As part of the Maine Lit Festival, the alliance is hosting 11 events across the state to celebrate books, stories, and community, from Oct. 3 to Oct. 13.
PORTLAND, Maine — The Mechanics’ Hall Library in Portland is filled with books by Maine authors. Many of those books are being used to initiate important community conversations. It starts with a week of events across the state hosted by the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance.
“Some people get nervous about the title,” Maya Williams said about her poetry book, titled “Judas and Suicide”.
Religion can sometimes paint the picture that death is better than life and Williams’ book is about navigating those beliefs.
“I’m glad people get nervous about the title. I’m glad it gives them something to think about, question, and interrogate,” she said.
Williams said she found relief in writing her book, as she was able to process her own mental health struggles and the stigma …