Local writers share their work and life inspirations | OregonLive.com

She's a teacher, activist and a writer of stories and poetry. Judith Arcana describes herself as a woman shaped by the world, thrust into the public sphere when she was arrested in 1972 in Chicago for helping provide thousands of illegal abortions.

Through the 1970s, Arcana traveled the country, speaking on sexuality, women's health and motherhood. When she began her first book, writing became the center of her life, and with that, reading her work to live audiences.

On Monday, March 25, Arcana will be speaking at Hillsboro's Conversation with Writers group, which meets monthly at Influence Music Hall.

When Fred Melden, co-director of Conversations with Writers, met Arcana at Stonehenge Studios in Portland earlier this year, he knew he wanted her to come speak at the group.

"I'd heard of her name before and every one of my fellow poets knew who she was, too," Melden said. "After reading her work and seeing that she was a good presenter and writer, I had to ask her."

If you go

When: Monday, March 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Influence Music Hall at 135 SE 3rd Ave. in Hillsboro

More information: The event is free and no registration is required.

Conversations with Writers originally started out as an open-mic poetry group in 2006. However, when open-mics began sprouting up around the Hillsboro and Forest Grove areas, regular attendees offered suggestions on how they could become something different.

The decision was made to have live readings followed by question-and-answer sessions.

"It's an opportunity for writers to explain why they chose a certain form, specific words, and how their background is woven into the piece," Melden explained. "When the writer finishes with reading excerpts from their work, there is a chance for the writers to give biographical background or advice. It's really a chance for inspiration."

After Arcana's poetry reading, Melden expects the evening to flow like an interview between Arcana and the audience.

As a poet himself, Melden enjoys gleaning wisdom from other writers. He didn't pursue poetry to get rich and famous.

"When I discovered my talent, it surprised me," Melden said. "I found out that to further my talent, I needed to hone in on it. For anyone to do that, you need to dig inside yourself and see what you're really feeling about things."

Since helping found the group, Melden has found that the seminar-style evenings have allowed audiences to improve their writing skills and deepen their appreciation for local talent.

--Taylor Smith

Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2013/03/local_writers_share_their_work.html

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