Writers Table Brings String Tales to the Library

Sunday, January 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Public Library

— from JoEllen Moldoff —

Anne Focke will introduce you to her adaptation of literatura de cordel, or “string literature,” a popular form of publishing that thrives in Brazil. She coined the expression “string tales” for her own version of this form of publication which consists of one to four pages that can be easily produced and distributed. This process lends itself to a wide range of adaptations: pamphlets, broadsides, newsletters, flyers, leaflets, booklets, chapbooks, and zines.

In this Roundtable, facilitated by JoEllen Moldoff, Anne will share how she became involved with producing String Tales, and will offer a mini-workshop on how to make a small book of your own work. We will offer writing prompts and materials to stimulate your creativity.

All are welcome!

About Anne Focke
Anne is a freelancer who has worked part-time, full-time, on contract, and in organizations she founded, as an editor, writer, researcher, nonprofit executive, organizer, and artist.

“I’m intentionally a generalist, matchmaker, and creator of both short-lived and long-lasting enterprises, projects, conversations, and events. I work with words and ideas, and almost always in concert with others.”

Some highlights of her many-faceted career are: Alum in Residence at the University of Washington’s School of Art + Art History + Design, first executive director of Grantmakers in the Arts, facilitator of retreats for Copper Canyon Press and Soil, an artist collectives, as well as being involved with many arts initiatives including Penny U, a conversation series about work with Town Hall Seattle, the Community Democracy Workshop; Arts Wire, a national online network for the arts, Artist Trust, a nonprofit supporting Washington state artists, Artech, a for-profit art-handling company.

The Anne Focke Gallery in Seattle’s City Hall acknowledges her contributions to the city, where
she’s lived for over 40 years.