Grantee: Aimee Brooks

Aimee Brooks is a writer, editor, and the founder of Banana Slug Books, a small press dedicated to publishing works that highlight the natural beauty and culture of the Inland Northwest. With a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Eastern Washington University, she is committed to fostering a literary community through diverse storytelling and collaborative publishing projects.

Developed during Brooks’ residency at the Spokane Public Library’s HIVE, Spokane Campfire Stories will be a collection of contemporary mythology that celebrates the beauty and culture of the Inland Northwest. The anthology, published by Banana Slug Books, will feature a mix of traditional and modern stories that highlight the region’s natural beauty, with an emphasis on Indigenous perspectives. The project will engage the local community through workshops, generative writing events, and feedback sessions, culminating in a book launch in July 2025.

SAGA funding will support author stipends, editorial costs, publishing expenses, and the book launch event. The anthology will be printed locally and sold at community stores and libraries, aiming to create a sustainable platform for future literary projects rooted in the Inland Northwest.