Writer's Block

Vinz’s “Permanent Record”

October 15th, 2015

Interview with Mark Vinz about his new poetry collection

Although it’s getting close to a decade since local poet Mark Vinz retired from his position as professor of English at MSUM, his literary output is still going strong. Earlier this year Vinz’s newest collection of poetry, “Permanent Record and Other Poems,” was published through Red Dragonfly Press. He will give a reading of his new work and sign books at Zandbroz Variety in Fargo at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18.

Later this…

Local author releases children’s book

October 2nd, 2015

A little over three weeks ago, local author Peter Schultz released his first children’s book, “Peter the Slug and the Great Forest Race,” illustrated by his friend and colleague Ann Solyst and published by his own independent company, Silver Goat Media.

The book centers on a slug named Peter who dreams of running in the Great Forest Race. But, he is discouraged by the other animals from participating, because, as they tell him, “Slugs always finish last.” The story provides a…

‘Approximately Improvised’ at the Red Raven

September 25th, 2015

‘On Wednesday, Sept. 30, poet Kevin Zepper and musician Roger Gress will hold a dual poetry reading/drum solo show at the Red Raven, starting at 7:30 p.m. The title of this show is “Approximately Improvised,” as they plan on improvising a portion of the performance.

For over two years, Zepper, an English professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead, has collaborated with local pianist Terrie Manno as part of their project entitled Lines and Notes. Most recently, they performed…

Poet Ladan Osman to visit MSUM

September 25th, 2015

The Tom McGrath Visiting Writers Series will be hosting a reading with poet Ladan Osman on the Library Porch at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Starting at 4:30 p.m., on Sept. 29, this event will be free and open to the public.

Osman was born in Somalia and earned a BA at Otterbein University and an MFA at the University of Texas at Austin’s Michener Center for Writers. Her poetry has appeared in multiple literary journals, as well as former Poet Laureate Ted Kooser’s syndicated…

A night at the Herbst

September 24th, 2015

For many people in the Fargo-Moorhead area, especially the younger crowd, the name “Herbst” probably doesn’t ring a bell. For older generations however, that name likely calls to mind the Herbst Department Store, a former downtown Fargo retail hub that helped define the F-M community for nearly 90 years.

Now thanks to a new book from Arcadia Publishing, the Herbst heyday has a new life.

On the evening of Thursday, Sept. 24, NDSU archivists Trista Raezer-Stursa and John Hallberg will…

Not your ordinary poetry reading

September 17th, 2015

by M. Koskela

For sister duo Shari Lindsley and Jessica Lindsley, poetry has always played a part in their lives. Aside from growing up writing and taking creative writing classes together, they grew up powerlifting. They are also currently competitive powerlifters in Minnesota and North Dakota, often taking 1st and 2nd place and lifting 330 pounds. Shari says that powerlifting for her means that “If you can lift that amount of weight you can do anything, you are infinitely more…

Sen. Amy Klobuchar in Fargo for Book Signing

August 26th, 2015

On Sunday, Aug. 30, Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s book tour for her memoir “The Senator Next Door” will be passing through Fargo, specifically at Barnes and Noble on 42nd Street SW.

The reading and book signing will begin at 3:30 p.m. Soon after, Klobuchar will head out to Duluth for a reading on Monday night, followed by another at Edina on Wednesday, and finally Rochester on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Recently published by Henry Holt and Co., “The Senator Next Door” chronicles the obstacles…

A book’s look at the boom

August 26th, 2015

One Book, One Community offers nonfiction read on N.D. oil issues

Photo courtesy of Jack Dura Hundreds of miles away from the Bakken region, Fargo residents have had the chance to witness their state's oil industry in visual art and performance theater this year. And now in literature.

The public libraries of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo have teamed up for the fourth straight year for One Book, One Community, the reading program connecting the three cities over one book. This year's selection, "Fractured Land:…

Tea Time Book Club to discuss “Station Eleven”

August 26th, 2015

On Monday, Aug. 31, Fargo’s local Tea Time Book Club will be meeting to discuss “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel. The discussion will take place at the Dr. James Carlson Library on 32nd Avenue S, with tea and desserts provided. No registration is necessary.

“Station Eleven” tells the story of Kirsten Raymonde, a theater-goer who witnesses a famed actor dying of a heart attack during his performance in “King Lear.” Soon after, a flu pandemic wipes out most of North…

Q&A with Juliann Rich

August 5th, 2015

Minneapolis-based author signing books at FM Pride

Juliann Rich is an award-winning Minneapolis-based author. She currently has three novels under her belt: “Caught in the Crossfire,” “Searching for Grace” and “Taking the Stand.” They are a trilogy that chronicles the love of two young boys at Bible camp.

Rich will conduct a meet and greet through the Affirmative Faith Community at this year’s FM Pride in the Park.

HPR: Can you please tell us about the affirmative faith…