HACKENSACK — Over 30 Minnesota authors gathered recently at the Northwoods Art & Book Festival in Hackensack, Minnesota. The annual festival, now in its 31st season, draws crowds of artists, visitors and residents from the community together, including a strong showing of writers and book lovers, proving that Minnesota is a state rich in literature.
KAXE’s Morning Show host Heidi Holtan and What We’re Reading’s Tammy Bobrowsky attended the festival and interviewed the authors and now have this special series of "lighting talks" to share.
Laura Hern, Twin Cities
Laura Hern writes cozy mysteries and contemporary romances. Her new upcoming book is Bingo, Brats, and Bodies in the Black Hills.
Laura loves writing. She explained, "For me, I see these movies, these books in my mind. So when I'm writing, I'm just writing what I'm seeing. And I hope to write it so that readers have some fun."
More information on Laura and her books can be found here.
Candace Simar, Pequot Lakes
Candace Simar is an award-wining Minnesota author. She likes to write about prairie life and Minnesota history and is the author of several books including Sister Lumberjack (2024).
Her new novel, Montana Matrimonial News, is based on a real newspaper from Montana in the 19th century where homesteaders and women would submit personal ads looking for a marriage match.
Learn more about Candace's work at her website.
David Bruns, Shakopee
David Bruns co-writes national security thrillers with fellow U.S. Navy veteran J.R. Olson.
Their latest book is Alpha Strike, book 2 in The Third Option series. It's described as "fans of Vince Flynn and Tom Clancy will tear through this explosive new thriller where global power, covert action, and moral compromise collide."
Book 3, Balance of Power will be released later this year.
More information on David Bruns and J.R. Olson's books can be found here.
Bruce Carlson, Hackensack
Bruce Carlson is the author of several nonfiction books. His latest book is The Science of Fishing.
"I try to outline how a lake is put together, how it works, and how, if you understand how a lake operates, you'll definitely catch more fish," explained Bruce.
More information on Bruce and his works can be found here.
Julie Jo Larson, Brainerd
Julie Jo Larson is the author of 100 Things to Do in Minnesota Before You Die and 100 Things to Do in Minnesota Northwoods Before You Die. They cover "sports, entertainment, shopping, fashion, food, beverages."
Julie loves writing these books "because it takes me across the whole state, all 400 miles from Rochester up to the chimney of Minnesota."
Visit Julie's website for more information on her books.
William E. Burleson, Minneapolis
William Burleson's latest book is a short story collection titled Rory’s Not That Guy And Other Tales from Middle America. His previous book is called Ahnwee Days.
He said both books are fun and silly, and explained, "Hopefully it makes people laugh because we need to laugh right about now."
Find more information on William Burleson here.
This was part 1 in our series of lighting talks with Minnesota authors at the Northwoods Art & Book Festival in Hackensack. We'll continue to feature more authors weekly.
Looking for a good book recommendation? Want to recommend a book you've just read? Check out our What We're Reading page on Facebook, or text us at 218-326-1234.
What We're Reading is made possible in part by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
