Frontiersman

MAT-SU — Got at story? Talk to Nancy.

Nancy Lord, Alaska’s writer laureate, is making three Valley appearances this weekend to encourage Alaskans to tell their stories.

Nancy Lord, Alaska’s writer laureate.

“There are a lot of amazing things that happen here,” Lord said. “People are independent and leading really interesting lives. I’m in awe of people’s lives here.”

In addition to encouraging aspiring scribblers, Lord will speak of the importance of libraries and library support groups. Most of the libraries in Alaska are in desperate need of modernization, she said, and she has heard both Wasilla and Palmer have plans to expand their facilities.

The Homer resident was involved with the effort build a new facility in her hometown and wants to share strategies for raising money and the construction process.

“I think a lot of people have lost sight of what libraries can be. They are community centers and technology centers. I am very excited to support that,” Lord said.

Her talks will be punctuated by readings from her seventh book, “Rock, Water, Wild: An Alaskan Life,” a collection of writings and memoirs of her life in Alaska.

“It’s about the places I’ve been and what I think about different things. It’s about different aspects of the environment,” she said. “There are a lot of animals in there.”

This makes sense, as Lord is a former commercial fisherman. She spent many years running a set-net on the west side of Cook Inlet. Her past books have prominently featured the sea, the fish and the people who make their living from each.

A few years ago, tender ships stopped coming to her side of the Inlet, and it became too difficult to get her catch to the processors. She gave up fishing, and now focuses on writing and teaching other writers.

Last year, she was named writer laureate for Alaska. The largely honorary title comes with a two-year term and a responsibility to promote Alaska writers and writing, both in state and out.

“I know people in other places like to hear about (Alaska),” Lord said. “It’s pretty unique and different to other places. I think kids who grow up often don’t realize they have remarkable opportunities.”

In an effort to change that, Lord has been traveling to schools, libraries and writing workshops around the state.

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.

If you go:

• Saturday: Lord will sign her book from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Waldenbooks in Wasilla.

• Saturday: Lord will speak at Wasilla City Hall starting at 2 p.m.

• Sunday: She will speak at the Palmer library at 2 p.m.