Welcome back to the Open Book podcast! This episode is very special for so many reasons but here are a few to start:
the featured writer is our very own John Bowen- a WUTI OG (before we began meeting Tuesdays at The Keep!)
JB, a talented sound aficionado, has graciously provided us with the recording space for every OB episode heard in 2025!
He will be reading a love letter he wrote to a friend from his past, Leah Melnick, and yes, that is just something in my eye…as I struggle to type and listen-tears clouding my vision and dribbling over my keyboard…
Open Book is simply the best place and we’re so glad you are here.
If you are new here - we, Open Book, are a monthly literary open mic series that meets every third Wednesday at Fiction Bar! We’re excited to present the 14th episode of the official Open Book Podcast (hosted by myself, Becka Dots!) and professionally edited by Jason A. Smith.
A little about our friend JB in his words:
I was born a long time ago in Minnesota, raised in Seattle, and then Boston during the ‘70s and 80’s. I’ve been writing an historically based, magical realist fantasy novel about the intersection of racism, technology, and raindrop consciousness for about seven years now. (give or take) It’s a first effort, much of it written on WUTI Tuesdays, and I’ve read a few excerpts at past Open Books. Every once in a while I’ll take a break, and write a one-off such as this love letter. I’d decided I owed a few for Valentine’s Day a few years back, and this one came pouring out, along with the memory, and all the emotion. I’m not a writer by vocation – I work in sound for film and television, and am currently working on P-Valley for Starz, The Bear for FX, Cartoons which are big in Europe, and various other things. (It’s been more than 30 years of doing, and the list is long) I’ll call myself a “hopeful romantic” – the roots of which are on display in this piece, where I feel all of it
I’ve always shared a personal connection to John via our shared love for Washington State (i.e. raindrop consciousness!!); we both spent our growing up years there. When the idea came about to plan an event cross-country John and his mother Judie (also an accomplished writer) joined our caravan of creatives on a writers retreat of sorts. The event was a writers’ showcase, an art market, and a beautiful blend of family time for us all- family both found and by blood. The event was titled Open Sesame, and occurred 5/6/23 in Tacoma & Seattle, WA (wow 2 years ago!) See below for some visual highlights ft. John, Judie, and some of the crew.
Now, I’d like to talk a bit more about John’s beautiful piece. I remember how it felt to hear it read aloud at Open Book so I can only imagine how difficult it was to write and perform. These types of stories and past loves of our lives are truly what keep the dead living. I think you’ll find in our episode as our conversation unfolds, that it is never too late to reconnect with your past, an old friend or missed connection, or just yourself as we are all ever evolving- we are art!
In remembrance of Leah, and as mentioned in John’s piece- see below for her yearbook photo and quote. Being someone that has the word, ‘perspective’ tattooed on me, her reminder resonates.
Open Book houses literary art of all genres- the silly, the serious, and the sentimental. We hope you continue to engage with us here online via Substack, IG, Spotify (wherever you find yourself scrolling), or of course in person every third Wed of the month at Fiction Bar (308 Hooper St). The next open mic is Wed 5/21!
Happy Hour 5-7pm, Sign up 7-7:45pm, Readings 8pm- late.
Since this episode was all about Sound John - I’ll leave you with this video of some of community swaying and groovin’ to JB playin’ the piano! Cheers!
Happy Reading/Writing,
-B.Dots/Open Book
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