This week, I'm posting Bumbershoot Lit Previews for us  introspective types who go to Seattle's three day arts and music extravaganza specifically for the readings.

This year's literary line-up is mysteriously eclectic. When I first saw the list—which includes Tom Douglas, David Cross and the writers from LOST—my first reaction was: Literary?

But it's growing on me and I'm  intrigued by the mix, especially by the inclusion of small presses, at least one literary legend, and experimental performers and visual artists who play with our expectations of what's considered literary.

In the small press category, here's one I don't want to miss:

Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Leo K Theater
The Great Northwest: Jess Walter, Kevin Sampsell, and Kerry Cohen

As far as I can tell, these writers don't share too much in common beyond the fact that they all live within driving distance of Seattle. They're all distinguished in their own ways, though. It's one of the most traditionally bookish of this year's lit programs, with some small press cred. I'm there.

Walter, a National Book Award nominee from Spokane, will read from his upcoming book, The Financial Lives of the Poets. Sam Lipsyte called it a "smart and big-hearted take on our bleak national moment," by which he means the shambles of our economy.


Sampsell is the editor of the recent compilation, Portland Noir . He also runs Future Tense Books, a cool micro press with a vaguely spooky website. He has published short stories in this book and in many magazines.

Cohen wrote a memoir called Loose Girl about being a loose girl. "I really got kicked in the ass in terms of what went down with guys," she says in this video. "I really broke my own heart."

Bumbershoot literary events: Full schedule