”It was a dark and stormy night.”

Most people are familiar with that sentence — the opening for many a mystery, but those gathering Friday at the Cannon Beach Library may get to hear other interpretations of how such a story might begin.

Fifteen writers will read their compositions elucidating “beach noir,” the theme of this year’s Writers Read Celebration. “Noir” is a term meaning — literally — “dark,” often with disturbing, foreboding, sometimes violent associations found in thrillers and detective genres.

“There were so many interesting ways that people approached the theme,” said Nancy McCarthy, a writer herself and one of the volunteers assisting in the celebration, an annual event that’s been entertaining people for the past five years.

“We had a pretty good mix of stories,” McCarthy continued. “From ghost ships and dying crustaceans to people being buried under rocks, and the classic slovenly detective hired by the woman in red … you kind of wonder what’s going on in peoples’ minds.”

What’s going on, it seems, is a lively array of imaginative writing. The work has sprung from 58 people who submitted 79 pieces for the chance to read their work before a live library audience.

Each person was allowed three entries under 600 words in any format, such as a short story, poetry, essay, haiku or flash fiction. The competition is open to all ages from everywhere, but according to McCarthy, the majority of writers submitting their work seem to be older adults, with many in their 70s and 80s.

Some of the readers chosen this year include Jennifer Nightingale, of Astoria, who has entered the contest every year since it has been offered and will read two poems, “Abandoned” and “Bistro Table.”

Longview, Washington, author Craig Allen Heath will share his short story “Farewell My Sandcastle” and Florence Sage will read her tongue-in-cheek poem, “Where’s the Noir?”

Kyra Blank, from Siletz, will present her poem “Stay Alive.” Naselle author John Ciminello will offer a different twist on the sinister genre when he recites “Bonnie and Mr. Clyde,” a cat noir poem.

Readings will commence at 7 p.m. in the library’s main room for those who would like to cheer the writers on in person. The 15 chosen authors will grace the front and, one, by one, will present their chilling, dark (or amusing) noir interpretations. There will be a short intermission with refreshments.

“It’s such a fun celebration,” McCarthy said. “We love showcasing writers that may not get a lot of attention. They seem to really enjoy the occasion and just go for it.”

For those unable to attend, the event will be livestreamed on the library’s website, as well as recorded. All of the submissions, every year, including those not selected, are gathered into a notebook, which is then available to peruse in the library.

Writers Read Celebration

Writers Read Celebration

Writers Read Celebration

7 p.m. Friday, Cannon Beach Library, 131 Hemlock St., Cannon Beach

www.cannonbeachlibrary.org