Local author Jolene McIlwain will hold a launch party for her soon-to-be-released short story collection, “Sidle Creek.” The party, hosted by local entrepreneur Kellie Seiler, is May 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Little Green Bookstore in Zelienople.

Published by Melville House, “Sidle Creek” is a collection of short stories dealing with life in small-town Western Pennsylvania.

“Sidle Creek” reviewers have praised McIlwain for her honest and un-stereotypical look at life in rural Western Pennsylvania, according to the news release.

In addition to writing, McIlwain has taught literary theory and analysis at Duquesne University and Chatham University. She also has worked as a radiologic technologist.

Zelienople will be the third stop on McIlwain’s book tour, after stops in Pittsburgh and Sewickley.