Author Talk with Ricardo Gómez

Where Two Waters Meet: Writing Historical Fiction in the Place It Happened

Join local author Ricardo Gómez for an evening exploring his historical novel, Where Two Waters Meet, about Port Townsend’s early days, from S’Klallam traditional territory through the Victorian boom and bust (1851-1895). Gómez, who moved to Port Townsend two years ago after retiring from teaching future librarians at UW, will share how living in the place he was writing about transformed both his research and his storytelling.

The novel follows Elizabeth Morrison, a fictional businesswoman who documents the systematic transformation of the region through her secret cipher system. Using real historical events and fictionalized situations and dialogue, Gómez traces the 44-year process that turned the traditional S’Klallam territory into a booming territorial city—and its demise at the end of the 19th century.

Gómez will also discuss his collaboration with AI in writing historical fiction, and share insights from his broader literary projects exploring how ordinary people navigate extraordinary historical change. 

For more information about Ricardo Gómez, his books, and other publications please visit his website: https://www.ricardogomez.net/