In an essay filled with challenging bike commutes and jaded reporters, Kristen Millares Young writes of her days as a journalist at the Seattle P-I newspaper before its collapse, and her transition to a novelist after.
Category: Essays
Three Abortions in Oregon
Portland-based writer Sophia Shalmiyev talks honestly about the three abortions she's had--and how in Oregon, which has some of strongest legal protections for reproductive health, much remains to be done to keep abortion legal, paid for, and free of shame.
The Nipple Line
"You don't always have to travel to explore," Portland writer Vix Gutierrez discovers in an essay about adjusting to life in her thirties. Her epiphany comes as she faces mortality in a CPR course while her partner is on vacation in New Orleans.
House Arrest
Poet Danika Dinsmore gives an impassioned, first person account of being arrested and sentenced for demonstrating against expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline across British Columbia.
All the Elements at Play
In a humorous essay, Portland author Jason Arias recalls the absolutely true story of an incident at a safari park on the Oregon coast involving a chimp, Pokemon, his sons, and a tale of karmic justice.
Great Grinning Things
In an essay and review of Nicola Griffith's novel So Lucky, Spokane-based writer Sharma Shields candidly explores the struggles and surprises of living with multiple sclerosis-- a disease that the novel's narrator, Griffith, and Shields have all been diagnosed with.
I’ll Never Own a Home in Vancouver
Poet and memoirist Chelene Knight reflects on growing up in Vancouver, and comes to terms with the fact she'll probably never own a home there as prices continue to skyrocket. A lyrical examination of what's lost as cities confront gentrification.
We Hope You Enjoy Portland Spirit
In an essay by Terrence Petty, it's just another strange day in Portland full of protests, counter-protests, colorful characters, police flashbang grenades, and tourists sailing by oblivious to it all.
Why women, why science, why now?
Climate scientist Sarah Myhre writes about how women scientists in Seattle are working for justice and equity, forming organizations like 500 Women Scientists. Myrhe also talks with professor Sapna Cheryan about her research into how women have been excluded from STEM fields.
And the peals of empty bottles sound almost like laughter
This hybrid essay is a literary "hangover" to Meghan McClure and Michael Schmeltzer's book A Single Throat Opens. Exploring both the pain and allure of alcoholism, it's a lyrical series of vignettes and memories. After the essay you'll find an interview with the authors about their unique collaborative process.