Submitted by the Lopez Bookshop

The January “Local Writers Read” event at Lopez Bookshop includes authors very close to home: Irene Skyriver from Lopez Island and G. Elizabeth Kretchmer from San Juan Island. Both will read from newly published books beginning at 7 p.m.

Skyriver, a Lopez resident for 38 years, has been making the rounds of regional bookstores with her first book, “Paddling With Spirits: A Solo Kayak Journey.” Inspired partly by her own spirit of adventure and partly by the stories of her native coastal ancestors, Skyriver celebrated her 40th year of life with a solo kayak voyage, paddling from Alaska to her home on Lopez. In “Paddling with Spirits,” she interweaves the true account of her journey with generational stories handed down and vividly reimagined.

San Juan Islander Kretchmer writes about women’s issues and the natural landscape. Her latest novel, “Bear Medicine,” alternates between contemporary and historical times and explores how women must help women in a male-dominated world.

The author of two novels and a short story collection, Kretchmer’s work has appeared in various anthologies and publications, including The New York Times.

“We have such a wealth of writers in the islands,” says bookshop co-owner Karen Barringer. “It’s our pleasure to present them at our in-store events.” Co-owner Beth St. George recently organized a story-telling event at the Bookshop; “Local Writers Read is another version of telling stories,” she says. “We hope you’ll join us.”

For more information about this free event, visit lopezbookshop@rockisland.com or the bookshop’s Facebook page.