Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

A who's who of Maine's literary stars turned out tonight for the Author! Author! parties across Portland. Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance with author dinners, a reception and a swing dance, the events also marked a transition in the organization's leadership.

During the champagne and dessert reception at the Portland Public Library, outgoing director Shonna Milliken Humphrey raised a toast to Maine's writers as she said good-bye. She's jumping into a new career as a novelist, with her work "Show Me Good Land" due out from Down East Books in April 2011.

Taking over the leadership role is Joshua Bodwell, who is no stranger to Maine's writing community, having most recently served as associate editor at "Maine Home + Design." Showing the type of dramatic flourish that comes in handy in the writing world, he marched onto the stage behind a bagpiper, plopped his Scottish grandfather's typewriter onto a chair and shed his seersucker jacket before stepping up to the podium and delivering a lighthearted and uplifting speech. He even showed off this tattoo rife with literary symbolism.

Here's a sneak peek of some of the folks who turned out for the cocktail party. If you have a good eye, you can spot actor Kip Weeks, who recently moved from Los Angeles to Portland where he and his wife manufacture a line of non-toxic art supplies called Eco-Kids.

Want to know who else was there? Be sure to check out the Aug. 15 edition of the Maine Sunday Telegram, where I'll have more photos and a full report.

Until then, I hope to see you out and about.

About the Author

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Avery Yale Kamila dishes about southern Maine's hottest parties.

Avery can be contacted at 791-6297 or akamila@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @AveryYaleKamila

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