Bios
Amy Schutzer is an award-winning poet and fiction writer, and author of “Undertow,” (Calyx Books). While publishing her second and third novel remain on the horizon, she is hard at work on a fourth novel, “The Autobiography of My True Self.” Her 2nd novel was a finalist in the 2010 Leapfrog Press Fiction Contest, judged by Marge Piercy. Her chapbook, Taking Down the Scarecrows, has just been accepted for publication by Finishing Line Press. The 29th Street Writers continues to be an integral part of Amy’s writing life and is a remarkable confluence of talented women dedicated to the craft and love of words.
Ila Suzanne Gray’s poems are intimate details of a life lived with intention and purpose. She has several chapbooks and collaborated with Kay Gardner on an oratorio entitled “Ouroboros—Seasons of Life.” She has been published in Fireweed and Raising Our Voices an anthology of Oregon poets against the war. The 29th Street Writers nourish her passion for language.
Kathleen Haley gets reprive from a high pressure job and a loving family by her involvement with the 29th Street Writers. Her poetry and non-fiction have been printed in the Journal of Medical Humanities and the Oregonian.
Shirley Kishiyama has been studying Chinese calligraphy and brush painting for the last few years. This may seem afield of the body of poetry she has put together over the past many years, but it is yet another form. In the Chinese tradition, calligraphy is highly revered because the visual and literal combine in one poetic presentation. Her goal is to compose poetry in the Chinese couplet format.
Ellen Goldberg has written and read her poetry in Portland since 1971. She’s the author of a book of poems, Meeting Street, and has most recently been published in Calyx and Windfall. She loves 29th St. Writers for the support and inspiration. She likes poetry to be breath-taking. She has taught writing and literature, and now works at a child abuse center as a child and family therapist.
Kathleen Saadat began writing in her teens. As an adult, she has contributed articles and essays to political publications. She works for world peace and social and economic justice. Frequently a teacher, joining the 29th Street Writers put her in the position of student. She has grown to enjoy the learning.
Vanessa Timmons is a writer, activist, and storyteller dedicated to exploring the healing power of words. She recently completed her guided journal The Way of The Heroine. She invites you to gather round and listen to the stories of life.
Sharon Wood Wortman has been a writer and often-enrolled student since 1984, giving up full-time seniority at Union Pacific Railroad to support a couple of kids with words. The gamble, despite her depression-era grandmother’s protests, worked. She now has eleven grandchildren of her own who do not miss many meals. She is best known for The Portland Bridge Book and offers a virtual tour to the bascule pit of the Morrison Bridge at her Web site www.bridgestories.com.