Local Writers Share Their Original Works with Audience

There are those who consider the art of writing to be akin to alchemy -- a form of linguistic enchantment.  The author Michael Chabon once wrote that "Enchantment, of course, is the work of language; of spell and spiel."

Three local writers read their own linguistic enchantments for "Perfect Prose:  A Local Reading," an event held Tuesday night at the Hasbrouck Heights Library.

Organized by writer and teacher Shaina Tullo, the event showcased the talents of three female writers from the area: Tullo, Sally Hourigan and Savannah Brown.

"I've had writer's workshops with Sally and Savannah, and I knew their pieces were amazing, and they're tremendously talented," explained Tullo on why she asked the two writers to join her in the prose and poetry reading. "I wanted to give them a comfortable forum where they could read their works to an audience."

It was also an opportunity to give one of the writers her first public reading.

"Savannah has never done a public reading," Tullo said. "I knew her work was wonderful and I wanted her to experience reading her works in public for the first time."

Brown, though initially nervous about reading to an audience, found the experience enjoyable and looks forward to participating in more readings. The works she chose to read included a section from a novel she is working on, and a poem dedicated to her boyfriend.

Hourigan, who is also an actress and a dramatist, read two essays that addressed issues such as censorship and homosexuality.

Tullo, though primarily a poet, chose to read two short stories that she had written, keeping with the prose theme of the evening. Her pieces addressed issues faced by many women today, such as breast cancer and rape.

The evening also included readings from local poetry collector Enrico Ventole, who hopes that last night's event inspires more readings at the library.

Melissa Singlevich , reference librarian who heads the adult programs, also was enthusiastic about the event. "I can't believe the talent I witnessed tonight. I am honored to have had these writers here."