Tempo tidbits

"Impressions" by Brainerd residents Roger Cooper and John Erickson is a finalist in the anthology division of ForeWord Magazine's fifth annual Book of the Year Awards, which recognize excellence in publishing from independent presses.

First-, second- and third-place award winners in 47 categories will be announced at a program May 30 at BookExpo America in Los Angeles. Editor's choice fiction and non-fiction prizes will total $1,500. Last year's editor's choice prize for fiction was for "Peace Like a River" by Aitkin area resident Leif Enger.

"Impressions" is a book that combines Erickson's photography and Cooper's poems.

Former Brainerd playwright Roy C. Booth, who started his profession as a student at Central Lakes College, said his 27th and 28th plays are soon to be published by New Theatre Publications of Croydon (London), England. Both are collaborations with Michael Paslawski of White Bear Lake.

The first play, "Fresh Fruit," is a one-act comedy about the plight of two bums trying to sell expired produce in front of a grocery store. It has been produced in Bemidji, Grand Forks, N.D., and Great Falls, Mont.

The second play, "Do You Have Gas?," is a full-length comedy set in a convenience store late at night and is based on both men's more bizarre experiences behind the counter. The play debuted at Bemidji State University.