Kay Smith-Blum presents her writer’s journey and a dream-inspired path to her award- winning debut novel, TANGLES. Centered on the Cold War years, the tale crosses multiple genres, educates without being teachy, and humanizes a little-known time and place critical to our nation’s history. Over eight months of extensive research of the nuclear arms race and the released classified government documents - including interviews with dozens of experts - resulted in what James Anderson, critically-acclaimed author of The Never Open Desert Diner, describes as “At once labyrinthine, and simply and deeply human, TANGLES reminds us about the devastating and lasting costs of love, loyalty and freedom and, above all, the enduring solace of nature and family.” Smith-Blum relays the craft techniques behind the writing, shows how authenticity can be intrinsic to both character and setting, and how short and snappy dialogue can pack a plot point and a punch. Nuclear revelations abound! Bring your questions for the Q&A to follow.

Kay Smith-Blum, a former fashionista and Seattle School Board President, is a fan of mid-20th-century history. The recent upheaval over leaking radioactive waste tanks at the Hanford Nuclear site compelled her to write TANGLES, which was named Book of the Year by the Literary Global Book Awards and Best Debut Fiction by the American Writing Awards for 2024. Smith-Blum, a sunrise writer, has lived in Seattle for four decades. She works out her writer’s block in her sons’ gardens and the nearest lap pool. For more info see https://www.kaysmith-blum.com

Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.

Register by contacting Brian Gnerre, the Scotts Valley branch librarian:

gnerreb@santacruzpl.org

831-427-7712