Heading out to the final three counties

Later this morning I’ll point the car east, and head toward Benton, Walla Walla and Franklin counties. By week’s end, I will have met my goal of visiting all 39 of Washington’s counties. (Huzzah!) That doesn’t mean the end of my travels — my term continues through the end of January (see the Events page for details, or the Contact page to schedule a visit to your area) — but it feels like a milestone worth celebrating.

Here’s what I’ll be up to:

Nov. 9: “Poetry for All” generative writing workshop at the Richland Public Library, 4 to 6p.

Join Washington State Poet Laureate Elizabeth Austen for a free, hands-on poetry workshop designed to engage participants’ imaginations, life histories and sense of empathy through language. The class includes close reading of a few contemporary poems, then using one as a model for writing our own first draft. No previous writing experience needed, and all are welcome. Maximum 25 participants. Register online.

Nov. 10: Classroom visit, Walla Walla University.

Nov. 10: Reading at Walla Walla University with Dan Lamberton and Linda Andrews, Chan Shun Pavilion Lecture Hall, room 154, 100 SW Fourth St., College Place. 7p.

Nov. 11: Classroom visits, Walla Walla University.

Nov. 12: Classroom visit, AP English, Walla Walla High School.

Nov. 12: “Poetry for All” generative writing workshop at Walla Walla Penitentiary, 1 to 3:30p.

Nov. 13: “Poetry for All” generative writing workshop at Coyote Ridge Correctional Center, 1 to 3p.