The writers in our group have ranged in diversity throughout all aspects of writing, age and occupation. We set no standards for experience, in our meetings our veterans sit beside our beginners. We extend our welcome to anyone interested in sharing a writing conversation and maybe some of their work. And we offer critique if it is welcomed.
Most days everyone brings something short to read and for those of us that are working on long pieces it is not rare for our member to exchange longer works for deeper critiques.
If you're a writer we hope you'll consider coming our way and sharing your insight and work with us.
Annual Celebration and Workshop 8-11-07:
"Thank you for a wonderful workshop, meal and gathering. It was very sustaining!"
"In addition to the workshop and the superb food, there's an intangible that comes from a day like Saturday. It's like going to a meeting of an organization of people in your profession who understand what you do. You come home with new insight and inspiration. Thank you."
"It was a glorious event! I think the JWB deserves media press--you are a too well-hidden secret in the Lakes Area. Thank you! Thank you!"
"I enjoyed giving the workshop, particularly to such a talented and responsive group. The ability I saw in all the writers there was remarkable. I'm so pleased to have been invited. You're all doing important work; stay with it."
"My sincere appreciation for inviting me to share in your celebration of the 16th Talking Stick. Most impressive was the size of your group, Jackpine Writers' Bloc, positively amazing. And so were the pieces some members read. In light of this, having my submission accepted for this year's Talking Stick, is more than gratifying, it's an honor. Being declared the creative non-fiction 'winner' is more than I could have possibly anticipated, but I'll take it. I enjoyed meeting the group. Kent Krueger's workshop was fun and informative and the lunch was great. Hope to participate in Talking Stick 17. My thanks and appreciation to all Jackpine writers."
JWB Group:
"Thank you for all the e-mails and all of the hard work you do on behalf of Jackpine."
"I've been one of Jackpine's biggest fans since I first submitted a story three years ago. You must have one of the premier writing groups in the country--with your own web site, your classes, your Talking Stick competition, members who seem to have all been published. Thanks again."
"The Jackpine Writers' Bloc changed my life, without them I know I would not have become the writer I am today. I'm afraid my motivation to write would have fallen to the side of everything else."
Book Release Party 11-17-07:
"I understand that initially, you rescued the publication from oblivion. In these short years, you have turned it into a literary journal recognized by writers throughout the state. The website and your coordination with other writers' groups in the area, have made both the publication and the Jackpine Writers not only visible bur respected. This day of celebration and the contact with other writers nurtures all of us. 'My tank is filled.'"
"Thanks to you and the Jackpine Writers for a delightful book release party. It's a treat to hear the writers read their poems and stories. Most of all thanks for publishing The Talking Stick. Volume 16 has an elegant look, as usual. I can only imagine all the time, effort and love you put into the book."
TALKING STICK BOOKS:
"The book is beautiful! A most attractive cover! And, best of all, great reading material. I'm thankful to have been included as a writer."
"Wow!!! Got mine today. They look FANTASTIC!!! Great job. Wasn't expecting anything that professional... It looks beautiful and makes me very proud to be part of this. Many thanks."
"Once again, Talking Stick is an amazing book to look at. The photo is stunning and you continue to outdo yourselves with the poems and stories you choose. It's a quality journal, and I'm always proud to have my name in it."
Most days everyone brings something short to read and for those of us that are working on long pieces it is not rare for our member to exchange longer works for deeper critiques.
If you're a writer we hope you'll consider coming our way and sharing your insight and work with us.
Annual Celebration and Workshop 8-11-07:
"Thank you for a wonderful workshop, meal and gathering. It was very sustaining!"
Anne Morgan, 8-12-07
"In addition to the workshop and the superb food, there's an intangible that comes from a day like Saturday. It's like going to a meeting of an organization of people in your profession who understand what you do. You come home with new insight and inspiration. Thank you."
Niomi Phillips 8-13-07
"It was a glorious event! I think the JWB deserves media press--you are a too well-hidden secret in the Lakes Area. Thank you! Thank you!"
Penny Swan 8-13-07
"I enjoyed giving the workshop, particularly to such a talented and responsive group. The ability I saw in all the writers there was remarkable. I'm so pleased to have been invited. You're all doing important work; stay with it."
Wm Kent Krueger 8-15-07
"My sincere appreciation for inviting me to share in your celebration of the 16th Talking Stick. Most impressive was the size of your group, Jackpine Writers' Bloc, positively amazing. And so were the pieces some members read. In light of this, having my submission accepted for this year's Talking Stick, is more than gratifying, it's an honor. Being declared the creative non-fiction 'winner' is more than I could have possibly anticipated, but I'll take it. I enjoyed meeting the group. Kent Krueger's workshop was fun and informative and the lunch was great. Hope to participate in Talking Stick 17. My thanks and appreciation to all Jackpine writers."
Peter Schwarz 8-12-07
JWB Group:
"Thank you for all the e-mails and all of the hard work you do on behalf of Jackpine."
Jodi Buchan 11-17-07
"I've been one of Jackpine's biggest fans since I first submitted a story three years ago. You must have one of the premier writing groups in the country--with your own web site, your classes, your Talking Stick competition, members who seem to have all been published. Thanks again."
Kathleen Lindstrom 11-30-07
"The Jackpine Writers' Bloc changed my life, without them I know I would not have become the writer I am today. I'm afraid my motivation to write would have fallen to the side of everything else."
Tarah L. Wolff, 12-21-07
Book Release Party 11-17-07:
"I understand that initially, you rescued the publication from oblivion. In these short years, you have turned it into a literary journal recognized by writers throughout the state. The website and your coordination with other writers' groups in the area, have made both the publication and the Jackpine Writers not only visible bur respected. This day of celebration and the contact with other writers nurtures all of us. 'My tank is filled.'"
Niomi Phillips 11-17-07
"Thanks to you and the Jackpine Writers for a delightful book release party. It's a treat to hear the writers read their poems and stories. Most of all thanks for publishing The Talking Stick. Volume 16 has an elegant look, as usual. I can only imagine all the time, effort and love you put into the book."
Louise Bottrell 11-19-07
TALKING STICK BOOKS:
"The book is beautiful! A most attractive cover! And, best of all, great reading material. I'm thankful to have been included as a writer."
Lorna Rafness 11-26-07
"Wow!!! Got mine today. They look FANTASTIC!!! Great job. Wasn't expecting anything that professional... It looks beautiful and makes me very proud to be part of this. Many thanks."
C Mannheim 11-28-07
"Once again, Talking Stick is an amazing book to look at. The photo is stunning and you continue to outdo yourselves with the poems and stories you choose. It's a quality journal, and I'm always proud to have my name in it."
Kathleen Lindstrom 11-30-07