An evening of literature, music and community with celebrated author on October 15.
When New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Evison takes the stage at Saint Martin’s University’s Les Bailey Writers Series this fall, he’ll bring more than just his award-winning novels. He’ll bring stories of his connection to Olympia’s punk rock scene, reflections from his recent podcast work, and a deeply personal view of the writing life – inviting readers and aspiring writers alike into the world behind the page.
The 2025 Les Bailey Writers Series takes place Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Norman Worthington Conference Center on the Saint Martin’s campus. The event is free and open to the public, offering the community a chance to connect with one of the Pacific Northwest’s most compelling literary voices.
Evison, known for books such as “Lawn Boy”, “West of Here” and “Small World,” will read from his work, share stories from his creative journey, and answer questions from the audience. Copies of his books will be available for purchase through the university bookstore, and Evison will be signing copies after the event.
But what sets this evening apart isn’t just the author’s resume, it’s the spirit of the event itself. The Les Bailey Writers Series is more than a reading. It’s a community celebration of creativity, born from the legacy of one of Saint Martin’s most beloved professors.
Celebrating the written word is a fitting tribute to Dr. Les Bailey’s love of language
Dr. Les Bailey graduated from Saint Martin’s in 1964 and returned as professor in 1975, where he taught until his passing in 2010 (otherwise he’d still be holding court with Tennyson and Trollope). Today, he is fondly remembered for his love of literature, generous hospitality, five-star chef skills and inspirational lectures. He was steadfastly passionate about his work with students and spreading the joy of both reading and learning. Bailey’s legacy lives on through the Les Bailey Writers Series, annual celebrations of the written word presented free and welcoming to everyone.
Dr. Jamie Olson is a professor and chair of the University’s English Department. Olson explains that the Writers Series is funded by an endowment in Bailey’s honor and showcases different guest writers from across the Pacific Northwest.
Past speakers have included graphic novelist Kiku Hughes, playwright Bryan Willis, native storyteller Christine Day, novelist Nicola Griffith, poet Kathleen Flenniken and many more. Evison’s appearance promises to carry this tradition of excellence forward with flair. A former punk rock musician, he brings an unconventional path to literature, one filled with humor, grit and empathy. His work explores identity, class, resilience and the ties that bind communities together, making him a fitting choice for an event that is itself about connection and shared experience.
Each year’s speaker is chosen by a selection committee made up of community members, faculty, educators, librarians, lawyers, bookstore owners and luminaries from Olympia’s literary scene.
Hospitality, literature and open discussions make for great books and even greater English 101 lectures, thanks to Dr. Bailey’s talent
Dave Ammons has been on the Series board since its inception. He calls this program a wonderful gift to the campus and community, uniting both town and gown. “It’s a free evening with some of the region’s best and most promising authors,” he adds.
“The idea for a writer’s series drew inspiration from Dr. Bailey’s love of creative works, especially novels and poetry,” shares Emerita Dr. Olivia Archibald, Saint Martin’s University English professor. “We wanted to continue his tradition of championing imaginative writing in his classroom. Les Bailey cherished the creative spirit and nurtured his students’ love of artistic writing, guiding and keeping them and many who knew him in the worlds of imaginative thinking.”
Olson says that when thinking about Bailey’s legacy, the Writers Series team initially brought in literary novelists, but later decided to focus on different types of literature thanks to nudging from board members like Dave Ammons. Each year’s guest author not only presents to the evening audience but also visits classrooms to speak with students, helping kindle a love of literature across campus.
Learn about and from celebrated regional authors at the annual Les Bailey Writers Series
It was important to keep these evenings free and open to the public, says Ammons, as well as maintaining the speaker/student classroom interactions.
Skip the delivery service, Writers Series attendees have the option to purchase copies of the speaker’s book in the Saint Martin’s University bookstore or at the event. Evison, like previous speakers, will also stay and sign copies as well as answer questions from the audience.
Literature can illustrate, enlighten, support or challenge. Like travel, food and education, it’s healthy to experience an array of new things that challenge and stimulate your mind. “This is really too big a gift to pass up,” says Ammon, “every one of our speakers has been amazing and it’s a good education to help you run across new authors to read.”
More than a reading: a night to celebrate books, community and creativity
Saint Martin’s encourages all members of the community to attend, whether you’re a lifelong reader, a curious newcomer, a student, or simply looking for an inspiring night out.
The Norman Worthington Conference Center offers plenty of free parking and the October 15, 2025 event kicks off at 7 p.m. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear from an amazing author in a university setting, all without homework, final exams or early morning attendance.
For questions about this session or the Les Bailey Writers Series as a whole, contact Jamie Olson at jolson@stmartin.edu or 360.438.4302.
Jonathan Evison once said: “Reading is, at its best, not an escape; it is genuine experience. A novel is not a monologue, but a conversation, a collaboration between writer and reader, an invaluable exchange of human conditions.” Dr. Bailey couldn’t have said it better himself.
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