Jackpine Writers' Book Launch for Talking Stick-Volume 19

This Saturday, September 18th, I had the pleasure of attending the book launch party for the Jackpine Writers' Bloc newest edition of the Talking Stick, a literary journal they publish annually.  Each volume is comprised of winning and selected entries from their call for submissions that go out to Minnesota writers each spring.  The contest is open to works of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.  I am honored to say my short fiction piece, Prairie Promises, took first place in the fiction category, and is featured in the Talking Stick-Volume 19 on Page 5! 

The hubby and I drove up to Park Rapids to attend the afternoon party.  Surprisingly, there were a number of Twin City writers who had made the drive up to picturesque Park Rapids.  It was my first chance to meet members of the Jackpine Writers Bloc and pick up my copy of the Talking Stick.  It was also fun to see some familiar faces, such as Candace Simar, Sharon Harris, and Susan Spindler.  Susan's piece, A Second One, took first place in the creative nonfiction category.  Another writing friend, Barbara Farland, who also has Wadena roots, had her poem Widows' Banquet included.  This year's contest had a grand total of 324 submissions from 165 writers all over Minnesota!

Several authors had book tables, and it was fun to mingle and meet new writers, like Nona Carlson, Donna Trump, and Marsha Porter.  After a time of refreshments, we were invited to read our published pieces.  There is something special in hearing each writer read their own piece.  We had a mix of serious and humorous pieces.  

Susan Spindler, reading her winning entry, "A Second One"

If you have time, check out the web pages for the Jackpine Writers Bloc and the Talking Stick:
http://www.jackpinewriters.com/
http://www.thetalkingstick.com/

All in all, it was a great day of building new friendships. 
Barbara