The May NorthWords includes:
Notes from the Board Room
Sometimes words just aren’t enough.
That’s a hard admission for a woman enamored by the power of great writing, by the joy of hunting for just the right phrase, the precise word, who thrills to fine storytelling, both written and oral.
Our family and friends have gone through great losses and sad happenstances recently, and I find myself tongue-tied and shy when trying to express sympathy, empathy, an over-the-phone or through-the-text hug by words alone. These experiences give me the impetus for examining more closely the words I choose.
I often fall back on the jargon of Quakers (my spiritual grounding). I can say with sincerity that I am holding my loved ones “in the Light,” and I hope that, though they are not among the Religious Society of Friends, they understand there is both a power and a tenderness in that phrase.
“I am sorry” can seem trite and certainly inadequate, and yet it conveys the verbal heritage of our community for expressing that “I understand, as best I can,” and “I have you in my heart.”
The pen, indeed, can be mightier than the sword, but actions can, equally indeed, speak louder than words. My “younger older brother” (I also have an “older older brother”) and his wife driving four hours to be with my husband and me at my mom-in-law’s memorial service in southern Minnesota, and then getting back into the car and heading back north for more hours of driving home, brought special comfort without any words needed. When we got a note from the Animal Allies Humane Society saying that our next-door neighbors – whom we see only when we all are walking our dogs – sent a donation in memory of our fur child Rachel Beth, it touched us deeply.
The task for a skilled writer – or for someone working to become a skilled writer – is to find the words that equally convey that emotion felt from appropriate, compassionate actions.
Often I find poetry chooses these words the best … and in the best order. That was more than evident recently when Lake Superior Writers hosted its now annual – hey, we’ve had two in a row! – Poetry Open Mic at the UMD Library during Poetry Month. The storytelling in the concise and lyrical language of these writers’ poems was magical.
And since I’ve now made the transition from tragic to poetically practical (seamlessly, of course – insert “happy face” or “winking” emoji here), let me tell you that we have the base for four genre groups, or writers’ circles, as I’ve heard them described. In May, we hope to start our fantasy/speculative fiction group with an in-person gathering; one in-person memoir/non-fiction group; one virtual memoir group; and one virtual script/screen play writing group. Now we need more writers so we can make actual “groups” – so if any of those interest you, please send a note to writers@lakesuperiorwriters.org, and we’ll add you to that alert list. Otherwise, keep watch on our Facebook page; we’ll have updates there soon.
Save the date of May 31, starting at 1 p.m. please, for our Lake Superior Writers Annual Membership Meeting … which will be in the Quaker Meetinghouse, 1802 E. 1st St. We’ll send out an eblast with details.
Until then, I hope the only words you have to choose are joyous ones … and maybe a few salty comments on current events (insert “haha” emoji here). n.
– Konnie LeMay, chair on the Lake Superior Writers Board
Lake Superior Writers News & Events
Virtual Writers’ Cafe
May 10 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, May 10. 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.
Call for NEMBA Readers
Applications will be accepted from until May 15, 2025
Join a NEMBA Reading Team and help choose a winning book that captures the spirit of northeastern Minnesota! We’re looking for book-lovers to serve on one of the reading teams that will select the winning book in each of the six categories—Nonfiction, Fiction, Children’s Literature, Middle Grade/Young Adult, Poetry, and Memoir. We are not looking for professional literary critics, but rather a group of open-minded readers who represent the different backgrounds and lifestyles of the Northland.
Annual Membership Meeting
May 31 at 1pm at Quaker Meetinghouse, 1802 E. 1st St., Duluth, MN
Every May all LSW members are invited to an annual event with a keynote speaker, highlights of the year to come, readings from winning Writing Contest winners and and opportunity to connect with other writers. Keep an eye on your email for more details to come!
Type In at Studio Café
May 30 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
Writer’s Block with Brian Malloy
May 7, 2025 from 6pm-8pm at Grand Marais Public Library, 104 2nd Ave W, Grand Marais, MN
Are the ideas in your head not making it onto the page? Beginners and experienced writers are most welcome to this session of prompts and blockbusters to help launch your writing. We’ll go over the writing process like sculptors – gathering our clay (words) and building it into forms (stories).
Anthony Bukoski in conversation with Carol Dunbar
May 8, 2025 from 7pm-8:30pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN
Join us as we welcome Twin Ports author Anthony Bukoski in conversation with fellow Wisconsin author Carol Dunbar on Thursday, May 8th at 7pm. Anthony will be sharing his brand-new book The Thief of Words. They will discuss his book, career, and other topics. There will also be a Q & A with the audience. Both Anthony’s books & Carol’s books will be available for purchase.
https://zenithbookstore.com/events/2542220250508
Poetry Reading and Book Signing with Jan Chronister
May 10, 2025 from 2pm-4pm at Foxes & Fireflies Bookstore, 1401 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI
Join award-winning poets Jan Chronister of Maple and Peggy Trojan of Brule as they read poetry inspired by their mothers (and more) the day before Mother’s Day. There will be plenty of time to share stories and chat about poetry.
For more information: https://www.foxesfirefliesbooksellers.com/
Book Club with Erin: Why Fish Don’t Exist
May 12, 2025 from 6pm-7pm at Honest Dog Books, 38 S 2nd St, Bayfield, WI
Join Erin at Honest Dog Books in this month’s book club pick, Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life by Lulu Miller. Snacks provided.
Politics & Prose Book Club with Charly Ray
May 14, 2025 from 7pm-8:30pm at Honest Dog Books, 38 S 2nd St, Bayfield, WI
Join Charly Ray in a monthly book discussion on politics and democracy. Everyone is welcome. RSVP to help us plan (but not required). While we’d love to have you purchase the books from us, mostly we want you there. If you do purchase the book from us, we’ll include a drink at our discussion.
Author’s Visit: Gregory Opstad
May 15, 2025 from 6pm-7pm at Cloquet Public Library 320 15th Street Cloquet, MN
The Cloquet Public Library will be hosting a book release party for Gregory Opstad’s new collection, The Seasons. In poems and short stories, The Seasons is a love-letter to the Minnesota North Woods. From boyhood memories to a mid-winter blizzard, The Seasons tells of a life before cell phones, children playing on a lakeshore unaware of the dangers around them, and an old man who lived through it all. The beauty of this place is shown through images of bears, trees, berries, and ships anchored in a cloud.
Writers’ Monthly Get Together
May 17, 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.
Chasing Wildflowers Tea w/ Phyllis Root & Kelly Povo
May 17, 2025 from 1pm-3pm at The Tasting Room 313 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN
Zenith Bookstore is delighted to invite you to our Chasing Wildflowers Tea at the beautiful Tasting Room on Saturday, May 17th 1-3pm. All flower lovers are welcome! We will be celebrating the newly released book Chasing Wildflowers: An Adventurous Guide to Finding Minnesota’s Native Flowers in Their Unique Habitats by author Phyllis Root and photographer Kelly Povo. This is a ticketed event. Space is limited and tickets must be purchased by Monday, May 12th at noon. Invite your friends and family! This makes a perfect Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or birthday gift!
Publication launch for Tree Trek: A Daughter’s Walk Through Grief by Stephanie Mirocha
May 22, 2025 from 7pm-8pm at Northland Arboretum, 14250 Conservation Dr., Brainerd, MN
Publication launch for Tree Trek: A Daughter’s Walk Through Grief: A Memoir written and illustrated by Sephanie Mirocha.
Book Signing: Maria Rose Vollom for The Great Sheep Escape
May 24, 2025 from 11am-1pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 Central Ave., Duluth, MN
Zenith Bookstore is delighted to welcome Maria Rose Vollom who will sign copies of her debut children’s book The Great Sheep Escape: Brad’s Big Adventure.
Inspired by true events, Maria initially covered Brad’s story on Fox 21 Local News. After meeting the clever sheep, she felt compelled to share his journey in a fun and fable-like way through a book.
Karen Babine Presents The Allure of Elsewhere
May 29, 2025 from 7pm-8:30pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave., Duluth, MN
Zenith Bookstore welcomes award-winning author Karen Babine, who will present her new book The Allure of Elsewhere: A Memoir of Going Solo (Milkweed Editions).
In her mid-thirties and happily single, Karen Babine hitches up her tiny Scamp camper and sets out with her two unenthusiastic cats, Galway and Maeve, on a journey from her home in Minnesota to Nova Scotia to explore the place where her French-Acadian ancestors settled in North America some four centuries ago.
Award-winning Author Kent Nerburn presents Lone Dog Road
May 30, 2025 from 7pm-8:30pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN
Zenith Bookstore is thrilled to welcome two-time Minnesota Book Award winner Kent Nerburn, who will present his new novel Lone Dog Road (New World Library).
During the drought-stricken summer of 1950, two Lakota boys, ages eleven and six, huddle in a boxcar hurtling through the prairie night as they run from a government agent sent to take the younger boy to an Indian boarding school. But what begins as a pursuit soon becomes a complex drama of intersecting lives as the boys make their way across the vast Dakota plains to the pipestone quarries of western Minnesota to replace their great-grandfather’s channunpa, or sacred pipe, that was broken by the agent.
Meet & Greet with Stephanie Mirocha: Tree Trek: A Daughter’s Walk Through Grief
May 31, 2025 from 1pm-3pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN
Zenith Bookstore is excited to welcome artist, children’s author/illustrator, and nature author Stephanie Mirocha on Saturday, May 31st 1-3pm. Stephanie will talk one-on-one with guests and personally autograph her book, Tree Trek: A Daughter’s Walk through Grief.
In this memoir, Stephanie Mirocha weaves a blend of botany, philosophy, personal reflections, and healing through nature from grief after the loss of her father. Trees provide the backdrop of friendly support she clings to as she revives her father’s educational Tree Trek. She “speaks for the trees,” bringing enthusiasm to the treks she leads. Each chapter focuses on the science of a different tree, connecting the reader with the beauty of nature, and the vitality that comes from listening to the guiding wisdom of one’s inner voice.
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
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/.
No Book? No Problem – You Can Still Be a Published Author!
May 9, 2025 at 6:30pm at Foxes & Fireflies Bookstore, 1401 Tower Ave., Superior, WI
Presented by Kim Suhr and Victoria Lynn Smith
When writers think of publishing, they often think book, but there are many ways to be published. Participants will learn about various ways to see their stories, essays, and poems in print, both online and in journals. Plus, they will get an overview of how to find readers who will enjoy their work.
FREE! But registration required https://redoakwriting.wildapricot.org/event-6074860
Kim Suhr is the author of the story collections Nothing to Lose and Close Call, published by Cornerstone Press at the UW-Stevens Point. Her work has appeared in various journals and won awards, most recently the Jade Ring from Wisconsin Writers Association.
Victoria Lynn Smith has been published in journals. She is a Hal Prize fiction winner. Her first story collection will be published in February 2027 by Cornerstone Press.
Lake Country Journal 2025 Poetry Contest
Submissions due May 31, 2025
Lake Country Journal is pleased to announce our second annual poetry contest, with winners to be published in the Oct/Nov 2025 issue of Lake Country Journal. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top five poems. The theme for the contest is The Sweet Life. Poems will not be disqualified for not addressing the theme, but we appreciate poems that explore the theme, obliquely, directly, or metaphorically. You can find the rules and submit your poems on our website (lakecountryjournal.com). Select “Poetry Contest” under the “Contest” header. We look forward to reading your submissions!
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
WE NEED YOUR STORIES:
We are inviting you to write and submit your TRUE short stories and essays featuring animal mishaps, shenanigans, and conundrums. Tales of pets, farm or zoo animals, or encounters with wildlife are all fair game!
SUBMISSIONS
Check the website to review submissions guidelines and rules and to submit your stories.
LIGHT HUMOR WANTED
Unleash your inner beast. (Preferably one that knows how to format a Word doc).
Our team is looking forward to reading your stories of scales, tails, fur, feathers, and fins! Have a friend or family member with a great story? Share this opportunity and encourage them to submit their stories as well.
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.
KUDOS – News about our members
Dr. Thomas Wayne King, UW-Eau Claire professor emeritus of communication sciences and disorders, authored “First Earth Day” published in the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters Winter-Spring Magazine, 2025. King’s essay recalls his unique, unsettling experiences at the first Earth Day celebration at UW-Madison in April, 1970.
This magazine version is excerpted from King’s longer essay of the same title in his newest anthology, Boots, Blooms, Barks, and Baaas!: A Collection of Tales, Poems, Essays, Lyrics, Anecdotes of Northland Life and Lore. Thomas lives and writes in Solon Springs, WI with author wife, Debra Raye King. Debbi and Tom will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 24, 2025.
https://www.wisconsinacademy.org/magazine/winter-spring-2025/essay/first-earth-day
Dr. Thomas Wayne King, Solon Springs, WI, prepared poems in Michif, a combined language of Plains Cree and Canadian French spoken by Métis people of North America, and in Norn, an ancestral Norse language of the Shetland Isles, for the 19th Annual University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire International Poetry Reading (UWEC IPR), held April 9, 2025. These poems and their related history that Thomas submitted this year were published in the IPR #19 booklet distributed to all attendees. Due to a family death, Thomas was unable to attend this 2025 event.
Jenna Kowaleski‘s (pen name: J. Mackenzie) personal essay, “Delivery Notes,” was awarded 9th Place in the 2024 Writer’s Digest Personal Essay Awards. Her name was published in the May/June issue.
Liz Minette has poems recently published in The Thunderbird Review and The Nemadji Review.
Jim Perlman at Holy Cow! Press is pleased to announce the publication of Tree Trek: A Daughter’s Walk Through Grief, A Memoir by Aitkin, Minnesota author and illustrator Stephanie Mirocha. These intimate portraits of trees are a balm that heals grief.
In this memoir, Stephanie Mirocha weaves a blend of botany, philosophy, personal reflections, and healing through nature from grief after the loss of her father. Trees provide the backdrop of friendly support she clings to as she revives her father’s educational Tree Trek. She “speaks for the trees,” bringing enthusiasm to the treks she leads. Each chapter focuses on the science of a different tree, connecting the reader with the beauty of nature, and the vitality that comes from listening to the guiding wisdom of one’s inner voice.
132 pages, perfect bound, $18.00. Available through local indie bookstores, amazon.com, and http://www.holycowpress.org
Deborah Rasmussen’s chapbook, Always Room for Interpretation, will be released by Finishing Line Press on July 11, 2025. She has previously published poems in various journals including The Thunderbird Review, The Talking Stick, and Barstow & Grand. Her work has also appeared on Rattle Poets Respond®, on Lake Superior Writers’ website as poetry winner of the annual writing contest in 2021 and in the anthology Bringing Joy: a Local Literary Welcome published by Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, 2021. This is her first chapbook. It is available to pre-order now through May 16 by visiting:
https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/always-room-for-interpretation-by-deborah-rasmussen/
The Thunderbird Review 2025 accepted Lynn Watson’s short story “Baby Alice” for publication. The Nemadji Review 2025 accepted three poems, “Cemetery: City Under the Sod”, “Cruisin’ in Abecedarian”, and “When Heaven Came Down”.
In April, Molly Wick had her craft essay titled “The Evolving Shapes of Chronic Illness Stories” published on the Brevity Blog (https://brevity.wordpress.com/2025/04/24/evolving-shapes-of-illness-stories) and had her humor essay titled “Friendly, Happy, Loyal Therapist Wanted!” published on Little Old Lady Comedy (https://www.littleoldladycomedy.com/all-works/friendly-happy-loyal-therapist-wanted).
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 Emily Gaarder by Phoebe Diez
Lake Superior Writers 