PENDLETON — The next session of the First Draft Writers’ Series will feature poet Amelia Diaz Ettinger, who will read from her new chapbook, “Self Dissection.”

She will also introduce her book “These Hollowed Bones,” which will be released in April.

First Draft is a Pendleton Center for the Arts program that is held on the third Thursday of each month. Ettinger’s presentation is Jan. 18, 7 p.m. at the arts center, 214 N. Main St.

Those unable to attend in person can tune in through Zoom — for the link, visit pendletonarts.org/first-draft.

After Ettinger’s reading, and a question-and-answer session, the floor opens for the open mic portion of the evening. Up to 10 people can sign up to share an original piece in blocks of five minutes or less.

About the author

Born in Mexico and raised in Puerto Rico, Ettinger’s poems often “reflect the struggle with identity often found in immigrants.”

She began writing poetry at age 3 by dictating poems out loud to the adults in her life. She has continued to write poems and short stories throughout her life while working as a high school science and Spanish teacher.

She is the author of “Learning to Love a Western Sky,” “Speaking at a Time/Hablando a la Vez” and “Fossils on a Red Flag.”

She recently earned an MFA in creative writing and lives in Eastern Oregon.

Her book, “Self Dissection,” was released in October 2023. It is described as “an anatomical journey through the physical body to find answers about heritage, environment, family and the nature of being an immigrant.”

First Draft

More than 100 writers have shared their work on the stage for the First Draft Writers Series, which celebrated 10 years in 2023.

First Draft started in 2013 and originally met in Prodigal Son’s theater room. The name “First Draft” was inspired by both the writing process and by draft beer, said Roberta Lavadour, PCA executive director. The event has since relocated to the arts center.

First Draft is held every month, except September, on the third Thursday at the Pendleton Center for the Arts. The first featured author was Molly Gloss, an Oregon author who has now published six novels.

First Draft has also welcomed Brian Doyle, Ursula K. Le Guin, Craig Lesley, Karen Spears Zacharias and several Oregon poet laureates. A list of previously featured authors can be found on Pendleton Center for the Arts’ website, pendletonarts.org/first-draft/.

First Draft continued through the COVID-19 pandemic by moving to an online format, and Lavadour quickly realized that Zoom made the program more accessible for people who live outside the Pendleton area. This option is still offered for each session.