The Long Beach Peninsula is known for many things, but one of the best-kept secrets of this serene area is the draw it has for outstanding, local, and regional writers.
While there are a number of writers who call the Long Beach Peninsula their home, there are also some big-name authors who seek out the Peninsula for its inspiring and nurturing environment.
Chuck Palahniuk worked on several books here on the peninsula including the famous landmark publication, Fight Club. Rock music journalist Charles Cross and best-selling author Debbie Macomber have also looked to the peninsula for inspiration.
Local Authors
Sydney Stevens
Also known as Sydney of Oysterville, author, and historian. Sydney’s published works include textbooks, non-fiction books, magazine and newspaper articles. Jailhouse Stories from Early Pacific County, Legendary Locals of the Long Beach Peninsula, and Oysterville: The First Generations are just a few of her books.
Robert Michael Pyle
Robert Michael Pyle is the author of 18 books, including Chasing Monarchs, Where Bigfoot Walks, and Wintergreen, which won the John Burroughs Medal. Robert is a Yale-trained ecologist and a Guggenheim fellow. His first novel, Magdalena Mountain, went on sale August 21.
Maggie Stuckey
Maggie Stuckey writes about cooking and gardening. Her book Soup Night: Recipes for Creating Community Around a Pot of Soup might just inspire you to get to know your neighbors. Learn to grow your own food in small spaces with her book The Bountiful Container.
H.G. Bissinger
H.G. Bissinger, also known as Buzz Bissinger, is a part-time local and well-known writer. He has written a number of books including the New York Times Bestseller Friday Nights Light.
Jan Bono
Jan Bono is a frequent contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul and has published works in a variety of publications in addition to the books and scripts she has written. She recently released the third book in the Sylvia Avery Mystery Series, which takes place in SW Washington.
Birdie Etchison
Birdie Etchison has published 21 books ranging from juvenile fiction to nonfiction, romance, and historical fiction. A past president of OCW (Oregon Christian Writers), she has taught for Writer’s Digest School for more than 20 years.
Patty Hardin
Patty Hardin is known for her poetry, including haiku, which is frequently published in literary magazines. Patty has three published books: Devil In Her Arms, a romance novel, Welcome Home, a collection of stories from Vietnam veterans and Merry Christmas, Murphy, a children’s picture book.
Peninsula History
Curious about the peninsula’s history? Check out The Long Beach Peninsula by Nancy L. Hobbs and Donella J Lucero, Observing Our Peninsula’s Past by Nancy Lloyd, and In Full View by Rex Ziak. Find plenty more at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum or our local bookstores.
Independent Bookstores on the Long Beach Peninsula
Reading is a favorite pastime that can be enjoyed any day – rain or shine!
Head on over to Time Enough Books, located at the Port of Ilwaco, and visit Scout the shop dog. Go and relax by their fireplace, watch the harbor activity, and browse their selection of new and used books, gifts, and more.
If you are in downtown Long Beach and looking for some literature, check out Banana Books. Sip some coffee on their deck and take in their eclectic stock of gently used pop-fiction, sci-fi, cult classics, and other surprising finds.
Books at Long Beach: Pacific Northwest Showcase and Book Fair
Discover fiction, cookbooks, history, and more from local and regional authors at this annual event! Not only will you have the chance to purchase their books, but you can also meet the authors and have your books signed. Entrance is free for spectators.
This year’s event takes place October 6 from 1-4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Long Beach. Featured authors include Brian Ratty, Rosanne Anderson, Signe Kopps, and Heidi and Avery Mason, a mother and daughter duo.
Writing Workshops
Sou’wester often hosts literary workshops ranging from poetry to letter writing. Simply check their calendar of events and contact them to save your spot. Learn something new, connect with other writers, and enjoy life by the beach.