Anny Scoones is going through her books, looking for a story that’s fresh, subtle, effervescent, has short legs and goes well with pork.

Those aren’t the usual descriptors for most writing, but Scoones is trying to find one of her stories that she can read while listeners enjoy Kings & Spies, a cider from Central Saanich’s Sea Cider Cidery, and, as Scoones explains, the intention is that the readings match the ciders.

“M.A.C. Farrant told me she wanted to read something with good legs,” Scoones said, explaining that Farrant will read with Pommeau, a dessert cider, while award-winning Lorna Crozier will bring out some poems with a “long finish” to match the drama of Rumrunner. The final author, Pauline Holdstock, a Giller nominee in 2004, will match her work to the sharp, effervescent flavour of Pippins cider. All four authors are local and well-known for their diverse writing.

The book-cider pairing, which takes place on Sunday, December 7 at the Sea Cider Cidery, is a fundraiser for two local groups — the palliative care unit at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and S.I.P.S., the Saanich Inlet Protection Society. Scoones came up with the idea for the fundraiser while sleeping.

“I dreamt that I was doing it, and when I woke up, I thought, that’s not a bad idea; people will listen to the cider and taste the writing,” she said. She approached the owners of the cidery and found them receptive.

“They’ve been interested in getting writers in for a long time,” she said. “They’re really keen.” Besides ciders, attendees will also be able to nibble on cheese and chocolate platters and Tanner’s Books is bringing copies of all the books that the authors read from for signings after the readings.

Scoones said that she thinks the ultra-local flavour of the fundraiser makes it special. “It’s a local cidery that makes cider with local heirloom organic apples, all local writers, reading for local charities,” she said. “It’s a celebration of the local arts and culture and local agriculture and business.”

Tickets are available at Tanner’s Books in Sidney or by calling Scoones at 250-656-9740.

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