Author reading next Thursday

As part of Alaska Book Week, a statewide initiative to celebrate Alaska authors, local writer Cassondra Windwalker will read at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 from her latest releases, novel “Preacher Sam” and the Portage Series inaugural collection, “The Almost-Children,” a book of poetry from Cornerstone Press.

“Preacher Sam” is a murder mystery about a former preacher trying to rehabilitate his life. Sam Geisler does his best to get along. He’s lost his job, his home and his reputation. He spends his days helping his sister Dani run her bookstore and taking the side of his 7-year-old nephew, Parker, against all the dark forces of the universe that trouble elementary-age children. He does his best to forget the church and the wife that kicked him out. But when one of his former parishioners confesses to killing another, Sam finds himself at the center of murder yet again.

“The Almost-Children” explores the manifestations of loss and the mysterious alterations of absence. Walker’s poetry has been featured in numerous literary journals and art books across the country and has won the occasional award. “Preacher Sam” is her third published novel, the first in a new series from Black Spot Books, and “The Almost-Children” is her first book of poetry.

Homer photographer wins conservation award

Homer photographer Drew Hamilton has won the Alaska Conservation Foundation’s 2019 Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Still Photography, Film or Video for his pictures that depict Alaska’s incredible wildlife and landscape. “Drew uses his video and photography skills to advance the protection of Alaska’s wilderness environment, further discussion of issues relating to habitat and stewardship of Alaska’s natural resources, and enhance public education relating to these areas,” the foundation said in a press release. See his photography at https://www.drewhh.com/. For more information about the awards, visit AlaskaConservation.org.