Kachemak Bay, Alaska; by Janet R. Klein, published by Kachemak Country Publica-tions, 1996, 93 pages, $12.95.
Invisible Ink - Stories of Humor, Alaskana, History, Tall Tales and More; an anthology of original works by Homer authors, edited by Joyce Baker Porte, published by Anchor Point Books, 2004, 216 pages, $14.95.
Kachemak Bay, Alaska; a project of the Homer Foundation, local writers and photographers, 2005, 68 pages, $19.95.
Kachemak Bay Years; by Elsa Pederson, published by Hard-scratch Press, 2001, 206 pages, $18.50
Kent Meyers signs his book after a writers' conference reading
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•Salmon Patties and Rosehip Pie - An Artist's Cookbook from Halibut Cove, Alaska; recipes compiled and paintings by Marian T. Beck, writing by Kathleen Bennett, published by Saltry Press, 2004, 48 pages, $24.95.
•The Eagle Lady; by Cary Anderson, published by Eagle Eye Pictures, 2003, 72 pages, $15.95.
•The Misadventures of Seldovia Sam; a series of children's books by Susan Woodward Springer, published by Alaska Northwest Books, $6.95 each.
