Writer's Block

Illustrating ‘The Bear and His Daughter’

May 16th, 2018

“Mother” a red mother bear with a white baby bear - by Christina JohnsonThree years ago, the children’s book “Peter the Slug” was self-published by local author Peter Schultz. Today, under the name Peter Fane, that same author has released “The Blind Dragon” and “The Bear and His Daughter,” both part of the Canon of Tarn series.

These books have a sizeable following, due to successful readings and book signings at several local businesses. Most recently, there was a reading and book giveaway last Tuesday at the Creative Plains Foundation.

Now…

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​FM celebrates Independent Bookstore Day

April 25th, 2018

Four local authors will be making appearances at Zandbroz Variety for this year’s celebration of Independent Bookstore Day. 

In addition to providing free donuts and coffee, the store will offer limited edition items and chances to win prizes.

At 11 a.m., Alicia Underlee Nelson will be there to answer questions and sign copies of her book, North Dakota Beer: A Heady History. Printed by Arcadia Publishing as part of their American Palate series, this book is a chronicle of North Dakota's…

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​Danielle Teigen: ‘Hidden History of Fargo’ presentation

March 21st, 2018

On Tuesday the 27th, local author and journalist Danielle Teigen will give a presentation at Fargo Public Library on her book, “Hidden History of Fargo,” published by The History Press last August. This will be free and open to the public, with copies of the book available for purchase.

“Hidden History” focuses on influential figures in Fargo’s history, ranging from farmers, ranchers, and business tycoons. This includes the founders of the Forum, the first men to cross the Red…

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​A wealth of information: NDSU Archives to host open house

February 7th, 2018

Figure drawing at NDSU - photograph courtesy of NDSU ArchivesThe NDSU archives look unassuming enough, located in a large warehouse near the interstate in the warehouse district in Fargo, but once inside one will discover a treasure trove of information. “We have over 20,000 books on the history of North Dakota, covering every topic you can think of. We do specialize in town and county histories, biographies, histories of various businesses... We cover a really wide array of subjects from North Dakota.” Says Trista Raezer-Stursa, head of the…

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​Local author to give presentation on North Dakota’s beer history

January 17th, 2018

Alicia Underlee NelsonNext Thursday, West Fargo author Alicia Underlee Nelson will give a presentation on North Dakota history at the Fargo Public Library; specifically, the history of our state's beer industry, as detailed in her book, North Dakota Beer: A Heady History. Nelson's book chronicles North Dakota's journey toward becoming the nation's biggest producer of malted barley, and the many setbacks along the way. North Dakota was admitted into the Union as a dry state in August of 1889, with a deadline…

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Winter reading assignment: North Dakota’s geologic legacy

November 29th, 2017

John Bluemle’s new book, “North Dakota’s Geologic Legacy” (actually published in 2016 and now in its second printing), is the culmination of a career of more than 40 years he spent with the North Dakota Geological Survey, researching all facets of North Dakota’s geology, and carrying the title of State Geologist.

It’s his fourth in a series of books designed, as he says, “for physical and armchair travelers.” His earlier work, “The Face of North Dakota,” comprised…

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Reading, book signing: former ND poet laureate Mark Vinz

November 24th, 2017

On Sunday, Mark Vinz will be at Zandbroz Variety to read from and sign copies of his latest book of poetry, “Man of the House: Scenes from a ’50s Childhood.” This autobiographical collection was published by MSUM’s New Rivers Press, while the book cover was designed by intern Mandi Wahl, a graphic design major with a minor in art.

Vinz previously read from “Man of the House” at the latest New Rivers Press book launch on November 9th. This took place in the Livingston Lord…

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Poetry reading: Rag Talk

November 17th, 2017

This Friday will be the last chance to take part in a poetry reading hosted by The Poetry Rag and the Drumconrath Brewing Company in Mapleton. Rag Talk has been held every Friday since October 20 and is free and open to the public.

In addition to scheduled readers, there will be an open mic period for anyone wanting to participate. Participants are free to bring poetry, short stories, or works of creative nonfiction, and enjoy the varieties of craft beer.

The Poetry Rag has been in…

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​One book, one community

October 18th, 2017

The Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo Public Libraries have once again teamed up for the One Book, One Community Program. Last year’s selection was ‘The Latehomecomer,’ by St. Paul author Kao Kalia Yang. The selection prior was ‘Fractured Land: The Price of Inheriting Oil,’ by Minneapolis author Lisa Westberg Peters.

This year the book they’ve selected is ‘Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet,’ winner of the 2010 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. On Tuesday…

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​Dark glasses darkly comedic

September 27th, 2017

Last week in the back room of Zandbroz Variety, local author Dan Hendrickson read from and signed copies of his latest book, Dark Glasses, a collection of short, absurdist, darkly comedic poems.

Prior to reading, Hendrickson gave his audience a preview of his self-deprecating sense of humor. Of his poems, he admitted, “Some of them will probably work, some will not. I like to say they’re kind of like bugs hitting a windshield, so if one splatters and doesn’t go anywhere, just hit…

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