Watch the recording of this program here
Drafted when Iris served as the first Writer-in-Residence for Washington State Ferries, Writer in a Life Vest (Homebound Publications, 2022) explores the questions and issues imposed by Climate Change on the Salish Sea. Her 36 lyric essays highlight the voices of climate activists and marine scientists, the threat to the resident Orca whale population, and the joys (and challenges) of ferry transport among the San Juan Islands.
Iris tackles complex interconnections and conflicts with a storyteller’s hand, following the advice of poet Kim Stafford to, “Figure out playful ways to write hard news that ends in a song.” Described as “nature writing at its best” by Washington Book Award finalist Ana Maria Spagna, these heartfelt ruminations will buoy you to act on the planet’s behalf.
The book will be launched on March 24 at 5:30 pm, and will feature Iris in conversation with Lorna Reese, Lopez writer and founder of SHARK REEF Literary Magazine. They’ll discuss Writer in a Life Vest and Iris’s desire for the essays to promote resilience, inspiration, and hope.
This program will be held in-person and online.
Iris Graville is a writer and retired nurse from Lopez Island, WA. Her profiles and personal essays have been published in national and regional journals and magazines. She holds a Master of Nursing degree from the University of Washington and an MFA in Creative Writing from the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts where she served as nonfiction editor for Soundings Review. Iris is the author of four nonfiction books including the memoir, Hiking Naked. In 2018, she was named the first Writer-in-Residence for the Washington State Ferries system, drafting essays as the vessel coursed among the San Juan Islands. Iris is also the publisher of SHARK REEF online literary magazine. She blogs regularly about writing and spiritual matters. Iris lives with her husband, two cats, and a dog on Lopez