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Talking Stick 25 Book Release Party

Hi Everyone,

Thanks to all who attended our book release party for our 25^th Talking Stick. We had a new location and a great day. The day started off with a fun workshop with Faith Sullivan. We listened and wrote, laughed and learned. Following the workshop, we had a fabulous catered lunch from Hilltop Inn of Hubbard.

Then more and more writers arrived to pick up their Talking Stick books. We were fortunate enough to have several of the Jackpine Writers’ Bloc founding members in attendance. We got to visit with Florence Witkop, Norma Thorstad Knapp, Linda Henry, Carolyn Spangler, and Deane Johnson. Linda Henry told us the story of the group’s beginnings and thanked us for taking care of her baby.

First we announced the winners of the poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction genres and had them read their winning pieces. Then we listened to many other readings from the book. Much laughter and enjoyment.

Our 25^th book celebrates those determined writers who first formed the JWB. The book contains the work of our current members as well as reprinted favorites from the founders of The Jackpine Writers’ Bloc.

The JWB was founded over twenty years ago by a group of people who loved to write and wanted to get published. They created the first volumes of The Talking Stick, starting out small and using various local publishers and editors. The book began with poems and stories from just the Park Rapids/Menahga/Nevis area. Our book now includes writers from the whole state of Minnesota as well as writers who have a strong connection to Minnesota.

Thanks again to all who attended, thanks to all who helped with the event, thanks to Faith Sullivan for the excellent workshop. Thanks to The Patio for hosting our event. We are already planning for our next book, #26. We hope to see all of you again next time.