Letters from 7th Graders
I’ve received a couple of packets of letters from Forestview seventh graders who attended my presentations and read ABERCROMBIE TRAIL as an English project. What fun to hear their responses. My very favorite is from a student who compliments me on my presentation and then admits that he was absent that day! Another student said […]
Lake Region Review Reading
I just got back from doing a reading with the Lake Region Review participants in Fergus Falls. There’s something about hearing a writer read her work. I especially enjoyed hearing Mark Vinz read his poetry published in this year’s Lake Region Review.
St. Francis School Presentation
It is always more stressful for me to speak to kids than adults. I felt anxiety about speaking to the 5th and 6th graders at St. Francis School yesterday. It all turned out well. The students were respectful and interested in learning about the research process needed for writing historical fiction. I had a great […]
Danish Sisterhood
Last Saturday I enjoyed attending the Brainerd Danish Sisterhood meeting. Its purpose is to promote Danish culture and heritage–since my father was Danish, I certainly meet the criteria. It’s funny. I walked into the room of Danish women and although I was a stranger, felt immediately at home. Although I have identified mostly with my […]
450 Seventh Graders at Forestview Middle School
This week I spent a day at Forestview Middle School in Baxter talking about my research and writing with the seventh grade English classes. What a great bunch of kids! The Camp Ripley Military Museum graciously loaned civil war reproduction relics to be used with my presentations. The students loved seeing the types of clothing […]
Cold Spring Chapel
Yesterday a friend and I visited Assumption Chapel in Cold Spring, Minnesota. I’m researching the 1870s grasshopper plagues and the history of this chapel is fascinating. Situated overlooking the Sauk River, the Chapel stands as testimony of the way God delivered Minnesota from the locusts. If you drive through Cold Spring, don’t forget to stop […]
Brown County Libraries
This week I’m speaking at libraries in Brown County: Sleepy Eye, Comfrey, Hanska, Springfield, and New Ulm. I’ve not visited some of these towns before and so it’s a new adventure. This is where the worst of the 1862 Sioux Uprising took place and interest for my historical novels is high. We’re staying in a […]
Lake Region Review Fiction Award
What a nice surprise to learn that my short story, MILDRED HANSEL, received the Fiction Award in this year’s Lake Region Review. MILDRED HANSEL is part of a collection of short stories set in1940s rural Minnesota. I grew up in a township where the only public buildings were one room school houses and the church. […]
Hostfest 2011
Last week I attended the Minot, ND, Scandinavian Hostfest. What a delight to meet people from all over the world who share Scandinavian roots and a passion for Scandinavian culture. You may have seen me manning my table in the Book Room. Thanks to all of you who stopped by to say hello and to […]
Sense of Place
This past weekend I attended the Dalton Threshing Bee. You might have seen me in one of the craft buildings. Hot weather didn’t dampen the spirits of those interested in harvesting methods of days gone by. I was pleased with the enthusiastic response to my historical novels set in that beautiful area of Minnesota. It […]