A promo posted at Buckham Memorial Library for the November 9 Local Authors Fair.
TERM ME A WRITER, author, poet, blogger, storyteller, wordsmith, photographer, artist. All fit me and my passions—writing and photography.
Buckham Memorial Library, Faribault. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Next week I’ll share those passions at a Local Authors Fair from 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, November 9, in the Great Hall of Buckham Memorial Library in Faribault. You’re invited to come and visit with me and 13 area writers.
My poem initially published in In Retrospect, The Talking Stick, Volume 22, an anthology published by The Jackpine Writers’ Bloc based in northern Minnesota. This past spring Rochester Minnesota composer David Kassler transformed the poem into a song performed by a Chamber Choir at two concerts in Rochester. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2017.
This informal drop-in fair presents a wonderful opportunity to network and to show folks my work—I’m bringing lots of samples. I’m ready, too, to talk about the craft of writing. Writing truly is a craft honed through decades of experience. From pounding out hard news stories under deadline to penning poetry to blogging and more, I’ve covered most aspects of writing. As a wordsmith, I remain passionately passionate about my love of language and of storytelling.
A serene country scene in Redwood County, Minnesota, where I grew up. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Through the years, my voice has evolved. I write with a strong sense of place rooted in my native southwestern Minnesota. That stark land created in me an awareness of details—of heat shimmering waves above cornfields, of a whipping prairie wind driving snow across gravel roads, of rough cow tongues slurping water from drinking cups…
In 2012, my poem, “Her Treasure,” was selected for inclusion in a poet-artist collaboration at Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota. Connie Ludwig, right, created a watercolor, “Pantry Jewels,” inspired by my poem. See the art behind me. This is an example of my rural-rooted poetry. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2012.
I write in a way that’s earthy and accessible. Rural. Homey. Comfortable. When you read my work, you understand me. I am genuine and unpretentious.
Me shooting lake scenes while on a boat ride on a lake south of Park Rapids in mid-September. Photo courtesy of Jackie Hemmer at Who Will Make Me Laugh.
And I’m ready to answer questions about writing and photography at the Authors Fair. I’ve even prepared hand-outs with basic writing and photography tips, including a poetry tutorial dissecting my published poem “This Barn Remembers.”
In addition, you can purchase a recently-published anthology, Fine Lines, The Talking Stick, Volume 26, which includes five of my works: my award-winning short story, “Art Obsession,” another short story, two pieces of creative nonfiction and a poem. The collection features writing by 99 other Minnesota authors. I will have limited copies available for $10.
And then just to sweeten the pot, I’m giving away chocolate. Grab a mini candy bar and let’s talk about the craft of writing and the art of photography.
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Sorry I can’t be there, can you save me a copy of the tip sheet you’ll be handing out?
You are in a much more important place right now. I’d be happy to email a copy. The tips are pretty basic, but maybe you’ll find a useful suggestion therein. You have this writing craft down already, in my opinion.
I adore details—******heat shimmering waves above cornfields, of a whipping prairie wind driving snow across gravel roads, of rough cow tongues slurping water from drinking cups*****
You take me there, Audrey~
Um, let me ask you a question: Can you observe a comparison between writing & taking photos? Also, when you finish a piece, do you feel it’s truly done?
xxx
Those are two excellent questions. Yes, 100 percent I photograph like I write, with an eye for detail and for the overall scene. And I write like I photograph. The crafts complement each other. I’m a better writer because of photography and a better photographer because of writing.
Your second question is more difficult to answer. In poetry I often feel satisfied/done. The sparse words lend to the feeling of completion. In blogging or other writing, I could probably revise forever. But there reaches a point when you simply have to declare the piece finished. I expect you find the same with your writing.
Excellent answers. THANK you. xxx
You are welcome.
You had me before you even said chocolate. I will be there in spirit with you —enjoy the limelight . 🙂
Oh, I know you would…if only you were still in Iowa. But you’ve been there for me on location in the past and always in spirit and I appreciate that about you.
The local author fair is such a great idea; I’ve participated in two in Sacramento and love the interaction with people interested in writing and reading. Your comments about the photography and writing crossover are so true – it’s all about looking for the details and giving shape to them. Enjoy the fair.
I look forward to the fair and sharing my work and my knowledge, plus just meeting people. I’m glad you’ve had similar opportunities in your area.
I’m sorry to miss this event but I will be out of town. I’d like a copy of the tip sheet also. Please?
I’ll email one. Maybe I’ll even post those tips here after the fair.
I would love a tip sheet too. I’ve just started to try writing some poetry.
I’m making a list. If I still have the poetry dissection and tutorial in my files, I will email it. Otherwise snail mail. I created this tutorial five years ago when I read and talked about poetry at the library. You will hear from me next week.
Oh how I wish I could be there, Audrey! I am so drawn to both your photographs and written word – it puts me in touch with the rural life I grew up in and the grit of what has made me who I am today. I hope you have a wonderful time and turnout for this event. I will be with you in spirit, and I cannot wait to see a post about it!
Thank you, Lori. I feel a kindred spirit with you, too, a strong connection to your writing and photography and background.
Audrey, what wonderful; affirmations regarding your writing and photography skills you have experienced over the years. Certainly gratifying to receive these accolades. i wish you the best for next Thursday. Sound like a fun event.
Thank you, Sue. You have always been one of my strongest encouragers. I appreciate you.
How wonderful and I hope you set a few other good souls on the path by your excellent example 🙂 Have fun!
Thank you for your words of poetic support.
Weeknights are a bit tough for us, we have loved the few times we have been been present to listen to you read (including our private reading at the cabin) You are truly a talented artist in every sense of the “word”. Your gift of “Fine Lines” sits on the coffee table at the cabin, I pick it up often to read a page or two. I hope you enjoy your evening sharing your talents with those who come your way.
Thank you, dear friend, for your sweet words. You and Rick have always been so supportive, attending several of my poetry readings. Thank you for gifting me with your presence then.
You raise a good point about the timing of this event. A Saturday might work better for more people. I also wish the fair ran longer than an hour and started at 6:30 p.m. rather than 6.
Congrats! The photo on the cover of that book is stunning and as always it makes me think of home.
I love the cover photo, too. This anthology is packed with lots of great writing by Minnesota authors or those with strong connections to Minnesota.