TWO READINGS BEFORE MINE, Norma Thorstad Knapp stepped to the microphone to share “How Much She Had Lost.” As she read of her aging mother’s desire to waltz one more time, emotions rose. My throat constricted. Tears seeped from my eyes. Thinking of my 85-year-old mother, I wondered how I could possibly compose myself enough to read my short story.
I pose in front of Blueberry Pines Golf Club, setting for The Talking Stick book release party. Photo by Randy Helbling.
I signaled my husband for a tissue, then wiped my eyes. I sipped water through a straw. And I struggled to pull myself together before I stood behind the podium in this room full of writers and their supporters gathered at Blueberry Pines Golf Club between Menahga and Park Rapids for the release of Fine Lines, The Talking Stick, Volume 26.
Too soon, Sharon Harris, co-editor along with her niece, Tarah L. Wolff, introduced me and my story, “Art Obsession.”
Reading “Art Obsession.” Photo by Larry Risser Photography, Minneapolis.
I was on, reading the words that this year earned an honorable mention in fiction. Four other pieces, among the six I submitted, also published: “Grocery Shopping” (fiction); “A Lot of Prairie and a Little New York” and “The Weekly Phone Call” (both creative nonfiction); and “Not Quite Perfect Penmanship” (poetry).
It’s an honor to have my writing published in this outstanding collection of works by Minnesota writers or those with a strong connection to Minnesota. The 2017 anthology includes 152 pieces by 100 writers. I don’t envy the task of The Jackpine Writers’ Bloc editorial board in selecting stories and poems for publication from among 370 submissions by 159 writers. Noted writers LouAnn Shepard Muhm, Marge Barrett and Rochelle Hurt selected the first and second place winners from the board’s top picks.
As I listened to stories and poems for several hours with minimal comprehension of time, I delighted in the talent of these writers. Marlene Mattila Stoehr drew me in with her “Spurned Heirloom” poem that left me pondering whether my family treasures will some day, too, end up as thrift store cast-offs.
I laughed at Charles Johnson’s “Jimmy Gets an Earful” poem that sounded, oh, so Minnesotan to my ears.
The book cover photo was taken by Tarah L. Wolff.
A strong sense of place, of Minnesota, imprints upon the pages of The Talking Stick. I can relate to the settings, the experiences, the observations and more crafted into so many of the pieces in this exceptional anthology.
After the readings, some of us socialized. That’s Randy and me at the end of the table. I am seated next to Sharon Harris. Photo courtesy of Larry Risser Photography, Minneapolis.
This book is a labor of love for co-managing editor Sharon Harris. She holds a passion for writing and for this area of Minnesota. After the readings, a group of us gathered in the bar to celebrate and to talk. I’d never met Sharon, although we’ve corresponded and talked via phone many times through the years. Past commitments have kept me from attending previous The Talking Stick release parties. Sharon is as delightful in person as I anticipated. Her appreciation for the craft of writing is evident in her dedication to creating this anthology.
I felt an energetic vibe and sense of community among all of the writers. We share a love of writing. That passion flowed in words read to an appreciative audience gathered on a grey Saturday afternoon in a sprawling log cabin style building tucked among the jackpines of northern Minnesota.
Updated below at 4:30 p.m. September 20
FYI: I will be signing and selling (limited) copies of the anthology during a Local Authors Fair from 6 – 7 p.m. November 9 at Buckham Memorial Library in Faribault. Fine Lines, The Talking Stick Volume 26 is also available for purchase online. Check amazon. Or order through The Talking Stick website by clicking here.
Photos by Larry Risser Photography are copyrighted and used with permission here.
Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Congrats 🙂
Thank you.
I am so excited that you were able to do this and another great achievement for you and a feather in your cap! Note the exclamation mark. 🙂 I wish I could have been there to hear you—would have been so difficult to follow such an emotional reading I am sure. I would absolutely love to add a signed copy to my collection of authors I know bookshelf if “someone” could hook me up I would gladly send payment for book and shipping . Hint, hint.
“Someone” could gladly arrange this.
Thank you, dear friend, for your always loving support.
Congratulations! I love your writing and how you bring a reader into your world using all five senses. It’s an honor and enjoyment to read your blog, and I will definitely purchase this book. Congratulations, again! Dawn
Oh, Dawn, I appreciate your sweet words. Thank you. I promise, you will enjoy this collection. Minnesota has so many talented writers.
Rick and I loved our “private reading”, thank you for sharing your heart & amazing writing abilities in the quiet setting of our place in the woods. I love my book… I picked it up several times this weekend to read a story or two.
It was a joy to read for the two of you. Thank you for your support of my writing.
Wow, what an accomplishment, congratulations. I am hoping I will write and publish a book someday. It is now on my to-do list.
I have yet to publish my own book. But I’ve thought of it, perhaps my poetry and photos or, who knows, an anthology.
What a wonderful experience!
It was. You should enter next year, Greg.
I should.
BTW, I know Marge Barrett, I took a class from her at The Loft and she helped me get my first piece published in MinnPost.
Great lady and a very generous soul.
That’s the thing about this community of Minnesota writers. They are generous souls. Congrats on the MinnPost publication. Could you direct me to that? I’d love to read it.
My MinnPost piece was published almost a decade ago. I can’t even remember which one it was.
OK, well, in any case, congratulations! Keep writing. I love your style and most of all, your humor.
Congrats!!! There is just something about being surrounding by creatives to boost your whole being up 🙂 Happy Day – Enjoy
Exactly. To be in the company of so many fine writers inspired me.
Congratulations!!
Thank you, Judy.
Congratulations on so much of your work getting included!
Thank you. This proved my best showing yet with five out of six submitted pieces selected for publication. I am honored to be in the company of many fine writers.
Congratulations, Audrey, and I am happy you were able to enjoy the company of your writing colleagues. The book sounds like a lovely slice of Minnesota.
Thank you. The anthology definitely possesses a Minnesota flavor. You would enjoy it.
Congratulations! I may have to nab a copy of that book!
Thank you and order away.
Great wrap up on the event. 5 Submissions truly is an honor to have been published in this year’s book . Impressive !!
Thank you.
Congratulations Audrey! It’s very exciting. I hope to make it to Faribault on November 9.
I’d love to see you there, Valerie. The November 9 event is from 6 – 7 p.m.
That said, I will also be at Imminent Brewing in Northfield on Saturday, Sept. 30, to read my entry in the Beer Poetry Contest. That event runs from 4 – 6 p.m. and also includes an open mic. I’ll be there at 4, but don’t know what time I will read. So if you enjoy poetry and beer and want to vote for my poem…bring Gary, Trace and Becky, too.
Congratulations 🎊 it’s exciting that you have so many published stories
Thank you. Don’t miss my post from last week about a new Laura Ingalls Wilder book.