Arts briefs: Stillwater, Woodbury authors are finalists for Thriller Award

Back home after a 2,600-mile tour to libraries throughout the Midwest to promote his latest book, Brian Freeman will get to spend a few weeks at his Woodbury home before jetting off to New York City for Thriller Fest VI.

Freeman is one of five finalists for the Best Novel of 2010 in the thriller genre, and the winner will be announced during the event sponsored by the International Thriller Writers organization July 6-9 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Freeman was nominated for his fifth novel, "The Burying Place," a dark crime mystery set in the dead of winter in Grand Rapids, Minn.

The Edgar-nominated author, who was recently on tour promoting his newest novel, "Bone House," is not the only Minnesota author in the running.

Stillwater's John Sandford, with his novel "Bad Blood," is among the finalists along with bestselling authors Michael Connelly for "The Reversal," Jeffery Deaver for "The Edge" and Mo Hayder for "The Skin."

Library kicks off summer programsBookawocky is a catchy made-up word that the Washington County Library is using to draw attention to its summer reading program for kids, teenagers and adults.

With the theme "Bookawocky -- A Celebration of Summer Reading," the reading challenge kicks off Tuesday and runs through Aug. 19.

Children grade school age and younger who log 20 hours of reading will get their names displayed on the library's "Wall of Fame." To augment their reading, branches throughout the county will hold programs that include performers, art activities, science programs, story times and book clubs.

Teenagers are encouraged to download e-books or audio books to their electronic devices, then submit reviews for books they've read or listened to. Each review will become an entry into a drawing for prizes.

Adults can participate in a reading Bingo. They can pick up a card and read five books listed on the card. Once they complete a Bingo horizontally, vertically and diagonally, they can turn in their card and be eligible for a prize. A drawing will take place the week of Aug. 21-27. For more information, call 651-731-1320.

10 short plays included at every performanceTwo Minnesotans were among the winners of the Lakeshore Players' seventh annual 10-minute play-writing contest. They now will have their one-acts performed as part of the White Bear Lake theater's 10-Minute Play Festival.

"Pets," by Mic Weinblatt of Minneapolis, and "The Eight Minute Murder Mystery," by D.W. Surine of Inver Grove Heights, were among the 10 plays selected from hundreds of new works submitted by published playwrights and amateurs from around the world.

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday. Friday's performance is sold out.

Tickets are $12 and $14. For more information, call 651-429-5674.

Trinity Lutheran's golf fundraiser for hunger reliefTrinity Lutheran Church is accepting registrations from individuals and foursomes to play in its third annual "Take on Hunger" golf tournament on Monday at the Stillwater Country Club.

The $150 entry includes an 18-hole "Best Ball Scramble," putting and driving contests, silent auction, and a boxed lunch and buffet-style dinner.

Proceeds will go to the church's Mission Tanzania education and agricultural programs as well as to local agencies working to alleviate hunger.

For information, call 651-439-7400.

TIM HARLOW