PORT ANGELES — Joy, pain, marriage, hiking: These things and then some will be given voice Friday in the Writers’ Harvest Reading for Hunger Relief, a November tradition with more participants than ever.

In the 7 p.m. gathering in the Raymond Carver Room at the Port Angeles Library, 14 poets, essayists and short-story writers will share published work and work in progress, all to benefit the Port Angeles and Sequim food banks.

Admission is a suggested $5 donation, or $10 if patrons want to take home a commemorative chapbook of the writers’ poetry and prose.

Donations of nonperishable food for the food banks also are welcome Friday evening at the library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

A look across the spectrum of Writers’ Harvest readers shows a variety of life experiences and writing styles.

Jerry Kraft of Port Angeles will offer “Sled Ride,” a poem about his first fast trip down a snowy hillside some months after he’d suffered a heart attack.

‘Get going again’

He’ll also read a poem about finding oneself in dire financial straits and, as he put it, “you’ve come to a dead halt and simply aren’t sure how to get going again.”

For the last of his trio, Kraft will share a reflection on losing touch with his teenage daughter.

Charlotte Warren, the author who just published Jumna: Sacred River, a memoir of her childhood in India, will read “Sweetness,” a brief sketch of a couple and how each sees the other.

Peninsula College professor Kate Reavey will share “Late Summer,” a poem she wrote as an anniversary gift to her husband, Tom, after a hike into the Olympics.

She’ll also offer “Fluviale,” a braided, or collaborative, piece Reavey wrote with fellow poet HK Hummel via email after both women had spent time in Italy.

Janet Lucas, a writer herself and a professor at Peninsula College, has brought together this 17th annual Writers’ Harvest.

This year brings three new readers thanks to the college’s collaboration with Port Angeles’ North Coast Writers group.

The array of readers comes from campus and community: Jim Fisher, Jen Gouge, Angie Huckstep, Michael Mills, Scott Underwood, Mark Valentine, Reavey and Warren are current or retired teachers at Peninsula College, while Kraft, Sally Albiso, Suzann Bick, Mary-Alice Boulter, Patrick Loafman and Diana Somerville are North Coast Writers.

“The variety of voices brings a special vitality,” Lucas said.

“That energy also arises from a community coming together for a common purpose.”

This isn’t all serious stuff, Lucas added, especially since Fisher, a writer known for his irreverence, will serve as master of ceremonies.

‘In stitches’

“He had the crowd in stitches last year,” she said.

“All he had to do was look at them sideways, and they all erupted in laughter. It was hysterical.”

Friday’s event will run until about 9 p.m., including an intermission with refreshments, Lucas noted.

For more information, phone the library at 360-417-8500 or Port Book & News at 360-452-6367.

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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.