This Thurs., May 22 PBS Kansas will air an interview with Gretchen Eick at 7:30 pm on One on One.
https://www.pbs.org/show/one-one-victor-hogstrom/
https://www.pbs.org/show/one-one-victor-hogstrom/
 Kansas Authors Club members Aimee Gross and Angel Edenburn will be featured authors at this event! Uncork the magic and transport into this magical book signing event brought to you by Z&M Twisted Vines Winery and your local fantasy and sci-fi authors. Who doesn't love to drink wine and read magical adventures?! To make it even better, this event is free! Join us May 17th and 18th, 12-5 for cosplay, author panels, and other fun activities. Z&M Twisted Vines Winery
24305 Loring Road Lawrence, Kansas May 17 & 18, 2025 12 pm - 5 pm  Member Annette Billings presented Mother Song: A Poem Play by Daughters, with Dr. Jennifer J. Gordon, at Lowman United Methodist Church in Topeka on May 4th.
The pair read poems about mothers experiencing grief and ways to overcome it. View the story as covered by WIBW, Channel 13, Topeka. This news items is shared from the website of member Ruth Maus. Click here to follow Ruth and sign up for updates.  I know you're all familiar with the Kansas Book Festival held at Washburn University. This year it will be on Saturday, September 20th, so save the date!
I've been asked to be a panelist there at the 9:00 a.m. panel discussion Ad Astra: Emergencies, Emergences and Restorations, with top-notch memoir authors Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg and Dr. Craig Yorke as we discuss struggles and "to the stars with difficulty." Because our three books contain plenty of "difficulty." This is a huge honor for me. Thank you, KBF organizers! Caryn’s book The Magic Eye depicts her struggle with a rare eye cancer, coupled with prairie restoration and wildlife refuge, moving toward surviving the personal emergency and the emergency of our environment. Craig’s book, subtitled Steep, A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey, depicts the strict expectations that he will be an honor to his race, his difficult training in medicine, his coming to Topeka (at first working at Menninger), the emergencies he attended to in performing complicated brain surgery, and then his coming to peace with the steep price he has paid. His retirement includes being on the board of The Children’s Discovery Center as it was founded and developed, and he and his wife Mary created a prairie on the center’s land in Gage Park. My novel Lunacy And Acts of God, though not a memoir, also takes place in Kansas. My young narrator is trying to understand a confusing world of race relations, religion, picketers, and mental illness in 1950s Topeka, as well as survive a blizzard and being struck by lightning, (because we all know about Kansas weather!) and make peace with her chaotic life. I hope you can join us on September 20th for Ad Astra: Emergencies, Emergences and Restorations and what's sure to be a great conversation about struggles and successes.  The recording of the April program is now available for viewing by members at this link. (Member sign-on required.) Based on True Events: How to Incorporate History Into Your Writing Presented by Jillian Forsberg Kansas author Jillian Forsberg holds a master’s degree in public history from Wichita State University and a bachelor’s degree in communication and history from McPherson College. Her research on little-known historical events led her to discover the true story behind her first novel, The Rhino Keeper. Jillian is a regular contributor to Writer Unboxed and leads the Manuscript Matchup beta reader program through History Through Fiction. You can find Jillian gardening, browsing the closest antique mall, or reading every label at a museum. She'll most likely be wearing vintage dresses, except when she's at the zoo. Jillian owns a bridal store and has worked in bridal since 2007. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband, child, and pets. Jillian’s second novel is written and she's working on a third. She will always write animal stories. The next state program of the Kansas Authors Club will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Our speaker, Steve Semken, of Ice Cube Press, will talk about "What It Means to be an Author and a Publisher."  What the publishing industry entails and what it means to be an author and a publisher
A conversation with Steve Semken, Ice Cube Press Steve Semken founded Ice Cube Press in 1991 to use the literary arts to better understand how to live in the Midwest. "It’s hard to even be a bad writer once you decide you want to be writer. Write and read. And, treat other authors as you would like to be treated." -- Steve Semken, author spotlight at Ames Writers Collective  Flint Hills Publishing has just published my second novel, Farieh. The novel tracks her time at home in Iran following her freshman year in college, then carries her through her sophomore year at KU. It finishes with her leading a campus protest against the Kansas Legislature's assault on diversity.
Watermark Books in Wichita will host a book signing on May 15 at 6:00 p.m. June 4 - July 18: Twelve Poets to Change Your Life (online): This 6-week generative class, offered through the Transformative Language Arts Network, is all about immersing ourselves in life-changing poets and poetry, sparking our own new writing. I love all the poets here: Ilya Kaminsky, Gwendolyn Brooks, Czeslaw Milosz, Muriel Rukeyser, Joy Harjo, Galway Kinnell, Diane Seuss, Li-Young Lee, Emily Dickinson, Linda Pastan, Walt Whitman, and Ada Limón.
June 4 - July 29: The Body and Soul of Your Memoir: Shape, Focus, and Write Your Memoir (online): This 8-week class through Writers.com is all about finding the focus, structure, craft, and inspiration to write a memoir, writing 50 pages or more along the way, and making new writing friends. Our May Program: What the publishing industry entails and what it means to be an author and a publisher A conversation with Steve Semken, Ice Cube Press Steve Semken founded Ice Cube Press in 1991 to use the literary arts to better understand how to live in the Midwest. "It’s hard to even be a bad writer once you decide you want to be writer. Write and read. And, treat other authors as you would like to be treated." -- Steve Semken, author spotlight at Ames Writers Collective 18 Categories in Prose and Poetry  Poetry Categories in our Adult Writing Contest
Prose Categories in our Adult Writing Contest
Susan is a retired professor who taught anthropology, sociology and criminal justice studies at Washburn University and Emporia State University. She is the author of two books; The Aquarian Goddess is a book about women and our image. The second book, Sex, Sinners and Hippies, is a memoir based on Susan's life as a hippie in the 60's and 70's.
Susan's interests are varied and she is fascinated by many different things. She has authored several short stories, three of which are featured in an anthology, and she has recently finished a fantasy novel. Additionally, she has had a paper published about the library at Haskell Indian Nation's University and has submitted a paper about serial killers to a criminal justice journal. Currently, she is a chaplain for the Topeka Police Department, writes book reviews for Choice magazine, and teaches a free yoga class for seniors, as well as a free class about peoples of the ancient world. She may be a frustrated teacher, but channels it as a willing volunteer! In March, and so far in April, Duane L Herrmann has the following publications: 24 Mar 25: Chewers - a short story: The Fire that Escaped from a Tree 30 Mar 25: Sparks of Calliope - two poems: In Just One Moment, and Success One 31 Mar 25: Literary Yard - a short story: House of Money 4 Apr 25: Spillwords - a poem: Ban That Book! 14 Apr 25: Poetry for the People - three poems: Front Line Delivery, How Many Will Die?, and To Stop the Plague 16 Apr 25: Origami Poems Project - picro chapbook: Native Blood Congratulations, Duane!  If you have news of writing events that would be of interest to all Kansas Authors Club members, or if you are a member (dues current) who would like to announce an achievement, please submit your news via this form.
Member Danielle Ramirez of Quiet Storm Services has this news to share about an upcoming book: I have been working with upcoming author, Holly Terrill, to publish their first book! Presales go live on Independent Bookstore Day. What if optimism wasn’t considered naïve but revolutionary? In Be More Pollyanna, Holly Terrill invites readers to rediscover the overlooked magic of positivity—especially when life is hard. Through personal reflections, gentle humor, and a little bit of poetry, Holly embraces Pollyanna not as naïve but as resilient—a character whose gladness is a radical act of hope.  A message from member Sandee Taylor: Today I had the opportunity to pass out the literary awards to Circle Benton Elementary students. The awards assembly was the culmination of their 25th annual writing and art contest for 4th-6th grades. Such a privilege to shake the young authors’ hands and give them words of encouragement as I handed them their certificates. Each student receives a book and they have a wonderful time signing them at the end of the event. I served as the judge for the 4th grade poetry. Their theme this year was “Time Machine.” Pictured with me and the time machine which lived in their cafeteria for several weeks are Erika and Jason Kirk (coordinators for the event), Rob Leis (principal and KAC member), and Alex Kessler. Alex was the art judge and passed out the art awards. He won the art contest the first and second years of the contest. I served as principal of Benton Elementary during those years.
 "Was That Thunder? More Than a Boston Marathon Bombing Story" by Greg Kalkwarf If you desire a challenge or appreciate stories including family life, building relationships, developing fortitude, displaying sportsmanship, and ordinary people completing extraordinary feats, read "Was That Thunder? More Than a Boston Marathon Bombing Story" by Greg Kalkwarf. With experiences in Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas, Greg’s “journey through adversity,” is beyond typical marathon training. Kalkwarf’s professional connections and knowledge of baseball and distance running guided him as he faced a snowstorm during the Peak 2008 marathon. Elevation, rugged terrain, technical footing, and icy conditions challenged the athletes; nonetheless, teamwork helped them conquer the mountain. With a memory for dates and a keen sense of humor, Kalkwarf’s quest to support those truly facing adversity, he endorsed the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Underwearness, the Alzheimer's Association, and other organizations. Digesting various books, assorted publications, and inspirational biographies from the local library provided Greg with mental training. With an “I run so I can eat” attitude, Kalkwarf trained by running up and down Colorado mountains, parking garages, office stairs, and myriad courses in addition to Kansas and Nebraska rolling hills and plains despite inclement weather. Encountering a raging forest fire near his Colorado home, the sudden death of a family member, diagnosis of a fatal disease of another family member, a car collision, and a terrorist attack, Greg chose happiness over fear. With the unwavering encouragement of his wife Kirsta before, during, and after her two pregnancies, Greg was inspired and determined. Was it divine intervention that Greg “finished the Boston Marathon with a personal record of 3:56:03,” then minutes later, a loud boom cracked the sky? By finishing earlier than anticipated, Greg, his wife, and young children were spared. As a result of this tragedy, three died, a dozen lost limbs, hundreds were injured, and numerous PTSD victims, runners, and volunteers were emotionally scarred. Enduring the 2013 marathon was more severe than insanity drills, injuries, agony, and the effort balancing work, family, and training exercises. “Face your fears” and read "Was That Thunder? More Than a Boston Marathon Bombing Story" with 26.2 chapters focused on an incredible journey to move others forward. At the time of this publication, Greg completed ten marathons in Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, and Nebraska. If he is not spending time with his family, running, hiking, or watching baseball, you can connect with Greg at www.gregkalkwarf.com. Respectfully submitted, Carmaine Ternes Librarian, Author, Editor, Presenter April 2025 Carmaine Ternes is a member of Kansas Authors Club. You can follow her reviews on Goodreads. What are you reading? Help us lift and share the good news about Kansas literature. Tag your book loves and reviews on social media with #ReadLocalKS and submit here to be posted on the Kansas Authors Club website.
 In Traci Brimhall’s latest poetry collection, LOVE PRODIGAL (Copper Canyon Press, 2024), she tackles topics such as the end of a marriage, the loss of her mother, the pandemic, and learning to live with chronic pain and illness. This list might lead you to think the book’s primary connective tissue is sadness and regret, but on the contrary (and as the title suggests), the poems are woven into a cohesive collection by love: love that is exuberant and celebratory, even as it acknowledges the messy business of heartbreak and death and pain. There are also pieces in the book about a new relationship, and these are—yes—love poems. As she writes about darker topics, Brimhall leans into the pain for what it can teach her about herself. The lesson over and over is that she is worthy, she is strong, she is capable of self-love. In “Cold, Crazy, Broken,” she explores her mistreatment in a previous relationship: “I’m sorry I held his breath between / my horns until he explained me to myself, said cold / said crazy said broken …” By the end of the poem, she has reframed these insults with her own powerful meanings: “I became the story / of me—cold as mint, crazy as holding my shadow’s hand / broken as the night when the new moon rises through it.” In “Why I Stayed,” the title implies remaining in a relationship, but the relationship it references is the speaker’s relationship with life. She writes “all summer I wanted // to die … Instead, I took 99 / of the peacock’s eyes, half the checking account, and left.” The explanation for staying comes in these closing lines: “I found // a thousand small pleasures that made me want to live, and / they were bridges, birdsong, strawberries, sunlight, and lambs.” LOVE PRODIGAL is infused with these “small pleasures” that make it a delight to read. One of Brimhall’s many strengths as a writer is her ability to startle and stun with fresh, inventive language. I underlined so many gorgeous phrases and lines like these:
I could list more examples, but they are best enjoyed within the context of the poems. Brimhall’s work can be witty and playful with nods to pop culture (“I Would Do Anything for Love, but I Won’t” and “Long-Distance Relationship as Alt Text” ) as well as poems inspired by other poets, like “Someday I’ll Love Traci Brimhall” (after Ocean Vuong’s “Someday I’ll Love Ocean Vuong”). “Someday I’ll Love Traci Brimhall” encapsulates many of the themes in the book as she writes of accepting herself, her pain, and her family, including her mother. Her linguistic chops are also on full display: “I’ll boast ornament & scandal”; “I’ll crisis & satisfy”; “[I’ll] Unbutton / myself, let the shames scuttle out”; “I’ll bumble like a bee…”. The hardest person to love is often oneself, and though the conceit of this poem describes her love for Traci Brimhall as “nearly” here, in truth, the book is studded with a clear acceptance and celebration of the poet’s self. Perhaps that is the secret to the joy spilling out of these pages. I have loved Traci Brimhall (and her words) for about six years now, since I first read her poetry. Of her earlier books, COME THE SLUMBERLESS TO THE LAND OF NOD was my favorite, and as I awaited the publication of LOVE PRODIGAL, I wondered if this new book could measure up. I am happy to report that it does. If you, too, would like to love Traci Brimhall, it’s as easy as reading her poetry. #readlocalks Member Janice Northerns shared this review of member Traci Brimhall's book, Love Prodigal. What are you reading? Help us lift and share the good news about Kansas literature. Tag your book loves and reviews on social media with #ReadLocalKS and submit here to be posted on the Kansas Authors Club website.
 Issue #9, the Luck issue, of 105 Meadowlark Reader has stories taking place in 31 Kansas counties and features 30 authors. Eleven stories in this issue are by authors new to 105. This issue will be available for purchase in Kansas independent boosktores and via the Meadowlark website in May 2025. Kansas Authors Club members with essays in the Spring 2025 issue are: Boyd Bauman Brian Daldorph Beth Gulley Roger Heineken Jerilynn Jones Henrikson Duane L. Herrmann Vicki L. Julian Amy Kliewer Kerry Moyer Robert W. Phillips Robert Rebein Cynthia C. Schaker Mason Taylor-Taite Alicia Troike Brenda L. White Sheree L. Wingo Open Reading Period for Issue #10
May 1 - June 30, 2025 Theme: Work  Wednesday, April 23 at Round Table Bookstore 826 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka Duane will begin at 6:15 p.m. Duane Herrmann, a fifth-generation Kansan, has a sci fi novel, a local history book, a compilation on fasting, two collections of short stories and nine books of poetry to his credit. His work has been published in the United States, Australia, Canada, England, Germany, India, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland and Wales, in English, German, French and Dutch. Last year, one of his poems was nominated for a Pushcart and a short story for best of the Net. The publisher of that story was the 50th place he had sent it to in 10 years of trying. Duane is regarded as the leading authority on the history of the Baha’i Faith in Kansas. April is poetry month. Sign-up for open mic begins 6 p.m. Words in the Wind is sponsored by
Kansas Authors Club - Topeka Chapter & Round Table Bookstore Member Janice Northerns shares a review of member Michael Poage's Heart: Collected Poems 1975-2024.
HEART contains 14 books and spans almost 50 years, and it was wonderful to hear Mike read from it at Watermark Books recently! Here's my review of the book:
HEART: COLLECTED POEMS 1975-2024 by Michael Poage offers a rare opportunity to trace a poet’s evolution over time. Much of his work is spare and philosophical but still capable of profound impact, as in this early poem from BORN, his 1975 collection: The First Person with Skin The fog she thought would cover her bones was only a tongue, a door. In these few short lines, Poage contrasts the expectation of protection with the discovery of vulnerability and openness. I enjoyed finding another poem much later in the book (from 2001’s GOD WON’T OVERLOOK US) that reminded me of “The First Person with Skin”: Slipping Into Something Comfortable She took off her clothes. It was that simple. In this later poem, the subject is at ease in her own skin. These pieces may seem only tangentially related, but one of the delights of reading Poage’s collected works is finding poems published many years apart that speak to one another—each enriched by the conversation. These pieces also illustrate the author’s knack for making his titles do much of the work; the titles are the key to understanding these two poems. Poage’s poetry is lyrical but features plenty of concrete detail and vivid description, with poems set in varied locations, including Kansas, Bosnia (where he spends time teaching each year) and Gaza. Two of my favorite pieces evoked radically different emotions. A poem late in the book, “a swarm of bees”, which is dedicated to George Floyd, chilled me to the bone. The poem is literally about a video of a swarm of bees, but the figurative meaning as we interpret it in the context of George’s Floyd’s tragic case resonates deeply. The bees are “moving barely enough / to notice.” But the speaker notices “the sound. a / grinding, slow business / cooking above your head.” From there the poem builds to a powerful and haunting conclusion. Another favorite, “Loose Change” stirred happier feelings. The poem describes a coffee date in a book store between a woman and the poem’s speaker. The language is erotically charged throughout, from these early lines—“you came up behind me. / I felt the light touch / of your breasts through / your blouse and my shirt / against my back” to the closure: “you slipped your hands / into my front pants pockets. / You were not searching / for nickels or dimes.” As might be expected in a collection that spans fifty years and includes fourteen books, these poems cover a wide range of subjects. There is much more to discover than I have mentioned here. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the book (900+ pages). You can start at the beginning and read the book chronologically, or you can dip in at any point and emerge with core samples from different eras of Michael Poage’s poetry. Both methods yield rich rewards. #readlocalks This poetry contest is inspired by a quote from Gordon Parks, "I feel it is the heart, not the eye, that should determine the content of the photograph. What the eye sees is its own. What the heart can perceive is a very different matter."   Forest Medicine: A Middle Grade Novel by Roy Stucky Reto's life centers on the search for the rare forest plant from which medicine is made. Rivals would rob him. Predators would devour him. Slavers endeavor to capture him. The medicine cartel swindles him. The forest may swallow Reto whole. Such concerns miss the point. Reto's parents need him. Roy Stucky is a member of Kansas Authors Club. Roy has a wife and two sons in rural Kansas. Roy began writing as a senior in high school. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Management Information Systems, cum laude, from Sterling College. He pays the bills as the network administrator of an accounting firm. Roy's primary artistic output is song lyrics for the band "Mirror Covenant".Along with writing Roy has at one time or another been a tractor driver, Mensa member, roofer, photographer, logger, playground attendant, alternative energy retailer, computer programmer, cabinet maker, chess addict, graphic designer, painter, dairy farmer, student, inventor, sound engineer, auto mechanic, hunter, carpenter, web designer, and all too often a frightful bore. He has only excelled at the latter. |
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