Tonight, Ampersand on NE Alberta hosts Scott McClanahan, writer of Stories, Stories II, and Stories V!. McClanahan lives and writes a lot about West Virginia, and local Kevin Sampsell has coaxed him out for his first Northwest appearance. McClanahan's short pieces range from personal anecdotes to more rude tales about Southern life, usually centered around a painful or hard fought epiphany.

McClanahan will be joined by local Patrick DeWitt, author of The Sisters Brothers. He also wrote the screenplay for Terri, which opens today. Read Ned's review of that film here. Rounding out the program is writer Jenny Forrester.

Kevin Sampsell, organizer and host, has an interview with Scott McClanahan over at his website.The reading is all ages and take place on the back patio. Adult beverages provided by Nikasi for the 21+ crowd. It is free and begins at 7:30 p.m. Ampersand is at 2619 NE Alberta.