The August NorthWords includes:
Notes from the Board Room
It’s a familiar refrain for writers: Write what you know.
So, just what do I know (or more importantly these days at my tender, er, seasoned age, what do I remember)?
Scene setting – I certainly can describe a Lake Superior shore and at least a half dozen “flavors” of shorelines that come to mind. For example, I can envision the dark, occasionally brooding, tall basaltic cliffs with only a sliver of land should you need a refuge from a shipwreck … and no land at all if a storm is raging. Equally, I know – from experience – the too-hot-for-barefeet sands of a summertime Lake beach sprinkled with actual sunbathers who may well have been using a mixture of iodine and baby oil to speed up the tanning process. (OK, this was back in the ‘60s, and yes, we are smarter now.) Or you might choose a colorful (or colourful in Ontario) sandstone shoreline or a cobblestone or boulder beach.
Dialogue – As a reporter, I was complimented a couple of times by sources on the accuracy of my quotes, which, I admit, made me pretty darned proud (and that’s back when I never used a recording device because it took too long to review on deadline). Now when I ponder dialogue, I wonder about the authenticity of my characters’ interactions. Do these conversations sound real (should you read them aloud). On the other hand, the main characters in my current project are a male bear, a mated wolf pair and a female eagle. In this case, I believe I can migrate from “what I know” right into “whatever I imagine.”
Plot – Hardest of all to apply knowledge when fantasy fiction is your preferred genre. It’s possible to adapt a historic event, of course, with critters as characters, a la Animal Farm and the Russian Revolution (not that I “know” the Russian revolution, but that’s where history books and reference librarians can help. OK, maybe a bit of Google and Wikipedia, but with healthy understanding of the sources). Oh, my story has nothing to do with the Russian revolution, by the by. My plot follows the “quest” theme so popular in fantasy fiction. I’ve never been on one of those, either, unless you count Christmas gift shopping.
And yet, my choice of where – Big Lake north woods – and who – bear, wolf, eagle – I can still have some grounding in what I know. I’ve watched the aerial displays of an eagle that can rival any airshow production. Bears are frequent visitors to our back yard and on our walks around our Duluth neighborhood. As to wolves … I grew up with the stories, I’ve seen a few on the roadsides and at the International Wolf Center, and I live with a descendant of ancient packs who has learned how to manipulate humans for food, shelter and entertainment. When this whole crew moves into the city, I’ll dredge up memories of living in Minneapolis (university life) and St. Paul (Quaker Meetinghouse Friend-in-Residence). I’m covered.
During the coming year (here’s the kind-of clever transition), Lake Superior Writers will have many opportunities for you to explore what you know for your writing and equally important, what you don’t know but want to learn. This month, we bring you a virtual-only Meet the Publisher panel presentation by three self-published authors who each have a different experience in self-publishing. Kate Laack, Denis James and Katharine Johnson make up the panel with their works spanning genres. Save the date, Thursday, August 20, from 6:30-8 p.m. and sign up today. The event will be free, but we may try out a new “donations if you got ‘em” button.
Another “Save the Date” comes next month on Saturday, September 26, 1-2:30 p.m. when we partner with the Duluth Public Library to present a free mini-workshop/Book Club for Writers on research with the former archivist at St. Olaf Collage turned author, Jeff Sauve, who wrote the 2023 Northeastern Minnesota Book Award–winning Murder at Minnesota Point. His latest work is Wheels of Murder: The 1896 Bank Robbery That Shocked a Small Prairie Town. Jeff will give his talk in the library’s upstairs Local History Center.
Through these and other upcoming events, workshops and presentations, LSW is working to expand what you know for what you write. Hope to see you there.
– Konnie LeMay, chair on the Lake Superior Writers Board
Lake Superior Writers News & Events
Virtual Writers’ Café
August 8, 2026 from 9:30am-11am over Zoom
Pour a cup of coffee or tea and join us at 9:30 am – 11:00 am for a meetup with fellow writers the second Saturday of each month. We’ll chat about our current writing projects, learn about upcoming events and opportunities for writers, and share the ups and downs of our writing lives. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a newbie, we’d love to have you join us.
Meet the Publisher
August 20, 2026 from 6:30pm-8pm over Zoom
Our Meet the Publisher series continues with a panel presentation by three self-published authors who each have a different experience in self-publishing. Kate Laack, Denis James and Katharine Johnson.
Literary Events
Growing Up in Wartime with Joel Turnipseed
August 6, 2026 at 5:30pm at The Depot, 506 W. Michigan St., Duluth, MN
War shapes history, creates veterans, and generates deeply compelling narratives. Writing about these intense experiences can be a powerful tool for transitioning back to civilian life. The summer series concludes with an intimate and raw conversation with Duluth native Joel Turnipseed, author of the critically acclaimed Baghdad Express: A Gulf War Memoir.
Turnipseed served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm with the U.S. Marine Corps. His memoir offers a witty, deeply personal, coming-of-age look at the realities of military life. A former Bread Loaf Scholar and Minnesota State Arts Board Fellowship recipient, Turnipseed’s work has appeared in GQ, Granta, and The New York Times.
Event Details At-A-Glance
- Where: Lake Superior Railroad Museum, St. Louis County Depot (506 W. Michigan St., Duluth, MN)
- Features: Live storytelling, Q&A sessions, and a cash bar.
- Admission: Free and open to the public
Northwoods Art and Book Festival
August 8, 2026 from 9am-3pm in Hackensack Minnesota
Over 65 artists showcasing their work in a variety of media and 35 authors, writing in a variety of genre make this the longest running art and literature festival in the state of Minnesota. The outdoor event is free and handicap accessible. Music and food available for your enjoyment. Wonder Trek Children’s Outdoor Museum provides hands on activities for children.
Kids’ August Storytime
August 9, 2026 at 11am at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N. Central Ave., Duluth, MN
Zenith’s August Storytime will focus on our wonderful Minnesota-themed books. We are so privileged in Minnesota and Duluth to have such creative children’s authors! Ms. Kathy and Ms. Sheri will read Minnesota stories, share a craft, and have a yummy snack for the kids. This story time is FREE and open to all ages and abilities, but it is geared towards 2 years old – kindergarten.
https://zenithbookstore.com/events/5981520260809
National Bookstore Romance Day
August 15, 2026 all day at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N. Central Ave., Duluth, MN
Attention romance book lovers! This day is for YOU! Join Zenith Bookstore for National Bookstore Romance Day on Saturday, August 15th. Meet fantasy romance author Scylla Kairos 1-3 PM. She’ll share one-on-one about her books, including her most recent, A Twist of Fate. She’ll also personally autograph them for you. We’ll also have Blind Date Books, a Build-a-Trope Workshop, and free advance reader book giveaways. This will be a fun day to get a couple new romance reads for the rest of summer.
Scylla Kairos’ book, A Twist of Fate is the captivating second installment in the Of Fate and Fury series, picking up immediately after the events of A Touch of Destiny. With the Mortal Curse threatening one of Riona’s closest companions, she and her allies race to recover the long-lost Magicborn keys before time runs out. As dangerous secrets unravel and impossible choices test their resolve, Riona must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to fulfil her destiny and save the girl she loves.
Scylla Kairos is a fantasy romance author local to the Twin Ports area. She writes queer romantasy inspired by myth and magic, featuring LGBTQIA+ characters navigating mental health challenges while fighting for love in dangerous magical worlds.
https://zenithbookstore.com/events/5980120260815
Derek Francis shares Our First Bus Ride
August 29, 2026 from 11am-1pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N. Central Ave., Duluth, MN
Zenith Bookstore welcomes Derek Francis, the author of Our First Bus Ride on Saturday, August 29th at 11-1 PM. He will read the children’s book and share this historical story about Molly and Monica. The audience will be able to ask questions and get a personally signed copy of the book by Derek. Bring your kids, grandkids, and friends to this wonderful event!
Seventy years after Brown v. Board of Education declared segregated schools unconstitutional, the journey toward true integration still tells many stories—one of them begins right here in Minnesota.
Our First Bus Ride follows Molly and Monica, two best friends whose lives change when they become part of the historic Hale-Field school pairing in 1971. Through their eyes, readers experience the excitement, uncertainty, and hope of one of Minnesota’s first school integration efforts.
Opportunities
Lakeside Concert Series and Northwoods Art & Book Festival
Concert Series: Fridays 5pm-7pm by Birch Lake in Hackensack, MN
Northwoods Art & Book Festival: Saturday, August 8 from 9am-3pm in Hackensack, MN
It’s never too early to plan your summer activities. Northwoods Arts Council has three planned venues for your enjoyment. A concert series with different bands each week is held every Friday evening, 5-7, through the summer in Hackensack at the park pavilion. The Northwoods Art and Book Festival is on August 8th, 9-3 with 65 artists and 35 authors showcasing their work.
Call for Writing: Panatrope Arts Journal
Deadline: August 31, 2026
A call for writing: Panatrope Arts Journal, an imprint of Wildwood River, is a new arts journal. We plan an annual issue published online and in print. We invite you to submit writing about what sustains you, about what has marked you, about where you are from and what has made you. The submission deadline is August 31. Details and submission guidelines are posted at https://panatrope.work/
U.P. Libraries Program at the U.P. Regional Library Conference
September 21-22, 2026 in Marquette, MI
The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) invites authors to participate in its U.P. Libraries Program at the U.P. Regional Library Conference, taking place September 21–22 in Marquette. This unique program places books by U.P. authors directly into the hands of librarians and library staff from across the region, helping build awareness of local literature and encouraging additions to library collections.
“This is a once-a-year opportunity for U.P. librarians to browse and take home the very best regional literature for their patrons’ collections,” said Evelyn Gathu, Director of the Crystal Falls District Community Library and 2025 U.P. Librarian of the Year. “When patrons learn about local authors, it inspires them to learn more about their own region and value its culture.”
Program details and registration information are available at http://www.uppaa.org/up-lib
Lakes Area Writer’s Conference
October 9 & 10, 2026 at Madden’s Resort in Brainerd, MN
All are invited to join us at our annual writer’s conference. This year our event will again be held at Madden’s Resort in Brainerd MN.
$60 conference fee tickets are now available on Eventbrite.
Hotel rooms can be booked direct through Madden’s, please DO mention the LAWA conference when you book a room.
2026-27 Minnesota Book Awards || Call For Submissions + Judges!
The MN Book Awards call for submissions opens on August 10. Refer here for full submission details.
Preliminary Round judges in all categories will begin receiving books in October and convene virtually on Saturday, January 23 to pick finalists. Each will receive a $750 stipend. Final Round judges will have until March 13 to read their four finalist titles, with judging occurring that Saturday. Stipend for this round is $500. The winner announcement will be embargoed until the spring ceremony (likely April 27). Compensated panel facilitator roles are also available. Applications for all of the above are open now through September 11. Click here for more information – or here to jump straight to the application form.
U.P. Reader #11 Submissions Now Open
Deadline: November 10, 2026
Writers across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are invited to submit original work for U.P. Reader #11, the annual anthology published by the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA). The submission window opened June 1 and continues through November 10, 2026. Selected works will appear in the 2027 edition of the anthology.
The U.P. Reader showcases the diverse voices of the region, featuring fiction, nonfiction, memoir, history, essays, interviews, opinion pieces, and poetry. Submissions must be original, unpublished works that have not previously appeared online or in print, with a maximum length of 5,000 words.
Contributors must be current UPPAA members, and all entries are reviewed through a blind jury process.
Authors may submit up to three entries through the online submission gateway. Accepted contributors will be announced in January 2027, with publication scheduled for April 2027. Complete guidelines are available http://www.UPReader.org
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