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Compiled by LAKE SUPERIOR WRITERS

LSW ACTIVITIES AND NEWS

May 7, Sun 7 pm, -
SCREENPLAY WRITER & DIRECTOR ALI SELIM BRINGS “SWEET LAND” to Duluth at the Playground, 11 E. Superior Street. Tickets available to LSW members beginning at 5:45 pm,. Tickets available to the general public (and members) beginning at 6 pm,. FREE! Limited seating. The feature length film SWEET LAND (2005) is a "gorgeous landscape portrait love story." After the film, Minnesota’s Ali Selim, the film’s screenwriter and director, will talk about script writing and answer questions from the audience. Minnesota Film Board staff person Riki McManus will also speak. The film received awards at the Hamptons International Film Festival, Sedona Film Festival, the Philadelphia Film Festival and more. The story is set in 1920, as the character, Inge, travels from Norway to rural Minnesota to meet the man destined to be her husband. Bureaucracy and social morality cause major complications.

HELP
Volunteers are still needed to distribute and take tickets and to bring refreshments for our film event. If you can help, contact Cheryl Reitan at 728-3154 or Liz Minette at liz.minette@excite.com.

ANNUAL MEETING
May 7, Sun 6-6:30 pm, - The Annual Meeting of Lake Superior Writers will be held before the film from 6-6:30 pm, in the Playground, 11 E. Superior Street. All members are invited -- and they get first pick of the seats.

LSW WRITERS’ SQUARE TABLE
May 18, Thur 11:30 am – Lake Superior Writers’ Square Table meets in the Annex Room (downstairs), Sara's Table, 1902 E. 8th Street. Questions? Call Mara at 728-1253.

POET LAUREATE
LSW has chosen award-winning writer Barton Sutter as Duluth's first poet laureate, a two-year position. Sutter was crowned poet laureate on April 22; he will serve a two-year term and will receive a $2,000 honorarium. Funds were contributed by local writers, bookstores, schools, universities, the public library, and arts organizations. Unlike other poet laureate programs in the U. S., which are initiated and funded by government agencies or arts councils, this initiative has been a grassroots effort, completely funded by grants and private donations. Sutter is the author of four collections of poetry, a book of short stories and a book of essays. For more information about the LSW Poet Laureate program see: http://www.lakesuperiorwriters.org/pl.html or contact pl@lakesuperiorwriters.org or call 218-722-3094. Please allow 7 - 10 days to receive a reply.

LSW KUDOS News about LSW Members back to top

LSW Member Tracy Nelson Maurer co-wrote the newly published "John Deere" book for young enthusiasts (http://www.motorbooks.com) with tractor expert Rod Beemer. A book release event is scheduled for Sunday, June 4, from 2-4 pm, at the Hugo Animal Farm in Hugo, MN.

The Washburn County Register interviewed Mary Ellen Ryall in April. Ryall is the founder of the organization Happy Tonics, which publishes a monthly newsletter, “Butterflies and Gardens.” See: http://www.happytonics.org/

AREA LITERARY EVENTS back to top

Open Mics: Mondays at Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe, 9-11 pm, Dewitt-Seitz Bldg. Wednesdays at Beaner's Central, 7-10 pm, Info: 624-5957

Monday, May 1, 7 pm, Marathon and Half Marathon Training and book signing with Rod Raymond, Iron Man Triathlete, and personal trainer. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Tuesday, May 2, 7-8 pm, Anthony Laquinto, Small Business Presentation/book signing “Never Bet the Farm,” Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Tuesday, May 2, 11 am, Arrowhead Poets meeting in the café, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Tuesday, May 2, 11 am, Storytime, Featured Book: “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” By Mo Willem, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Tuesday, May 2, 7 pm, Store Bookgroup Meets to discuss “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” by Mark Haddon. Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Dr., 218-722-5267, http://www.norlights.com.

Thursday, May 4, 1 pm, New Fiction/Non-Fiction Book Group discusses: “March” by Geraldine Brooks, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Friday, May 5, 7 pm, "Lilly’s Big Day," PJ Story Time. Hear the story and learn how to do the Flower Girl Dance!. JW Beecroft Books, 3631 Tower Ave., Superior, WI, 218-394-2665, http://www.jwbeecroft.com.

Saturday, May 6, 11 am, Storytime, Featured Book: “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” By Mo Willem, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Saturday, May 6, 12 Noon, Christian Adventure Author Nicolus Jameson signs “Nickgyver Revealed: The Battle Begins,” Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Saturday, May 6, 1 pm, Linda Larson signs “Grow It. Eat It,” Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Saturday, May 6, 2:30 pm, Contributing author Gloria Plaisted signs “Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul,” Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Sunday, May 7, 5:30 pm, Mystery Book Group discusses “Chocolate Cat Caper” by Jo Anna Carl, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Sunday, May 7, 5:30 pm, Mystery Writer Kathleen Hills reads/signs “Witch Cradle,” Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Tuesday, May 9, 11 am, Storytime: Theme: Celebrate Mothers and Grandmothers, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Wednesday, May 10, 6:30 pm, Classics Book Group discusses “Blindness” by Jose Saramago, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Wednesday, May 10, 7:30 pm, Circular Muse presents a Poetry SLAM, featuring Eirean Bradley and John Mark Huscher. Both Bradley and Huscher have toured the U.S. extensively, performing at SLAMs, readings, and festivals. Come to watch or perform. Music by Crew Jones. Carmody Irish Pub, 308 E. Superior St., 18+ FREE

Thursday, May 11, 6 pm, Poetry Reading at Lakeview Coffee Emporium in the Fitger's Complex. The reading is titled "Closing Verses, Opening Poets: A Reading by Eleven New Voices." The readers are poetry writing students at Lake Superior College. An open mic that will follow at 7 p.m.

Friday, May 12, 7-8:30 pm, Northern Lakes Archaeological Society Workshop: Learn flint knapping and the coil method of pottery making. Free and open to the public, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710

Friday, May 12, 7 pm, Mother's Day Story Time. Bring Mom and hear stories about what makes her so special. Have your picture taken with your mom and make and decorate a picture frame to put it in. JW Beecroft Books, 3631 Tower Ave., Superior, WI, 218-394-2665, http://www.jwbeecroft.com.

Saturday, May 13, 3 pm, Poets Deborah Cooper, Candace Ginsberg, Ann Niedringhaus & Ellie Schoenfeld will read from their anthology “The Moon Rolls Out of Our Mouths” at the MacRostie Arts Center in Grand Rapids.

Saturday, May 13, 1-2 pm, Booksignings: Ellen Sandbeck, “Organic Housekeeping: Non-toxic Techniques that Save your Health, Your Time and Your Money.” 2-3 pm, Kathleen Hills, “Witch Cradle.” Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Dr., 218-722-5267, http://www.norlights.com.

Saturday, May 13, 11 am, Storytime: “Visit from Madeline,” Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Saturday, May 13, 11 am, Storytime: Theme: Celebrate Mothers and Grandmothers, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Monday, May 15, 6:30 pm, Children's Writer's Group Meeting. Writers of children's fiction or non-fiction are invited to attend. JW Beecroft Books, 3631 Tower Ave., Superior, WI, 218-394-2665, http://www.jwbeecroft.com.

Tuesday, May 16, 7 pm, Beecroft Writer's Group Meeting. Writers of short stories and poetry are invited to attend. JW Beecroft Books, 3631 Tower Ave., Superior, WI, 218-394-2665, http://www.jwbeecroft.com.

Tuesday, May 16 and Saturday, May 20, Storytime: Theme: April showers bring May flowers, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Tuesday, May 16, 7 pm, Notable Books Book Group discusses “We Need To Talk About Kevin” by Lionel Shriver, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Tuesday, May 16, 7 pm, American Girl Party, Theme: Old Fashion Lawn Party, Ages 6-12, Call to pre-register, 218-786-0710, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth.

Wed, May 17, 6-9:30 pm, – The Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards (NEMBA) include a book fair, a featured speaker, the awards presentation, and a dessert reception. For information, see http://www.d.umn.edu/lib/nemba/index.htm or call 218-726-7889.

Thursday, May 18, 7 pm, Author Anne Dimock presents "Humble Pie: Musings on what lies beneath the crust." Pie will be available for purchase in the cafe -- first come, first served. JW Beecroft Books, 3631 Tower Ave., Superior, WI, 218-394-2665, http://www.jwbeecroft.com.

Thursday, May 18, 7 pm, The Latest Book Group discusses “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson, New Members Welcome!, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Friday, May 19, 7 pm, Pajama Story Time. JW Beecroft Books, 3631 Tower Ave., Superior, WI, 218-394-2665, http://www.jwbeecroft.com.

Saturday, May 20, 1-2 pm, Booksigning: Beryl Singleton Bissell, “Scent of God: A Memoir”. Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Dr., 218-722-5267, http://www.norlights.com.

Sunday, May 21, 2-3 pm, Booksigning: Anne Dimock, “Humble Pie”. Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Dr., 218-722-5267, http://www.norlights.com.

Monday, May 22, 7:30 pm, Science Fiction Book Group discusses The Nebula Awards Showcase 2006.

Tuesday, May 23, 11 am, Storytime, Theme: Fairy Tales, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Wednesday, May 24 from 7 – 9 pm, Book Release Party for “Zenith: A Postcard Perspective of Historic Duluth,” with author/publisher Tony Dierckins. Refreshments, Reading, Book Signing, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Thursday, May 25, 10:30 am, Mary Ellen Ryall will read from "Conquering the Dream Killers" and “Seeing Beyond Ourselves” at the Joan Salmen Memorial Library, 920 E. Main Street, Solon Springs, WI.

Saturday, May 27, 11 am, Storytime, Theme: Fairy Tales, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Saturday, May 27, 1-2 pm, Booksigning: Tony Dierckins, “Zenith: A Postcard Perspective of Historic Duluth.” Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Dr., 218-722-5267, http://www.norlights.com.

Tuesday, May 30 and Saturday, June 3, 11 am, Storytime, Featured Book: Victor Vito and Freddie Vasco, “Two Polar Bears on a Mission to Save the Klondike Café!,” Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, 218-786-0710.

Sunday, June 4, 2-4 pm, A book release event for "John Deere" a book for young enthusiasts, at the Hugo Animal Farm in Hugo, MN (http://www.hugoanimalfarm.com for map). The event includes an author book signing with Tracy Nelson Maurer, free hayrides, and a John Deere tractor display.
June 18-23 – 2006, Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference, Bemidji State University. Workshops offered in creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, novice and symbolic imaging. Distinguished visiting writer: Sharon Olds. For brochure, call 218-755-2068 or email writersconference@bemidjistate.edu. See details at http://www.bemidjistate.edu .

WRITING GROUPS & MENTORING back to top

 See info about LSW Writing Groups

LAKE SUPERIOR WRITERS' MENTORING PROGRAM
Could you use a jump-start for your writing? Do you need help shaping your ideas and strengthening your writing? Do you have writing experience and the desire to help other writers develop their writing? LSW offers a unique mentoring program to its members. We are looking for both writers who would like to hire a mentor and mentors who would like to work with writers. Learn more about the mentoring program on our at www.lakesuperiorwriters.org. If you are looking for a mentor or would like be become a mentor, contact Pamela Mittlefehldt pjmarch4@aol.com.

NEWS / CONFERENCES / SUBMISSIONS/ OPPORTUNITIES back to top

Call for Entries: The Reflections 1st Annual Competition is accepting artwork or literary work on the theme of “Love.” The deadline is May 24. The First Place Helen A. Quade Memorial Writer's Award is $150. Visit http://www.reflectionsreflections.com to view past issues. Questions? Contact art@reflectionsreflections.com. 2620 5th Ave E, Hibbing, MN 55746-2222

Community Connections, a 13-year old quarterly journal about the environment, policy and quality of life, is looking for stories, essays, and poetry about the earth. Cover story ($50 payment) or essays are requested (1,000-1,400 words). Images or photos to accompany the piece are welcome. Published by the Minnesota Project each quarter. Send stories, poetry, articles or artwork for to Beth Waterhouse at 952-401-0591 or beth.waterhouse@usfamily.net, 818 Third Avenue #305, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331, http://www.mnproject.org.

LAKE SUPERIOR WRITERS INFORMATION back to top

Lake Superior Writers prohibits discrimination in its programs, membership, and board of directors participation on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status or family status.

Lake Superior Writers Calendar back to top

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! Have an event to publicize? We love to celebrate the events and successes of the members of our writing community. E-mail your news items to calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org.

We have two e-mail addresses: writers@lakesuperiorwriters.org a special e-mail for this calendar at calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org

For more info about LSW http://www.lakesuperiorwriters.org

Your editor for this issue of the e-calendar was LSW member and volunteer Cheryl Reitan.