For the first time, WSU’s English Club collaborated with Third Space Strong to host an author talk at 6 p.m. last Thursday in the Bundy Reading Room.

Third Space Strong is an organization that promotes “third spaces”—which is the idea that people have their first and second spaces, home and work, and then a third space that builds community. It emphasizes the importance of libraries being a third space available for people, especially in rural areas.

Visiting author Tara Karr Roberts wrote “Wild and Distant Seas”, a historical fiction novel inspired by Moby Dick released in early 2024. Roberts has lived in Idaho her entire life. She attended the University of Idaho for her bachelor’s and master’s in English.

During the event, Roberts gave a presentation that included advice on the writing process and her journey across the industry.

She began writing her book because of an unexpected situation. While getting her master’s, Roberts took a 19th-century literature class and the first book she had to read was Moby Dick. She admits she did not want to read the novel initially, but fell in love with it.

“It is weird,” Roberts said. “I cannot stand parts of it. I obsess over parts of it, but what stood out to me early on in reading is that there are virtually no women in it.”

With her newfound fascination, Roberts wrote a short story for the class that would later become the first few chapters of her debut novel.

“I did not set out in the world to be in conversation with Moby Dick. I was just experimenting. I was having fun. I was playing a game,” Roberts said.

A big theme of the event’s presentation was change and adaptability. Roberts spoke about her journey of novel writing which involved time management, dealing with revision and obstacles in her life.

“What I wish I had known is that everything about your writing process, your routine, your ideas, are going to change over time and they’re going to be yours. There’s no one who’s gonna hand off the magic formula and make it all click,” she said.

The presentation concluded with a Q&A session, where many English Club members inquired about the publishing process and how to keep themselves motivated.

Laura Kuhlman, the English Club’s faculty advisor, said Tara provided them with valuable advice at the start of an early project.

“This was a chance for us to learn from Roberts for the publication of a really awesome novel, thinking about its development,” Kuhlman said.

WSU’s English Club and Third Space Strong hosted the event. Kuhlman said the English Club is open to anyone at WSU for all things related to language, literature, writing, and reading, and that everyone is welcome.

Open to anyone in or outside the English major, regular club meetings are held each month. All meeting announcements will be announced on Instagram.

“The author talk helped to give visibility to Third Space Strong and advocate for rural libraries–and having Tara come in here, it’s definitely connecting the students here and making sure we’re all on the same page,” said Amy Kim, a Third Space Strong member.

The organization has more planned events coming in the future focusing on advocacy and educating others on their mission.

“We believe in the transformative power of libraries,” Kim said. “They’re vital spaces for learning, connection and growth.”

Third Space Strong can be found on Instagram, where it posts future events and informational resources.