Literature and sustainability combine in Publick House presentation

Letterpress and Publick House, 316 Willow St. in Fort Collins, is the scene of a most unusual presentation combining literature and sustainability, scheduled for Nov. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. Local author Laura Pritchett is joining with Denver author Benjamin Dancer under the auspices of the Center for Biological Diversity to present part two of the Green Lit Reading Series.

Pritchett will read from her coming novel, “The Blue Hour,” and Dancer will share a section of his newly released “Patriarch Run,” billed as an eco-thriller. Both authors have an enduring interest in sustainability of the planet that emerges in their writing.

Dancer’s book focuses on a madman’s desire to take down the power grid in order to stop the growth of the human population. It has been endorsed by leaders in the sustainability movement for its realistic depiction of threats to America. Dancer is director of public relations for the non-profit EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) Task Force on National and Homeland Security and is an adviser at a Colorado high school. “Patriarch Run” is the first of a planned trilogy that will include “Fidelity” and “The Story of the Boy.”

You will get a sneak peek at Pritchett’s “Blue Hour,” based on couples living in an imaginary canyon much like Rist Canyon north and west of Fort Collins. Due out in February, the book has evolved over time from a collection of her short stories. Pritchett’s award-winning novels include “Hell’s Bottom, Colorado,” “Sky Bridge,” “Stars Go Blue” and “Red Lightning,” all based in Colorado. She has also written several non-fiction books and more than 200 essays, most dealing with environmental issues in the American West.

The Center for Biological Diversity will be giving away Endangered Species Condoms. Yes. They are the real thing, packaged in clever ways in order to raise awareness about the unintended consequences of continued population growth on wildlife species. You can choose from packages that say, “Before it gets any hotter…remember the otter,” “Can’t refrain … remember the whooping crane, “Fumbling in the dark … think of the monarch” or “Wrap with care … save the polar bear.” These are not available at your local pharmacy.