BOOK NOTES.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Musician will read

from his new novel

Yachats author Paul Chasman will read from his book `The Book of Bob' at 5 p.m. Saturday at Tsunami Books, 2585 Willamette St.

Guitarist-turned-author Chasman's satiric novel begins, "In the beginning, Bob didn't plan to start a religion; it just happened.''

Chasman was a professional guitarist, teacher and composer for more than 30 years. He recorded his first album in 1979, and has a dozen full-length releases in his name.

In May 2003, Chasman wrote a letter to President Bush telling him he liked the Dixie Chics and suggesting he check them out. He signed the letter, `Carl Estrada.' So began a year and half of daily letter writing, during which Carl Estrada, Brad Cahoon and a cast of characters wrote letters to the famous, the infamous and the current administration.

During the 2004 presidential elections, Chasman put his guitars away to work on the Carl Letters full time. The day after the elections, Chasman began writing "The Book of Bob" (self published, 360 pages, $16.95).

Yachats resort to host

writers' workshop

The Writers-by-the-Sea fiction writers' workshop will be held at the Adobe Resort in Yachats on April 29 and 30.

Oregon writer, teacher and editor John Reed will present the workshop. Author of "Thirteen Mountain" and "The Kingfisher's Call," he has taught at writing conferences around the country, including The Maui Writers Retreat and the Santa Barbara Writers Conference.

He is a former writing instructor at Lane Community College, and operates an editing and critique service for writers.

The workshop will feature presentations on character, scene and structure, plus a two-hour session on marketing. Cost of the workshop is $150. Register before April 10 at www.writerswelcome.com.