E-Calendar February 2004

Regional Literary Events
Compiled by LAKE SUPERIOR WRITERS

*** EVENTS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 Mondays 8 pm-?, open mic at Amazing Grace Bakery and Cafe, Info: 218-723-0075.

Feb. 3, 11 am - Arrowhead Poets meets the first Tuesday of the month Interested people/poets invited to attend. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

Feb. 3, 7 pm ˆ Book Club. Discussion of "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides. Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, 218-722-5267.

Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 Wednesdays 7-10 pm, open mic at Beaner's Central, Info: 218-624-5957

Feb 5, 1 pm, the new Fiction/Non-Fiction Book Group meets to discuss "The Eyre Affair" by Jasper Fforde. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, (Thursdays) 8:05 pm. Chequamegon Bay Word Affiliate. Black Cat Coffeehouse; Ashland, WI. Bring your work to share.

Feb. 8, 9 am ˆ 9 pm ˆ Lake Superior Writers Book Fair fundraiser at Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Use the voucher you received in a January LSW mailing at the cash register all day and LSW will receive a percentage of each sale.

Feb 8 at 2 pm, Lake Superior Writers and Barnes & Noble Booksellers present "Lovefest: Love Stories and Poems." Love stories and poems read by local poets and authors, including Don Cameron, Deb Cooper, Nancy Fitzgerald, Louis Jenkins, Erick Leavitt, Liz Minette, Rachel Mock and Bob Monahan, Cheryl Reitan, Sheila
Packa, Justin Powers, Bernadette Savage, Ellie Schoenfeld, Jean Sramek, Barton Sutter and Connie Wanek. Open reading follows. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

Feb. 10 & 11, 7:30 pm - "Sounding Duluth," an Arts Intersect event, comes to UMD’s Weber Music Hall. The mixed-art performances are sponsored by Project Lulu and UMD Department of Music, and bring together the work and talent of over 30 local artists to "sound out" this city’s heart. The performance is a 3-D collage of dance, live music, recorded sounds, and spoken word, throughout which artists will paint a 20-foot wide backdrop, live, each night. Tickets are available through the UMD box office, (218) 726-8877, $10 adults, $8 seniors,
$5 students and children; general admission.

Feb 11, 6:30 pm - The Classics Book Group meets to discuss "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

Feb. 14, 10:30 to 11:30 am - Valentine's Storytime & Craft. Young readers are invited to celebrate Valentine's Day at J.W. Beecroft with a special storytime and a chance to decorate Valentine's cookies to eat and to share with a loved one. Free and open to the public. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Ave., 218-394-2665.

Feb. 14, 12 noon - John Hendricksson will sign his book "Gunflint: The Trail, The People, The Stories." Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, 218-722-5267.

Feb. 14, 1 pm - Kathleen Hills will sign her novels Hunter's Dance and Past Imperfect. Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, 218-722-5267.

Feb 14, 4 pm - Author John Henricksson signs his book "Gunflint: The Trail, The People, The Stories" in which he introduces us to the residents that have made Minnesota's Gunflint Region what it is today. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

Feb. 15, 3 pm - Courageous Stories and Tender Tales. Professional storytellers and local leaders will share their stories. Sacred Heart Music Center, 201 W. 4th Street, Duluth, MN. Sponsored by Men as Peacemakers call 727-1939. Free Event

Feb. 17, 5:15 pm - Beecroft Writers Group. Writers of poetry and short stories are invited to attend. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Ave., 218-394-2665.

Feb. 17, 6:30 to 7:30 pm - Beecroft Spring Regional Writers Series kicks off with a discussion and signing by Eli Miletich, author of "The Matchbook and Other Cop Stories." Miletich is a 33-year veteran and former chief of the Duluth Police Department, who also served for a year with the United Nations International Police Task Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Ave., 218-394-2665.

Feb. 17, 5:15 pm (third Tuesday) J.W. Beecroft Writers Group. Interested people/poets/short-story writers invited to attend. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Ave., 218-394-2665.

Feb 17, 7 pm - The Notable Books Book Group meets to discuss "The Tapestries" by Kien Nguyen. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

Feb. 18, (3rd Wednesdays) noon, Algonquin Club/Round Table - Lunch Discussions for Writers, Green Mill Restaurant in Canal Park. This is the second meeting of a regular LSW offering. The group discusses writing, writing tips, publishing tips, publishing woes, the role of writers, the nature of being a writer and helping other writers. This is not a forum for reading one's own writing, but rather a place where writing artists can meet to share the ups (and downs) of the writing life.

Feb. 19, 9 pm. Circular Muse presents its monthly Poetry Slam, beginning with a reading by Bob Monahan to celebrate the release of his new book, "How I Made Millions Writing Poetry." Old City Hall, Superior (corner of Hammond and Broadway). Free. Info: duluthpoetry@yahoo.com, 218-391-4869.

Feb 21, 1 pm - Local TV personality Michelle Lee signs copies of her new book about America's premiere swirl-painted tourist pottery once made in Moose Lake, MN, "The Myth and Magic of Nemadji "Indian" Pottery." Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

Feb 22, 5:30 pm - Duluth author Kathleen Hills signs copies of her new mystery novel set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Hunter's Dance. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

Feb 23, 7 pm - The SciFi Book Group meets to discuss "The Integral Trees" by Larry Niven. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

Feb. 24, 6:30 to 7:30 pm - The Beecroft Spring Regional Writers Series continues with a discussion and signing by Lori Glad, author of Summer Storm: A Lake Superior Romance. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Ave., 218-394-2665.

Feb. 26, 7 pm - Environmental Book Club meets with the local chapter of the North American Butterfly Association. Discussion of "Insect Lives" edited by Erich Hoyt. Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, 218-722-5267.

Feb 26, 7 pm - The Personal Wellness Book Group meets to discuss "The Sound of Paper" by Julia Cameron. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

Feb. 27, 6:30 to 7:30 pm - P.J. Story Time with the 724th Eng. Bttn. Young readers are invited to come in pajamas, bring a pillow and blanket, and listen as soldiers from Superior's own 724th Eng. Bttn. read some of their favorite children's stories. Kids may also take the opportunity to draw or color a picture, or write a letter, to send to a soldier overseas. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Ave.,
218-394-2665.

Feb 28, 1 pm - Co-author of "The Birth Order Effect" and founder of the Upper Des Moines Counseling Center, Cliff Isaacson signs his newest title, "The Birth Order Effect for Couples" in which he shows how your birth order plays a role in your relationships with others.

MARCH LSW PROGRAM: Thursday, March 11, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Self-Publishing Workshop with Sue Gustafson and Tony Dierckins. A light sandwich supper will be available for purchase at 5 pm.  Lake Superior Writers Meeting Room, Marshall School Annex (next to Sylvan Learning Center), 1301 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN 55811. Questions? Call 218-722-3094. Leave a message and someone will return your call.

April 14, 21, 28, and May 5, Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, LSW Spring Class:  INSIDE OUT, a four-session writing class for those who have lost a loved one, facilitated by Deborah Cooper, poet and chaplain. Finding words for grief and giving voice to it can be an avenue for healing, a way of recovering balance and deepening understanding.  The act of writing engages a process of expressing the heart's truth, a process that can offer insight, light and resolution.  Deborah Cooper is a certified chaplain. She has served in a variety of settings in the Twin Ports community over the last twenty years. Her poetry has been published in numerous literary journals and anthologies. She is the author of two chapbooks, “Redirection of the Heart” (New Song Press) and “the gods of wild things” (Poetry Harbor). Fee:  Members: $60, Non-Members: $75. Register by April 7. Lake Superior Writers Meeting Room, Marshall School Annex (next to Sylvan Learning Center), 1301 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN 55811. Questions? Call 218-722-3094. Leave a message and someone will return your call.

April 16-17.Wine & Words with award-winning travel writer and LSW member Jeff Rennicke. Rennicke teams up with Bayfield's Old Rittenhouse Inn to offer a weekend of writing workshops and gourmet dining. For more information call 1-800-779-2129 or visit the website at www.rittenhouseinn.com.

April 18, Sunday, 2 pm. Writers Speak Out: Travelling to Find Ourselves. Lake Superior Writers presents a reading event in conjunction with the Duluth Public Library’s Community Reading Project on “Huckleberry Finn.” Several regional writers will read selections on the theme of self discovery and epiphany, followed by an open reading, and discussion. All writers and listeners are invited to join in the exploration of the modern implications of Huck Finn’s adventurous journey down the Mississippi. Lake Superior Writers Meeting Room, Marshall School Annex (next to Sylvan Learning Center), 1301 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN 55811. Questions? Call 218-722 3094. Leave a message and someone will return your call.
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***LSW MEMBER KUDOS!

St. Paul author and LSW member Kathryn Kysar will teach a poetry class for parents at the Loft on Sunday afternoons 1 -3 p.m. February 8-March 14. For more information call 612-379-8999 or visit www.loft.org. Kathryn Kysar's book, Dark Lake, was recently published by Loonfeather Press. Her poems have been featured
on Garrison Keillor's A Writer's Almanac and have appeared in Pinyon, Painted Bride Quarterly, Permafrost, Communitas, Dust and Fire, The Midland Review, The Talking Stick, and The Minnesota Poetry Calendar. A winner of the Lake Superior Writer's Contest and the SASE Poetry Contest in 2002, Kysar was the 2002-2003 writer-in-residence at Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts.

Kathleen Hills' second tale of mystery in 1950's Upper Michigan, Hunter's Dance, is out from Poisoned Pen Press. Hunter's Dance received a starred review in Publishers Weekly, which concluded, "Hills's quiet masterpiece, including its shocking ending, lingers in the mind's eye long after the book is finished." The New York Times Book Review published a review on Jan. 25.

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LSW WRITING GROUPS

***OPEN, GENRE-BASED, WRITING GROUPS

Several LSW writing groups are open to all members. Expect a different number of people at each session and lively contributions from a variety of viewpoints.

IRON RANGE POETS: If interested in joining an LSW writing group, please contact Francine (218-262-2503) or FMSterle@uslink.net. Please note: this group is for serious writers only. They will focus on critiques of individual poems but issues regarding manuscript preparation will be addressed on an ongoing basis.

Fiction/Poetry. Meets the third Wednesday of the month, 6- 8 pm, Pepper McGregor's Coffeehouse & Cafe, 4721 E. Superior St. Contact Jill Hinners (218-525-1463) or Cheryl Reitan (creitan@.d.umn.edu, 218-728-3154) for information.

Memoir. Meets the third Sunday of every month, 3 pm Chester Creek Cafe, At Sara's Table (back room). Contact Mara Hart (mhart2@d.umn.edu, 218-728-3154) for information.

Writing for Children. Meets at 6:30 pm on the third Monday of the Month at J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Avenue. For information call 715-394-2665.

Writing About Gardening. An e-mail group. Contact Jeanne (aens@vicksburg.com) for further information.

Creative Non-Fiction. Call the Lake Superior Writer's Office (218-722-3094) for information of time and place for the next meeting.

Fantasy. Contact Lacey (the_real_sedeara@yahoo.com) for information.

Fiction. Interested in joining a fiction writing group? Contact Lori Larson (lml@excelonline.com, 218-729-5341) for further information.

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Interested in Starting a Writing Group?

Call the Lake Superior Writer's Office (218-722-3094) for information, sample guidelines and suggestions. LSW is especially looking for members interested in starting Essay, Journaling and Scriptwriting groups.

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Closed Writing Groups (Which May Have Openings)

Writing is an extremely personal activity and often times a small group works best for giving support and critique. Several LSW groups meet regularly. When established groups have openings, we will list the contact people in this space. Call to arrange a meeting with the contact person to see if your work and style will be a good fit.

Call first, and be prepared to submit a sample of your writing in advance. Note: Commitment level is high. You're expected to show up and to follow procedures set by the group.

MEMOIR. Contact Colette (218-724-2262; bocop09@aol.com) for possible openings.

MEMOIR. Carlton County. Contact Katharine (218-879-9390; katjay66@yahoo.com) for further information.

MEMOIR. Contact Donna (218-525-1012) for further information.

MIXED GENRE. Sault Ste. Marie. Contact Kristin (906-632-8892) for further information.

POETRY. Contact Sheila (218-279-3549; spacka@juno.com) for further information.

POETRY. Iron Range. Contact Francine (218-262-2503; FMSterle@uslink.net) for further information.

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***NEWS/CONTESTS/SUBMISSIONS

CAT HOUSE, a review of poetry by women, is currently seeking submissions for its first issue! Deadline is Friday, April 30. Please send 3-6 poems along with bio letter and SASE to: Cat House, attn Liz Minette, editor, 1215 1/2 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55806-2223. Compensation for published authors is one promised great review of poetry that your work appears in! Queries or questions may be directed the beautiful editor, at 1215 1/2 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55806.

WI POETS’ CALENDAR: The editors of the 2005 Wisconsin Poets' Calendar are seeking submissions for the annual publication. Poets must be Wisconsin residents. Deadline is February 28. There is no entry fee. For submission quidelines, please go to www.wfop.org and click on "calendar".

AUTHORS TO CLOQUET: The Cloquet Public library is starting an author program. If you've published a book and are willing to spend an hour or so reading/discussing and having the opportunity to sell, get in contact with Mary Lukkarila at the Cloquet library. 218-879-1531.

MAD POETRY website: Check out www.madpoetry.org --- many contests and deadlines

MN LIT: Minnesota Literature is a statewide, monthly newsletter ($10/10 issues) that provides the literary community with information about workshops, residencies, new publications, grants, awards, contests, and a monthly calendar of readings. They have a new editor, Mary Treacy! Minnesota Literature, 2224 Stinson Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55418, mnlit@frontiernet.net.

WRITING COACH. Experienced Writers: Would you like to earn $25/an hour, and at the same time encourage a fellow writer? Lake Superior Writers will act as a clearing house for those who feel qualified to be a writing coach, and those who wish help. If you wish to participate, please send a letter of intent stating your area(s) of expertise, a brief resume, and $10 for Website maintenance. Your name and a brief resume will be posted on the LSW Website. See www.lakesuperiorwriters.org for info. Send information to LSW, 1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 132, Duluth, Minnesota 55811, Att'n. Mara.

duluthpoetry duluthpoetry duluthpoetry A reasonably reliable source for under and above ground twin ports poetry events and information. When it comes to poetry, they've got their hands on the pulse. To subscribe: e-mail duluthpoetry@hotmail.com.

BLUE EARTH REVIEW, biannual publication, accepts original poetry, fiction, non-fiction, photography and graphic art through May 1. Submit bio (50 words), address, phone and email to Blue Earth Review, Thomas Maltman, Minnesota State Univ., Mankato, Student Union 192, Mankato, MN 56001. Contact wordmucker@yahoo.com.

NEW IMMIGRANTS: Editor seeks memoir, fiction, poetry for anthology exploring "new immigrants" (since 1965) to Minnesota: David Anderson, 1106 Payne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55101.

KUMQUAT Meringue is a strange acorn of poetry dedicated to the memory of Richard Brautigan. Send your quirky minutiae of love, sex, syrup, life, and death. If there's a connection to Richard Brautigan, so much the better. Sample: $6. Three issue subscription: $12. P.O. Box 736, Pine Island, MN 55963

PHANTASMAGORIA invites submissions of short fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Include SASE for return of manuscript or notification. No previously published work. Send manuscripts to Abigail Allen, Editor, Phantasmagoria, English Dept., Century College, 3300 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

THE NEOVICTORIAN/COCHLEA seeks poems of formal integrity for an issue on Utopia (in any sense; work by poets who have read Celan's "Meridian" speech particularly welcome). Simultaneous submissions OK if notified. Subscription: $10. Sample copy: $6. Send manuscripts with SASE to The Neovictorian/Cochlea, P.O. Box 55164, Madison, WI 53705.

ORCHID: A Literary Review 2004 short fiction contest. First prize: $500 and publication. Finalists: notation, possible publication. Deadline: April 1. Fee: $10/entry (7,000 words maximum). Final judge: Will Allison. Include an SASE for a list of finalists. Orchid: A Literary Review, Attn: 2004 Short Fiction Contest, P.O. Box 131457, Ann Arbor, MI 48113-1457. More info: www.orchidlit.org

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*** GRANTS

ARTIST FELLOWSHIPS FOR SCREENWRITERS 2004 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Screenwriters. IFP MSP and the McKnight Foundation will award two $25,000 fellowships to two Minnesota screenwriters in 2004. Deadline: February 10. Contact Jeanne O'Brien, IFP MSP's Funding Programs Director and Administrator of the fellowship program with questions: call 612 338-0871 or email jobrien@ifpmsp.org

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*** RESIDENCIES

DORLAND MOUNTAIN Arts Colony, The unspoiled environment and undisturbed solitude foster creativity. Working in a natural setting without distractions or interruptions, Dorland residents can tap into their inner resources. Without electricity, they find a new, natural rhythm for their work. $450 per month. Applications due: September 1 and March 1. Dorland Mountain Arts Colony, http://www.ez2.net/dorland/,  P.O. Box 6, Temecula, CA 92593

UCROSS Foundation; Housing, studios, food provided. Deadline: March 1, October 1. Ucross Foundation, ucross@wyoming.com, www.ucrossfoundation.org. 2836 US Hwy 14-16 East, Clearmont, WY 82835; Phone 307-737-2291.

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***LSW NEWS!

CALLING ALL LITERARY "FOODIES": Are you creative in the kitchen as well? LSW Hospitality Committee is seeking recruits to assist with decor and refreshments for our monthly events! If menu and site enhancement planning including musical accompaniment, food prep, procurement of supplies, delivery and set up - piques your appetite, please respond to: msclaudia2you@yahoo.com

WRITE IN THE LSW OFFICE ---The board of Lake Superior Writers is seeking applications by members who need a room of their own in which to write. For a nominal fee, you would be able to use our quiet, well-furnished office space. Please call 722-3094.

THE LSW ANTHOLOGY, "Between Stone and Flesh," contains twenty LSW poetry and prose writers. To purchase this book, which is available to LSW members for $8, or to find out more about our contest, contact Jim at 724 1653.

We have two e-mail addresses: writers@lakesuperiorwriters.org
and a special e-mail for this calendar at calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org
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***ABOUT THE LSW CALENDAR

THIS CALENDAR is a benefit of your membership in Lake Superior Writers.

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the literary arts. We welcome information from you regarding events, classes, kudos or announcements to be included in upcoming calendars.We reserve the right to edit all submissions.

TELL US ABOUT IT! Have you just been published? Received a grant or an award? Let us know! We love to celebrate the successes of the members of our writing community. E-mail your news items to calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org.

SEND CALENDAR ITEMS to calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org by the third Friday of the month. Include date, time, location, brief description and contact person. Be sure to include "LSW Calendar" in your subject line.

LSW MISSION: to foster writing communities, to provide an audience for literature, and to further the artistic development of writers through workshops, readings, and publications.