Workshop and TS33 Book Release Party

Hello Everyone,

Thanks to all of you who attended our workshop and/or The Talking Stick 33 book release party on Saturday Sept. 14, 2024 at Jack Pines Resort near Osage MN.

(CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE NEW TALKING STICK!)

All morning, we could imagine writers driving in from all directions, from the cities, from Duluth, from Fargo, from all over the state—heading to this beautiful resort near Osage MN. We have held our September event at this location for several years now. It is a beautiful setting with leaves just starting to turn. Some writers stayed overnight and enjoyed the cabins and the fine food at the Cookhouse.

Jeanne Cooney put on a memorable workshop about writing a mystery. She had excellent handouts that would also work for other types of stories or novels. She also had comments about things that we could use when writing poetry. We have received many great compliments on Jeanne’s workshop. Her humor made it so enjoyable. We hope to have her again.

Then workshop attendees had a fine lunch of sandwiches and salad. We had several book sellers on hand to offer their books for sale: Ryan Neely, Mike Lein, Niomi Phillips, Sharon Chmielarz, Cindy Fox, Jeanne Cooney, and more. Then more writers arrived for the book release party.

The Jackpine Writers board members took turns announcing the winners in each genre: poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, and our creative twist. Jeanne Cooney, the instructor, was also our judge for fiction and she announced those winners. Winners came up to accept their checks and to read their stories or poems published in this year’s book. Then anyone published in the book could come up to read. There were some excellent writings in this year’s book and it was a delight to hear them read by the author.

Later we packed up our books and supplies and went over to the Cookhouse for an early supper. Fourteen of us went. We talked and laughed with old friends and spent time getting to know some of the newer writers. We spent several hours, enjoying the food and each other. All in all, a pleasant day.

Again, thanks to all of you for your support of our group and our Talking Stick books.