1900s Spokane, CdA linked by new book
A new book is about to hit the shelves which should have great appeal to Spokane railroad enthusiasts: “Inland Empire Electric Line: Spokane to Coeur d’Alene and the Palouse” (Museum of North Idaho Publications, $39.95).
And not just Spokane railroad enthusiasts – probably even worldwide railroad enthusiasts.
The author, Clive Carter, is a British-born writer who divides his time between Bellevue, Wash., and Dunoon, Scotland. He is the author of two previous railroad books published in the U.K.
“Inland Empire Electric Line” tells the story of the popular – but often troubled – electric railway that carried passengers and tourists from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene and down to the Palouse. Its heyday was in the early 1900s, when an excursion on the electric train to Liberty Lake or Coeur d’Alene was a popular holiday pastime.
This new book includes 308 illustrations, several of which are maps or diagrams.
It’s available for pre-order (at a discount) through its publisher, the Museum of North Idaho, at www.museumni.org. It should hit area bookstores in early September.
Terry Brooks alert
Terry Brooks, one of the undisputed kings of the fantasy field, is on his way to Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main, for a reading on Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Brooks, from Seattle, is the author of 25 books, including the best-selling “Shannara” series, “The Word & Void” trilogy and the “Magic Kingdom of Landover” series.
He’ll be reading and signing his newest entry, “The Princess of Landover” (Del Rey Hardcover, $26).
How big a deal is Brooks in the fantasy genre? For one thing, one of his books was selected by the Rocky Mountain News as one of the best fantasy novels of the 20th Century. For another, more than 21 million copies of his books are in print.
We can expect his fans to turn out in droves.
Children’s book conference
Do you have a children’s book inside of you, waiting to get out?
You might want to consider attending “Beginnings, Middles & Endings,” the regional conference for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Inland Empire region.
This all-day conference will be Sept. 12, at St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave. Conference speakers will include authors Terry Trueman, Richard Jesse Watson and Judy Gregerson, along with Mary Kate Castellani, an editor with Walker Books.
You don’t have to be a member of the organization to attend. For registration details, go to www.scbwiwaid.org or call (509) 482-5288.