The November NorthWords includes:
Notes from the Board Room
Sometimes, what isn’t good writing is easier to judge than what is.
Take my first-ever poem, penned in first grade, with the memorable lines:
“First you take a little egg,
Then it gets some little legs.”
Perfect lines, except one ends on a singular noun and the other on a plural. OK, that isn’t the most cringe-worthy notable, but hey, I was 6.
My poetry, before it petered out of me completely in favor of news reporting and occasional fiction, went from nature (the two lines above are about the life journey of a butterfly) to religion. In later elementary school and into early junior high school – aka middle school for you youngsters – I wrote poems of praise. Again, they were heartfelt … and easy to spot as grade A for enthusiasm and grade D for technique. Yet at least one of my aunties framed and posted them on her wall.
That ease of judging was not the case for the volunteer reading teams that judged the Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards, fondly known as NEMBA. Choosing among the nominations is a task these teams took on with integrity, good will and backgrounds in the age categories and in writing. This note is my chance to publicly thank them for their hard work and team spirit.
My thanks, too, to the writers who made the nominations and to those who nominated them. See the full category of NEMBA nominees on the website.
On Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1-3 p.m., we all get the chance to celebrate our authors and publishers and the books they created. The FREE event will be in The St. Louis County Depot in the Great Room. There will be snacks and sweets from Catering by Bellisio’s, one of our sponsors. This year, one of our many bookshop partners, the Bookstore at Fitger’s will be on hand to sell; many authors also will sell and sign books. The Friends of the Duluth, Library, PBS North and our operating grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (and thanks to the voters of Minnesota!) have all partnered with us to make this free, public celebration possible.
Lee Radzak, former keeper of the Split Rock Lighthouse, whose memoir “The View From Split Rock: A Lighthouse Keeper’s Life” won the 2022 NEMBA award for memoir, will be keynote speaker. As the resident site manager of the Split Rock Lighthouse historic site, Radzak and his family lived 36 years at the remote site on the cliff overlooking Lake Superior. Among his legacy from those years is the annual Nov. 10 commemoration of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald with the lighting of the Split Rock beacon. He will be present for that ceremony this year.
Our newest Lake Superior Writers board member, Dr. Kevin A. Quarmby, an associate professor and Rose Warner Endowed Professor of English at The College of St. Scholastica, will host. You’ll love his southern Minnesota accent, not to mention his wit.
See you on the Sunday … and I promise NOT to read any of my poetry.
– Konnie LeMay, chair on the Lake Superior Writers Board
Lake Superior Writers News & Events
Virtual Writers’ Cafe
November 8 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. 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.
NEMBA Awards Ceremony
November 9 at from 1pm-3pm
On Sunday, Nov. 9, Lake Superior Writers and its partners will celebrate excellence in regional writing
with announcement of the winners of the Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards from 1-3 p.m. at The
Depot in Duluth. Lee Radzak, former keeper of the Split Rock Lighthouse, whose memoir “The View From Split Rock: A Lighthouse Keeper’s Life” won the 2022 NEMBA award for memoir, will be keynote speaker.
Writing Circles
Writing Circles are where writers of a particular genre like general fiction, memoir, fantasy, mystery and more can gather together to talk about writing and get feedback on their works-in-progress! We will be announcing new Writing Circles as volunteer leaders organize their groups. If you are interested in starting a Writing Circle — either online or in person in the region — please email writers@lakesuperiorwriters.org.
Literary Events
All Souls Night Poetry
November 8 at 6pm at Clyde Iron Works, 2920 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN
Poetry Reading and Open Mic
Boozy Bookfair
November 8 from 11am-4pm at Ursa Minor Brewing, 2415 W Superior St., Duluth, MN
Join Zenith Bookstore as we remember those old-fashioned Book Fairs from our school days. We’ll have plenty of specially curated books of all kinds to purchase, plus a couple fun surprises.
Storytime with Special Guest Kathy Levine
November 9 from 11am to 11:30am at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave., Duluth, MN
Looking for something fun to do with your little ones? Join us for Zenith Bookstore’s monthly Storytime! On the 2nd Sunday of each month, we’ll have a special time dedicated to kids – kindergarten and under. In November, retired teacher and grandmother, Kathy Levine will be our special guest. The theme is thankfulness. We will sing songs with Kathy as she plays her guitar, read some fun books, make a craft, and have a special treat. This is a free, family-friendly time to cuddle up with your favorite blanket or stuffed animal and invite your friends!
Meet & Greet Signing: Linda LeGarde Grover – A Song Over Miskwaa Rapids
November 15 from 1pm-3pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave., Duluth, MN
Zenith Bookstore is delighted to welcome award-winning, Duluth author Linda LeGarde Grover for a meet and greet on Saturday, November 15th 1-3 PM. Linda will sign and share one-on-one with guests the paperback release of her novel A Song Over Miskwaa Rapids (University of Minnesota Press).
When a rock is dislodged from its slope by mischievous ancestors, the past rises to meet the present, and Half-Dime Hill gives up a gruesome secret it has kept for half a century. Some people of Mozhay Point have theories about what happened; others know—and the discovery stirs memories long buried, reviving a terrible story yet to be told. A fifty-year-old mystery converges with a present-day struggle over family, land, and history.
Holiday Grandparents’ Day!
November 16, 2025 from 4pm-7pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave., Duluth, MN
Join Zenith Bookstore for a very special day JUST for grandparents! On Sunday, November 16th, we are extending our hours to 4-7 PM to host our first Holiday Grandparent’s Day. Settle in for a cozy, quieter, less-rushed shopping experience with personal shoppers, hand-curated, age-appropriate book suggestions, delicious treats, wine, and more!
Audiobook Q&A with Narrator Cassandra Medcalf
November 18 at 6pm at Duluth Public Library, Green Room, 520 West Superior St., Duluth, MN
Ever been curious about audiobook narration? How exactly do narrators record audiobooks, and how does one get from words on a page to voices in your ears? Come to this free demo with professional audiobook narrator Cassandra Medcalf, where she explains the ins and outs of audiobook production and answers all your burning questions!
Reception & Signing with Naturalist Emily Stone
November 29 from 2pm-4pm at Honest Dog Books, 40 S 2nd St., Bayfield, WI
Naturalist Emily Stone will be joining us for Small Business Saturday with her latest book Natural Connection 3.As the Naturalist/Education Director at the Cable Natural History Museum in Cable, Wisconsin, Emily writes a weekly “Natural Connections” column published in more than twenty local and regional newspapers. She has earned several Excellence in Craft awards from the Outdoor Writers Association of America.
Zenith Bookstore’s Small Business Saturday!
November 29 from 10am-7pm at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N Central Ave., Duluth, MN
Join Zenith Bookstore for one of the biggest days of the year! Saturday, November 29th is Small Business Saturday, a time to support community and shopping local. Zenith will celebrate all day 10-7 PM with authors, hot chocolate, cookies, and Advanced Reader Copy giveaways. Plus, we will donate 10% of our sales to the Interfaith Committee for Migrant Justice. You will also be able to check out our Holiday Catalog and get the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
Author Meet & Greet Schedule:
11-1 PM: Tashia Hart – Girl Unreserved
1-3 PM: Jay Martel – Codebreaker
3-5 PM: Margi Preus – Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies
Book Signing – Bookstore at Fitger’s
November 30 from 11am to 1pm at the Bookstore at Fitger’s, 600 East Superior St., Duluth, MN
Shelley Getten will be signing copies of her book, Of Cows and Crows, (Nodin Press 2024) (218) 727-9077 for more information.
Opportunities
FDLTCC’s Thunderbird Review Accepting Submissions
Submissions accepted October 15-December 15
FDLTCC’s Thunderbird Review is accepting submissions from October 15-December 15. Visit the FDLTCC’s Thunderbird Review page on our website for more information. https://fdltcc.edu/community-engagement/thunderbird-press/the-thunderbird-review/
Writers’ Monthly Get Together
November 15 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.
Writing Poetry in Nature with Shelley Getten
November 16 from 1pm-3pm in Two Harbors
Along the Knife River in Two Harbors, experience nature as muse through guided observation, writing prompts, and quiet time outdoors. Reflect, write, and share as you develop poems rooted in the natural world. There will be group reflection and time to share your work. Instruction takes place in a warm cabin but dress appropriately to be outdoors for some writing time. Register here: https://www.gettencreative.com/shop/p/writing-poetry-in-nature-afternoon-retreatworkshop
Exhibit at the North Shore Readers & Writers Festival
November 5-8, 2025 in Grand Marais
Invitation to exhibit at the North Shore Readers & Writers Festival hosted by the Grand Marais Art Colony
Gentle Yoga and Writing in the Lotus Studio
November 6, 2025 from 5pm-6:30pm at Svälja Whole-Being 16 1/2 N 1st Ave. W., Duluth, MN
The class will begin with Gentle Yoga guided by Melissa 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, the writing prompt will be guided by guest writer, Felicia Schneiderhan.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.svalja.yoga/schedule
Felicia is a Duluth-based writer, editor, and teacher. She’s especially interested in the connections between physical engagement in the world and creative inspiration—which is why she loves the yoga/writing class and is excited to guest lead the writing prompt.
U.P. Reader Accepting Submissions
Deadline: November 10, 2025
Time is running out for writers to submit to the 10th anniversary edition of the U.P. Reader. Send us your original stories, poems, memoir, humor, and genre fiction up to 5,000 words. Our jury welcomes all themes and topics, although they prefer material related to life in the Northwoods. Each edition appears in paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audiobook simultaneously. Those selected receive a comp copy and ability to purchase additional copies at half retail price. Hurry, deadline to submit is November 10, 2025. Submission requirements available on UPReader.org site.
Minnesota Digital Library Creative Writing Contest
Deadline: November 30, 2025
Ever imagined what it would be like to live in the past? Now is your chance to write about it.
In honor of our 20th anniversary, the Minnesota Digital Library (MDL) is hosting a creative writing contest based on historical content found in our digital collections. Using any item in the MDL collections as a prompt, participants will write a fictional short story, poem, or other creative piece and share it using this online submission form. Winners will be chosen from youth and adult categories, and the winning stories will be published in a special online exhibit on MDL’s website. The deadline to enter is November 30, 2025.
KUDOS – News about our members
Marion Agnew and her novel, Making Up the Gods, received the City of Thunder Bay’s Arts and Heritage Award in the Literature category. Designed to “honour the people and organizations who shape Thunder Bay’s vibrant cultural landscape,” the award celebration was held October 23. More information: https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/news/2025-arts-heritage-award-winners-announced.aspx
Angela Greenman’s debut action thriller debut, The Child Riddler, recently won a 2025 NYC Big Book Award for Action Adventure and is currently shortlisted in the Chanticleer International’s 2025 Global Thriller Award contest. Also, in August the first fifty pages of her second book, The Invisible Predator, won two Killer Nashville 2025 Claymore Awards: 1st Runner up for Best Unpublished Manuscript and Best Action Adventure. Her website is: angelagreenman.com
Katharine Johnson‘s Born Under the Blazing Comet—the sequel to Born in a Red Canoe(Finalist for the Minnesota book Award) is finally published and available through Amazon !
Dr. Thomas Wayne King, UW-Eau Claire professor emeritus of speech, language and hearing sciences, moderated presentations about Sandhill Cranes by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Educator, Lauren Thomas of Crex Meadows preserve, Grantsberg, WI, and authors/naturalists Marty Harding and Gary Noren of Green Lake, MN, creators of new book FAM. King also presented two of his original poems about Sandhill cranes, citing their unique vocalizations, for the October 21, 2025 Zoom session of NWW LIVE! for North Woods and Waters of the St. Croix. NWW is based in Taylors Falls, MN. Viewers in Wisconsin and Minnesota participated. North Woods and Waters seeks designation by the U.S. National Park Service of the St. Croix River Watersheds of MN and WI as a combined National Heritage Area. Authors Tomas and Debra King live and write in Solon Springs,WI.
A new edition of Anne Stewart’s children’s book, I Saw a Moose Today, published in 2007 by Raven Productions, (illustrated by Brent Spink) has been released by Beaverspond Press. You can order the book, distributed by Itasca Books, through your local book seller.
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 Margi Preus
Lake Superior Writers 