What’s that? You say you are a writer? A writer who would is ready to spend time with other writers? A writer who is craving connection, critique and super fun social interactions? (Hey, we aren’t all introverts!) Well then you are in luck! Today on my blog I am sharing the massive list of writing opportunities that can be found and attended in Wisconsin in the upcoming months. Get out your calendars, save some room in your budget and buckle up… because fortunately for us… the options are plentiful!

The Columbus Art & Author Fair

Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 2 - 6 P.M.

This event will be held along with the OddFellows' “Oddtoberfest” Celebration in Columbus, WI. Local artists and authors will be on hand in lower level of the Fireman's Park Pavilion with a variety of styles and genres of art and literature. More information including a list of attending authors can be seen here.

Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival

October 11-13, 2019

The Festival, established in 2010, believes in the transforming power of the literary and visual arts to bring thousands of children and teens together with world-class authors and illustrators at schools and at our beautiful, welcoming festival venues including the Mead Public Library, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and Bookworm Gardens. Come to the see presentations by Janet Wong, Matt de la Peña, Liesl Shurtliff, K.G. Campbell, Suzanne Kaufman, Jacqueline West, and Jennifer Swanson. The festival schedule and presenter information can be seen here.

Wisconsin Festival of Books in Madison

Friday, October 18, 6:00 pm

The Madison Public Library is committed to ensuring that all Wisconsin Book Festival events are free and open to the public. Since creating the series in 2013, they have hosted more than 600 events for audience members, including award-winning author events. This year one event during the festival that I am especially interested in attending is Writing Books for Children, a presentation by Wisconsin author Kevin Henkes. In the presentation, Kevin Henkes will discuss his three most recent books — a picture book (A Parade of Elephants), a book for beginning readers (Penny and Her Sled), and a middle-grade novel (Sweeping Up the Heart) — pointing out how they are different and how they are similar. He will talk about inspiration, process, and his philosophy about books and children. He will also share autobiographical information, including childhood photos and glimpses of his studio. The event will take place at the Central Library, in Madison, Community Room 301.

Think that nothing ever happens in our lovely little La Crosse? Think again, the below events will feature both big name (HUGE! EPIC!) authors and local talent.

Wine and Words, Beer and Books

Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 5:30 PM – 8 PM

The fourth annual Wine and Words, Beer and Books will take place at The Pump House and will feature readings by twelve local writers, book and SWAG sales, prizes, and a cash bar. This event is organized and sponsored by my local writing group, the Mississippi Valley Writers Guild, formerly Women Writers Ink. Join us to celebrate local literary talent while enjoying a beverage of your choice.

Kate DiCamillo Visits La Crosse Barnes and Noble

Friday, October 18, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Newbery Award winning (twice!) author Kate DiCamillo will visit our very own Barnes and Noble as a part of her Beverly Right Here Book Tour. Everything that Kate writes, from her picture books, to middle grade novels, to Facebook posts, brings me sheer joy. I am DYING inside (honestly, on the outside too) that I will be out of town for this event. Do me and yourself a favor, and go. Get your books signed, listen to her literary wisdom, drink in her old soul and childlike heart. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. More information on the event can be found here.

Sterling North Book and Film Festival

October 26, 2019

I am thrilled to share that I will be a featured author at this year's Sterling North Book and Film Festival in Egerton, WI the last weekend in October! I will be presenting alongside Jennifer Chiaverini, Barbara Joosse, Pardeep Kaleka, Scott Spoolman, Mark Hertzberg, Louis V. Clark III, Margaret Rozga and Rick Pfeifer. My presentations will feature information on my writing process and also on self-publishing. Join us for a wonderful weekend of words!

So, there you have it! Six different events to keep your writing life full and rich and inspired! If you know of any other Midwest based events coming up this fall, please share them with us in the comments below so that we can add them to our calendar! If you plan to attend one of these events, let me know and maybe I will see you there! Happy writing my word nerds! – Amanda

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