FOR THE 16thCONSECUTIVE YEAR, my writing has been selected for publication in the Talking Stick, a literary anthology published by the Jackpine Writers’ Bloc based in northern Minnesota.
The editorial board chose two of my poems, “Up North at the Cabin” and “Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire,” and a work of creative nonfiction, “Birthing Everett,” for publication in volume 34, titled Toward the Light. The recently-released book features 128 pieces of writing by 76 writers either from Minnesota or with a strong connection to the state.
I consider it an honor to be published in the Talking Stick, which includes the work of talented writers ranging from novice to well-known. I especially appreciate that entries are blind-judged so each piece stands on its own merits. There were 275 submissions from 119 writers for this year’s competition.
I’m particularly excited about two of my pieces published in Toward the Light. Anyone who’s ever spent time at a lake cabin will enjoy my “Up North” poem as it centers on nature and family togetherness. I was in my sixties before I first experienced cabin life. Now I’m building memories with my grandkids each summer at a family member’s lake cabin. That centers this poem.
A grandchild also focuses “Birthing Everett,” a deeply personal story about the birth of my 10-pound grandson in January. My daughter Miranda nearly died during childbirth. I knew I needed to write about this to heal from my own trauma of nearly losing her. I will be forever grateful to the medical team at UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, for saving Miranda’s life. You just don’t think of women dying during childbirth any more, but it can, and does, happen.
My three recently-published works bring to 39 the total number of poems and short stories I’ve had printed in the Talking Stick. Toward the Light is available for purchase online by clicking here.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Congratulations, Audrey! I very much enjoy your work which I follow through these email communications. Thank you so much! Carol Steinberg
Thank you, Carol, for appreciating and supporting my writing and photography. And thanks for the congrats also.
the best news is that Miranda is well and Everett is here safely ❤️. Wowee to 39 published works
Exactly. That matters more than any amount of work published.
❤️
I’m so happy to hear of your success! And yes, having a child saved is a cause for rejoicing and gratitude, even as it is terrifying.
Thank you, Michael. Everett was, fortunately, OK. It was his mama, my daughter, who nearly died due to severe postpartum hemorrhaging. She needed three units of blood transfused as the medical team tried to stop the bleeding and save her life.
Wow! Congratulations. What an honor for you.
Thank you, Beth. And congrats on publication of your book, “Come to Minneapolis with Me: Farewell Bittersweet.” My dear blog readers, I encourage you to check out this book of historical fiction by my friend and Wabasso High School classmate Elizabeth Johanneck.
Congratulations, once again, Audrey!!!
Thank you, my dear sister-in-law. I’ll make sure there’s a copy of the book at the cabin next summer.
Congratulations, Audrey, on your continued success in being chosen for the Talking Stick. I like the new cover image. Your photos of your grandchildren are adorable. Miranda’s childbirth experience must’ve been so frightening. I’m so glad she survived, and you have a sweet grandson to enjoy.🩵
Thank you, Rose, for your congrats and for sharing in my personal gratitude and happiness.
Congrats, Audrey! ❤
Thank you, Penny.
This is great, Audrey. Congratulations. Well deserved, for sure.
Thank you, my friend.
congrats to you Audrey, for your ongoing publication in The Talking Stick. your selections that were chosen for publication this year were very personal and powerful, including the one about the strength and love of the family connection felt in Up North and the very real fear and ultimately gratitude and joy for your daughter coming through the other side of the challenging birth of Everett.
Thank you for your comment. You are absolutely right in your assessment of my winning pieces.
Congratulations again for your fabulous accomplishments. I am also so grateful for the safe delivery and medical team that assisted Miranda and Everett. So much to be grateful for!
Thank you, my friend. Yes, so many reasons to feel thankful about Everett’s birth.