The June NorthWords includes:
Notes from the Board Room
I’ve already got a working title … “As the Loon Turns.”
We all wonder from where our next fictional storytelling inspiration will come. Well, the next time I do screen play for a soap opera (which actually will be the first time I write a soap opera), my inspiration is coming from the tumultuous love story of ABJ and Fe … who just happen to be loons at the Seney Wildlife Refuge in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Here, I’ll give you the elevator pitch version:
In 2007 when ABJ, who had been born in Seney, returned from wintering by the ocean. A saucy older loon lady, Bluestripe, who had lost her mate and breeding territory the year before, began loon seducing ABJ. The “cougar” loon swam toward the younger male, “her body riding low in the water,” as the naturalist describes it. She forcefully and quickly plunged her bill into the water in what is apparently a very provocative loon move. ABJ, however, was unmoved. He ignored her. After a second attempt a wooing ABJ, Bluestripe departed. Then another female began coming in for a landing on the pond. ABJ began emitting soft hoots. It was Fe, his mate since 1997 – 10 years earlier. (Apparently, they don’t winter together.) “They swam toward one another and, upon meeting, jointly executed a short series of circling bill dips and jerk dives – a brief pas-de-deux of renewed pair bonding,” says the naturalist, who himself could write romance novels, I think. That mating continued until 2022, when ABJ showed a little too much interest in young Aye-Aye. This year, it looks very much like Aye-Aye has dumped ABJ and he’s alone on a “bachelor pond.” This year, too, Fe, not one to moon lost love evidently, wooed a younger male. As of now, we’re not sure that worked out either, and the latest update asks: Will ABJ and Fe have a reunion? Stay tuned until next week when we find out more in “As the Loon Turns.” (I encourage you to watch the Seney Wildlife Refuge Facebook page for the latest turns.)
Yes, it looks to me like I need only change the names for ABJ, Fe, Bluestripe and Aye-Aye and my plot is already set.
Lake Superior Writers is all about finding inspiration and outlets. At our recent annual meeting on Saturday, I outlined the upcoming schedule with our Writing Circles (three more start this month – watch for the dates on the webpage) as well as our Book Club for Writers, including former Sea Grant writer Marie Zhuikov on “From Science to Sci Fi” this summer – I think she’ll have other ABJ/Fe inspirations to share – and international mystery author Brian Freeman in October in collaboration with the Duluth Public Library.
Plus we have a five-part writing workshop on Writing for Publications by lauded instructor and author Felicia Schneiderhan, an Authors Fair where LSW members can reserve a no-cost table to sell their books – self-published to traditional publisher – on a September Saturday in the Duluth Public Library. Again – watch the website and Facebook page for details and dates!
As for me, I hope you’ll join me this month at the Virtual Writers Café on June 14, at the Type-In at Studio Café on June 27 and at the Fantasy/Spec Fiction Writing Circle in the Studio Café on June 30.
So much summer … and so much time to wander around our Big Lake neighborhood looking for inspiration. (I have dibs on the loons.)
– Konnie LeMay, chair on the Lake Superior Writers Board
Lake Superior Writers News & Events
Resilience: Read the 2025 Writing Contest Winners’ Work
We announced the winners of the 2025 Lake Superior Writers Writing Contest at the Annual Meeting last Saturday. You can read the winning submissions using the link above. Congratulations to all of our winners! We had so many wonderful entries the judges had a hard time choosing. Keep an eye out for next year’s contest!
Virtual Writers’ Cafe
June 14 at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom
Join a group of local writers to connect about current writing projects, upcoming events, and general discussion. Virtual Writers’ Café at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14. Don’t forget to use the new registration form on the Virtual Writers’ Cafe page that sets you up for the Cafe through May 2026! This monthly event is free and open to all.
Writing Circles
June 25 – Screenplay
June 30 – Fantasy/Speculative Fiction
Type In at Studio Café
June 27 starting at 5pm at Studio Café, 102 W Superior St., Duluth, MN
Join Lake Superior Writers and Studio Café for a BYOT (bring your own manual typewriter) Type In on the last day of the month starting at 5pm! Don’t have a typewriter? Studio Café will have some available to try out.
Literary Events
Taylor Brorby Presents Boys and Oil
June 5, 2025 at 7pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave. Duluth, MN
Zenith Bookstore is delighted to welcome author, educator, and environmentalist Taylor Brorby on Thursday, June 5th at 7pm. Taylor will share from his courageous memoir Boys and Oil: Growing Up Gay in a Fractured Land which will be released in paperback in early June. Taylor will discuss his book, career, and answer audience’s questions. Boys and Oil will be available for purchase, and he will personally sign copies. https://zenithbookstore.com/events/2596320250605
Banned Together Screening & Discussion
June 6, 2025 from 7pm-9pm at Honest Dog Books, 38 S 2nd St, Bayfield, WI
We’ll be kicking off our weekend of Stand with the Banned (3 bands, 1 documentary, & lots fo banned books) with this doc & discussion. Visionary teenagers, public protests, threats, criminal charges, and drama-filled school board meetings: this is the explosive world of BANNED TOGETHER, the first feature documentary about fighting book bans and censorship in the U.S.
There will be a panel discussion afterward with librarians Sheva Abeles-Allison (Ashland High School Library); Sarah Adams (Vaughn Library); & Jacqueline Pooler (Iron River Library), who have dealt with bans recently. Store Manager Erin Schlager will moderate.
There will be a second screening Saturday at noon with a Zoom discussion with one of the filmmakers.
No reservations needed. The bar will be open starting at 5. Suggested $5 donation at the door.
Sponsored by the Vaughn Library and the Bay Area Film Society. For more information, visit https://honestdogbooks.com/events/2764420250606
Meet & Greet with Mushroom Expert: Ariel Bonkoski
June 7, 2025 from 11am-1pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave. Duluth, MN
Join us on Saturday, June 7th 11 AM-1 PM for a Meet & Greet with mushroom identification expert, Ariel Bonkoski. Ariel will sign her new book Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids, talk with guests one-on-one, and bring some of her mushrooms. https://zenithbookstore.com/events/2704220250607
Zenith Storytime!
June 8, 2025 from 11am-11:30am at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave Duluth, MN
Join us for Zenith Storytime! Our first storytime will be Sunday, June 8th 11-11:30 AM and will continue the 2nd Sunday of every month. Each month, we’ll read some fun children’s books, do a craft, science project, or perhaps sing a song. We’ll also invite guest storytime readers to join us from time to time. This is geared towards preschool – kindergarten/first grade, but the whole family is welcome. Grab your favorite blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal and come out to Zenith Bookstore! https://zenithbookstore.com/events/2838120250608
Politics & Prose Book Club: Emma Goldman
June 11, 2025 from 7pm-8:30pm at Honest Dog Books, 38 S 2nd St, Bayfield, WI
June’s book group will feature classic essays by early 20th century outspoken political thinker and writer Emma Goldman in Anarchism and Other Essays first published in 1910. We will focus on three essays – Anarchism, Minorities Versus Majorities and Patriotism: A Menace to Liberty (essays 1,2 and 5) and discuss them relative to current political affairs. If you buy the book from us, your first drink is on us.
Adventure Book Club: Bicycling With Butterflies
June 13, 2025 from 10am-12pm at Morgan Park, 1242 88th Ave W Duluth, MN
Meet us at Morgan Park to discuss ‘Bicycling with Butterflies,’ by Sara Dykman. Founding member of Duluth Monarch Buddies, Tom Uecker, will join us for discussion and a look around the monarch waystation. Book discussion will be followed by a hike led by Parks and Recreation.
Registration required. Register on the Parks and Recreation catalog at:
https://secure.rec1.com/MN/duluthparks/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM1OTgyNDk=
An Afternoon with Ron Schara
June 14, 2025 at 1pm at the Hackensack Community Center, 110 3rd St. S, Hackensack, MN
The Northwoods Arts Council (NAC) continues its mission of “Bringing the Arts to Life” in Hackensack. It will host another exciting lineup of summer events in 2025, including An Afternoon with Ron Schara on June 14 @ 1:00 pm in the Community Center.
Don’t miss this special opportunity to meet Minnesota Bound TV personality Ron Schara in person. He is a writer and Emmy-winning television producer and is also known for his storytelling skills. He brings to life the joys of living the outdoors through nature watching, fishing, hunting, and camping. This NAC event is free, but pre-registration is required at northwoodsartscouncil.org
Of Cows and Crows Book Signing at St. Cloud Art Crawl
June 20, 2025 from 4pm-8pm at Books Revisited, 607 West St. Germain, St. Cloud, MN
Shelley Getten will be signing books at Books Revisited in St. Cloud, MN during the seasonal Art Crawl in St. Cloud. She will be located outside of Books Revisited on the Mall Germain.
https://www.visitdowntownstc.com/art-crawl/ for more information or contact Books Revisited:: https://www.booksrevisited.com/
Author Reading with Chris Monroe
June 21, 2025 from 11am-12pm at Honest Dog Books, 38 S 2nd St, Bayfield, WI
Duluth, MN local cartoonist, illustrator, and author Chris Monroe is joining us at Honest Dog Books for a reading and signing on Saturday, June 21st at 11:00 AM!
Chris will share her newest book, String Ball, a delightful tale that follows the exciting adventures of a curious kitten who stumbles upon her owner’s ball of yarn. A fun and imaginative story for readers ages 4-8, and everyone who enjoyed Chris Monroe’s Monkey with a Tool Belt series!
Northland Together: Creative Writing Alumni Reading
June 21, 2025 from 5:30pm-8pm at Honest Dog Books, 38 S 2nd St, Bayfield, WI
Come join us for a night of celebration and reunion at Honest Dog Books on June 21st from 5:30 – 8:00 pm! All are welcome to revel in the brilliant poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction born from Northland College’s creative writing program.
Featured readers will include beloved professors Cynthia Belmont and Timothy Ziegenhagen alongside a cadre of their former students. An open mic will follow, with any and all writers invited to share their words and stories with us. This event is one of many featured by Northland Together, an alumni-led reunion weekend, organized by Northland alum Halee Kirkwood, ’15.
Writing Romance with Cassandra Medcalf
June 24, 2025 from 6pm-7pm at the Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street, Duluth, MN
How does a book put butterflies in your stomach? What is it about a book boyfriend that makes you swoon? And how do romance authors get you to fall in love again and again?
Meet us at Duluth Public Library to discuss all these questions and more in our writing workshop with local romance author Cassandra Medcalf. Learn what elements of a story create that magic “happily ever after” feeling, and how to recreate it in your own stories again and again!
YA Launch – Shadows of the Moon with Alice Marks
June 26, 2025 at 7pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave Duluth, MN
Zenith Bookstore is excited to welcome Duluth author Alice Springer Marks on Thursday, June 26th at 7 PM. Alice will be launching her new YA book Shadows on the Moon. All middle school, high schoolers, and their families and friends are welcome to attend. There will be treats, book giveaways, readings from the book, and more! https://zenithbookstore.com/events/2660720250626
Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Garden Party
June 28, 2025 from 11am-2pm at the Rose Garden 1300 London Road Duluth, MN
It is a truth universally acknowledged that we all love Jane Austen and a good garden party. The Duluth Public Library will be hosting a Jane Austen-themed garden party at the Rose Garden in honor of the author’s 250th birthday.
We will have lawn games, rose tours by the Lake Superior Rose Society, favorite Mr. Darcy voting, and live readings of her classic works. There will be several places for pictures so don’t be afraid to dress up! Blue Sky Coffee and King of Creams will be selling their delicious treats, so bring your bonnet, blanket, and picnic basket and celebrate everything Jane!
Opportunities
Gentle Yoga and Writing at Svälja Whole-Being
Gentle Yoga and Writing at Svälja Whole-Being from 5pm to 6:30pm (90 Minutes) the first Thursday of each month. This guided yoga and writing session will be offered on the first Thursday of each month at Svälja Whole-Being’s Rose Studio at 5pm. The class will begin with Gentle Yoga where postures are practiced gently and slowly with a combination of moving and stillness accompanied by ambient music. In the second portion of the class, your guide will offer grounding exercises, short readings, and writing prompts followed by a time for free writing (approximately thirty minutes). At the end of the session, there will be time for a check-in and option to share an excerpt of your writing. Please bring a journal and pen or other materials for the writing portion of the session. Mats and props are available for you to use. Please register at https://www.svalja.yoga/.
Writers’ Monthly Get Together
June 21, 2025, from 10am-11am at Foxes & Fireflies Booksellers, 1401 Tower Ave. Superior, WI
Looking for a place to talk about writing, share writerly advice, and hang out with other writers? Join fellow writers at Foxes & Fireflies Booksellers on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10-11 a.m. in a spacious conference room, located at the back of the bookstore.
Refreshments aren’t available onsite, but feel free to bring in your own beverages and snacks if you wish. All writers are welcome. There is no fee or requirement to join anything, just a chance to be part of a writing community.
Poetry Workshop
June 25, 2025 from 6pm-8pm at the Grand Marais Public Library, 104 2nd Ave W, Grand Marais, MN
Shelley Getten, Author of Poetry Collection, Of Cows and Crows (Nodin Press 2024) will teach an evening workshop on the topic of how a poem moves from beginning to end. As a group, we will explore several narrative poems and discuss aspects that help the flow and twists of the work. We will also talk about which devices and techniques we can use in our own poems to achieve successful MOVEMENT through the poem. Ideas/prompts will be offered for in-class writing time. Reading (and discussion) of our poems will close out the evening.
Lakeside Concert Series
June 13-August 29, 2025 at Birch Lake Park Pavilion in Hackensack, MN
The 2025 Lakeside Concert Series runs from June 13 to August 29. It is held at Birch Lake Pavilion in downtown Hackensack by Birch Lake. Twelve bands are lined up for the concert series. Bring your lawn chair. Beverages and foods will be available for purchase.
The Joy Retreat: Five Days of Writing Toward Delight
In this generative retreat, we will remember that joy is necessary to our writing practice and our lives. With daily workshops, nourishing meals, access to hiking trails, morning meditations, yoga, and writing in the company of others, this retreat is designed to support deep, easy self-care. There will be time for quiet reflection, and time to explore. There will be joy. Cost of attendance is $1875 (a reduced rate for local writers who do not need lodging is available)
For more information: https://www.chelseabdesautels.com/register-for-the-joy-retreat
Call for Submissions to the Upcoming Anthology with The Burnt Gloveboxes Series – Animal Mayhem!
Submissions are open until July 29, 2025
Gina Ramsey is pleased to announce the upcoming anthology with The Burnt Gloveboxes Series which will be titled Animal Mayhem: When Wild Things Go Wilder
Sound the horns! Uncage the beasts!
Submissions are officially OPEN for Animal Mayhem! The newest of the Burnt Gloveboxes Series.
Got a story about ZANY ZOO ANIMALS, wacky wildlife woes, or mayhem of the animal kind? We want it.
Deadline: July 29
https://burntgloveboxesanthology.moksha.io/…/submit…
Northwoods Art and Book Festival
August 9 from 9am to 3pm in Hackensack, MN
Northwoods Art and Book Festival is the longest-running art and literature festival in Minnesota. The event is free for everyone on August 9th from 9 am to 3 pm in Hackensack, Minnesota. Designated seating is available for seniors and individuals with disabilities. We’re also bringing back some of our favorite vendors and introducing new ones this year. Authors representing a diverse range of genres will be in attendance, featuring book signings and sales. Experience an author presentation: “Insurance Investigator Turns Amateur Sleuth”, by author Laura Hern, on how to write cozy mysteries at 11:00 am in the Union Congregational Church Sanctuary. Children of all ages can enjoy a Lion Safari, an activity that involves a hunt for the lion with designated clues throughout the festival, and WonderTrek, a mobile museum designed to spark interest and encourage imagination through fun, interactive activities. Come and immerse yourself in a day filled with stunning art, inspiring authors, imaginative play, entertainment, food trucks, wine, and craft beer. Don’t miss this fun-filled, unforgettable day!
KUDOS – News about our members
Louise Beyea, Superior, WI, received an MFA in creative writing, nonfiction emphasis, from Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO. She is a retired emergency department and zoo veterinarian. Now the hard part begins: completing a memoir manuscript that focuses on one aspect of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Thomas Wayne King, UW-Eau Claire professor emeritus of communication sciences and disorders, and Debra Raye King, retired dean of students at Northwood Technical College, Superior, and former UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education staff member, presented original stories, essays and poems from their books as they shared their family’s life experiences with disabilities for the May 4, 2025 meeting of the Rice Lake Brain Injury Support Group, a branch of the Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin. Debbi and Tom live and write in Solon Springs, WI, and raise registered Icelandic sheep at their Sunny Cove Farm on the South Range hills, overlooking Lake Superior.
Lake Superior Writers Blog
Lake Superior Writers invites members to submit guest posts for possible inclusion on our blog. Please visit our blog information page for more details.
Our blog currently features Minnesota Writers Spotlight on Colleen Baldrica by Kaelyn Hvidsten
Lake Superior Writers 