Oregon Book Awards winners visit Bend

The Deschutes Public Library in downtown Bend on Sunday hosted two authors who are touring the state as part of the Oregon Book Awards authors tour.

Visiting 8-10 different cities around the state, it was Elena Passarello’s and Kari Luna’s first time in Bend.

The Book Awards are judged by out-of-state judges from around the country. Out of 200 authors, five finalists are chosen in each genre.

Luna, who wrote “The Theory Of Everything,” said, “It’s kind of an honor to be out traveling with literary artists, especially getting to talk to adults, and kids, in areas I would normally never get to go to.”

Susan Denning, program and events director from Literary Arts, said the tour “is just a way to bring these writers out into the community, and have people get to know their work.” Denning went on to say that it has been a gratifying experience for these authors.

Newport is the tour’s next stop.

For information or questions about submitting a book to Oregon Book Awards, go to literary-arts.org.