Tracker Pixel for Entry

​Sena Jeter Naslund to visit Fargo

Writer's Block | October 10th, 2013

By Lauren Beek

The bestselling author of “Ahab’s Wife,” Sena Jeter Naslund, will visit Fargo on Oct. 17 through the 19 for a variety of events hosted by the Plains Art Museum and North Dakota State University.

Along with Melville’s “Moby-Dick,” Jeter Naslund’s novel “Ahab’s Wife” inspired artist T. L. Solien during the creation of his newest work, “Toward the Setting Sun.” This collection is currently on exhibit at the Plains Art Museum, where the opening reception with Jeter Naslund will take place on Oct. 17 at 5:30 pm.

“Sena Jeter Naslund takes a female character only mentioned twice in “Moby-Dick” and builds a tale of epic proportions about a woman whose passionate engagement with the world matches her husband’s, but with less disastrous consequences,” said Colleen Sheehy, museum director and CEO. “This fictional character was so captivating that T.L. Solien made Ahab’s wife the centerpiece of his new body of work.”

Directly after the reception, all are welcome at NDSU’s Barry Hall to hear Jeter Naslund speak.

“The highlight of the author's visit will be Sena Jeter Naslund's public talk at Barry Hall … she will read from her writing and talk about her craft,” said Kelly Sassi, assistant professor of English and Education of NDSU.

Other events over the course of the weekend include a book signing at Zandbroz on Friday, Oct. 18 and a “Writing Workshop for Teachers” on Oct. 19 at the Plains.

“The workshop will be an opportunity for teachers to practice their writing under the guidance of Naslund. Writing workshops with authors are a lot of fun in that authors usually have inviting and surprising writing prompts and activities to engage writers with their own craft. Also, there are opportunities to ask questions and find out more about the author's individual style and working habits,” Sassi explained.

And for any students interested in writing, don’t miss the Red River Valley Writing Project’s National Day on Writing on Oct. 20 at the Plains.

“Both these writing events use literature and visual art as starting points for inspiring original written works,” Sassi said. “We are excited and honored to have an author of Sena’s stature lead the workshop and share insights on her craft.”

Jeter Naslund’s visit is supported in part through a grant from the North Dakota Humanities Council. All events are free and open to the public (the writing workshop for teachers requires registration).

IF YOU GO:

Thursday, Oct. 17

5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Author’s Reception at Plains Art Museum, 704 1st Ave. N., Fargo

7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Author’s Reading at NDSU Barry Hall, 811 2nd Ave. N., Fargo

Friday, Oct. 18

5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Book signing at Zandbroz, 420 Broadway, Fargo

Saturday, Oct. 19

9:00 a.m. – Noon, Writing Workshop for Teachers, Plains Art Museum Registration required, contact Kelly Sassi at kelly.sassi@ndsu.edu

Sunday, Oct. 20


2:00 – 4:00 p.m., National Day on Writing, Plains Art Museum

INFO: All events are free and open to the public, www.plainsart.org/visit/public-programs or www.321fm.org/events.

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee NelsonMore than 1,000 pro-worker events are planned for Thursday, May 1 across the country, including rallies in Fargo-Moorhead, Grand Forks, Minot and Jamestown. East Grand Forks and Bismarck will host protests…

From concerts and car shows to Japanese art and Juneteenth celebrations, there's so much going on around the region this summer. This year's High Plains Reader Summer Events Calendar is back and bigger than ever. It's packed with…

Saturday, May 24, 7 p.m.The Aquarium above Dempsey’s, 226 N. Broadway, FargoBe a part of a 20+ year tradition: ten bands enter The Aquarium and just one leaves with the ultimate prize — 300 cans of Hamm’s beer and the coveted…

By John Strandjas@hpr1.com One description that perhaps aptly describes the mental state of many lately is that they feel they are attached to a string. Or several strings. Call it the notion that people are played like puppets,…

By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comPerhaps it was by IVF — the Know-Nothings are “concepting” notzeesIn the middle of the 19th century the Republican Party morphed to the Know-Nothing Party for a short time. Members quickly…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com After a very inspiring conversation with Kayla Houchin of Sonder Bakehouse a few weeks ago, I decided that it’s an appropriate time to write a column about some of the sweet people who are involved…

Mooncats and Pert Near Sandstone play Empire TheatreBy Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comThe MoonCats describe themselves as “Americonscious Campfire Folk.” They have a clear acoustic folk sound with a sense of whimsy — think…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.com Of the many photographs that help tell the story “I Know Catherine, the Log Lady,” the one of David Lynch dressed as FBI Regional Bureau Chief (and later Deputy Director) Gordon Cole saying…

By Raul Gomez Modern Man was a gentle soul. If you were down or just wanted a friend, he’d be there for you. I remember the first day I met Modern Man. It was Jeremiah Fuglseth and me. He wanted to write about this legendary…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comHigh Plains Reader had the opportunity to interview two mysterious new game show hosts named Milt and Bradley Barker about an upcoming event they will be putting on at Brewhalla. What…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

By Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com There appear to be differences in the incidence of mental illnesses between men and women. For example, women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, post-traumatic stress…

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson.nd7@gmail.com Our trucking business has me driving almost daily from gas plants in western North Dakota's oil patch to Canada. I haul natural gas liquids (NGLs) products we used to see flared off at…