By Kathryn Reed

It was a night of literary wonder as author after author read his or her work to a full house at the Valhalla Grand Hall.

Tahoe Writers Works assembled this cast of eight who all have ties to the Lake Tahoe Basin. It proves Tahoe is rich with writers who care about the English word — written and spoken, and that there is an audience who still relishes the concept of holding something tangible in their hands to read.

The inaugural Celebration of Writers Around the Lake on Sept. 18 is bound to be a regular event.

Suzanne Roberts let the audience decide the topic of poetry she would read. “Sex” was the only audible response. She didn’t disappoint.

The Lake Tahoe Community College instructor has published several collections of poetry. Her delivery and charisma rival her words.

Michael Makley read from his book about Cave Rock that has yet to be released. The essence of the passage captured the conflict of this famous Nevada landmark being such an incredible spiritual place for the Washoe, while at the same time emitting a similar emotion for climbers. It will be a book to look for in the future.

To not bore the audience, those were his words, Todd Borg opted to not read from his current release in his Owen McKenna Tahoe Mystery Series. He captured listeners with his who-done-it intrigue that always has Tahoe at the center of his prose.

Karen Terrey shared a poem that is still in the works about being at a hot springs along Highway 395 with her dog. It sounded like it was ready for a final printing.

Ellen Hopkins read poetry even though she is the author of 20 nonfiction books. “Tricks,” her latest book, debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Bestsellers’ list its first week. One day she should publish her poetry so those who don’t attend readings can experience her work.

Other writers at Friday’s gathering were:

Gailmarie Pahmeier who is a published poet with another book of poetry (“West of Snowball, Arkansas, and Home”) that will be released next year;

June Sylvester Saraceno is English program chair at Sierra Nevada College and accomplished author; and

Jennifer Woodlief who this year released “A Wall of White” about the 1982 deadly avalanche at Alpine Meadows.

For more information about Tahoe Writers Works, go to www.TahoeWritersWorks.com.