For the past year Halifax author Joanne Taylor has been meeting the challenge of a diagnosis of ALS. Over Christmas, a massive renovation to her home meant that she could be moved downstairs from her bedroom, and on to the main floor where she can again participate in the life of her family and get into her office space. But the chaos and cost of this and all the other sudden medical necessities are tapping energy and resources.

So the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS) is staging a Raise the Heat, Raise your Voice, Raise the Fun(ds) Kitchen Party at the WFNS office (1113 Marginal Road, Halifax), on Valentines Day at 7 pm.

Susan Tooke, illustrator of Joanne’s award winning Full Moon Rising, will light the way with a full moon tale. Heat will blaze forth with brief, hot readings from Budge Wilson, Ryan Turner, Donna Morrissey, Alf Silver, Linda Little and Sue Goyette, fanned with erotic desserts, a silent auction table laden with books and art and there’ll be song sheets so you, too, can soar into song along with any brave enough to bring a musical instrument and join in some kitchen-party style smokin’ music making. Tyne Brown is coordinating all donations of decadent, deliriously delicious desserts (think chocolate!). If you have a mouth watering contribution, send her an e-note at tscribbet@aol.com and copy the office (talk@writers.ns.ca). Admission will be by contribution with a suggested $10 minimum, with receipts issued.