The Merry Barn is thrilled to welcome Laurel Dodge as the featured author at The Sounding Board, on Thursday, Sept. 12. “The Buoyant Letters of Mimsy Bell” is Dodge’s first novel.

When she isn't striding through swamps or meandering through mountains, Dodge is at her desk writing novels. Her work as a naturalist for a nature center, a land trust, and a zoo have informed her work, where nature always takes a central role. She lives in Nobleboro with her husband, kids, cats, and her dog, where she watches moths at night and tries to wrest vegetables from her old farm's tired soil.

The Sounding Board is a monthly forum for Midcoast writers of all abilities to share brief pieces, receive supportive feedback, and hear new work from a published author. Writers wishing to read on Sept. 12, should submit a piece of up to 750 words for approval to merrybarnwritersretreat@gmail.com by Monday, Sept. 9.

Gathering and light refreshments at 5:30 p.m. Readings begin at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. The Merry Barn Writers’ Retreat is a 501c3 public charity.

The Merry Barn is located at 417 River Road, Edgecomb. More information at www.merrybarn.com.