Read

Join us for a poetry reading by Kathleen Corcoran from her new book, “Letter by Post”

When: Thursday, October 09, 2025 from 6-9pm

Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Meet the Author: Kathleen Corcoran has worked as a journalist, magazine editor, wine writer, speechwriter, publicist, writing instructor, and documentary producer. She received a Telly Award for the documentary, “Community Renewal”, which she co-produced with John Roach Projects. Her work has taken her to the Bay Area, Kyiv, Moscow, Capitol Hill, K Street, George Mason University, and Cornell University. She has been published in The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Miami Herald, and The Chicago Sun-Times. She is currently working on a novel and a book of essays. “Letter by Post” is her first book.

Guests will enjoy Kathleen’s signature choices from Elaine’s menu: Mousakka and the Med Manhattan

About Letter by Post: Why poetry, beauty, and art matter now, more than ever!

Jeff will ask Kathleen:

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?
What has been the highlight of your career?
What inspired you to write this book of poetry, Letter by Post?

Sample poems:

COOKING
onions melt so sweet
alchemy with slightest heat
perfume the earth and sky

MEDITATION ON THE MOON
an incandescent orb flame white
fills the earthly stage with light
guides our steps til dawn

FILL ME WITH LAUGHTER
fill me with laughter
from today’s absurdities
clear my head with joy

READ TO ME
Read that passage please
where love conquers fear
now breathe

About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Find more Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selection is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt — a combination of Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.