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LIST OF EPISODES

Here is a Reverse Chronological list of
Previous Northern Lights Program Episodes with annotations...
This page is currently being added to and edited and formatted so please check back later for a comprehensive and better-displayed list.

Northern Lights

A Look at Minnesota Books and Writers

Program Episodes Produced in 2002

Minnesota Humanities Commission/Minnesota Center for the Book

Funding provided by Target Stores and the Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation

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#489  Arthur Phillips

Author of the historical novel Prague: A Novel, about a group of North American expatriates in Budapest, Hungary, set in about 1990 at the end of the Cold War; interviewed by writer and educator Phebe Hanson. (29:05)

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#488  James Ogland

Author of Picturing Lake Minnetonka; interviewed by Cindy Leines. (29:10)

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#487  Literature and Professions

Special edition of the Northern Lights program: "Literature and the Professions in Minnesota: Using Literature as a Basis for Discussion of Issues in the Courts" with project co-founders Sandy Lotto and Bob Szulkin.. (29:15)

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#486  Ann Bancroft and Nancy Loewen

Ann is well-known throughout the world for her polar expeditions and adventures, including the 1992-93 American Women's Expedition to Antactica. Nancy Loewen and Ann teamed up to co-author a book about the journey, Four to the Pole! (LinnetBooks),a 2002 Minnesota Book Awards nominee in "Youth Literature". Jerry Zgoda, Star Tribune reporter, talks to Ann and Nancy about the book and the expedition support company, yourexpedition.com. Ann also answers questions from Jerry and several students about her 2001 polar trip with Liv Arnesen. (29:00)

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#485  Grant Blackwood

Author of The End of Enemies (Berkley Publishers), a thrilling tale of international intrigue, and a 2002 Minnesota Book Awards nominee in "Popular Fiction"; and also author of a new book, The Wall of Night, with agent Briggs Tanner again involved in a worldwide thriller. Grant is interviewed at Once Upon A Crime Bookstore in Minneapolis by Star Tribune reviewer Bruce Southworth. (29:10)

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#484  Robert Bly

Part Two of a Two-Part Program.

Ted Genoways continues his discussion with acclaimed writer Robert Bly, focusing on Bly's rural Minnesota upbringing, his introduction to writing and his early works including Silence in the Snowy Fields and The Light Around the Body, his "Fifties" and "Sixties" successive booklet publications, his political life in the sixties, stories of authors from Minnesota and around the world, and his other writing up to the time of Iron John and The Sibling Society. (29:15)

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#483  Robert Bly

Part One of a Two-Part Program.
One of Minnesota's most acclaimed writers talks about his recent poetry and literary translations, and reads several poems from his book,

The Night Abraham Called to the Stars (HarperCollins), a 2002 Minnesota Book Awardsnominee. He is interviewed by poet Ted Genoways of the Minnesota Historical Society Press. (29:20)

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#482  Valerie Miner

Professor of English at University of Minnesota, and author of The Low Road: A Scottish Family Memoir, a 2002 Minnesota Book Awards nominee in "Memoirs"; Range of Light, a 1999 Minnesota Book Awards nominee in "Novels"; and other books including Murder in the English Department, Blood Sisters, A Walking Fire, and Winter's Edge. She is interviewed at the Minnesota Women's Press by Mollie Hoben. (29:00)

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#481  Mark Neuzil

Chair of the Department of Journalism at University of St. Thomas and author of Views on the Mississippi: The Photographs of Henry Peter Bosse (University of Minnesota Press), a 2002 Minnesota Book Awards nominee. John Helland interviews Mark at the Science Museum of Minnesota's River Gallery, where they talk about the publishing of the comprehensive collection of pictures by the foremost 19th century photographer of the Mississippi River. (29:10)

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#480  Lise Lunge-Larsen and Judy Stern

Lise is the author of The Race of the Birkebeiners, a tale about saving the infant King of Norway many centuries ago by cross-country skiers, illustrated by Caldecott-winner Mary Azarian, and a 2002 Minnesota Book Awards nominee. Lise is also the author of The Troll with No Heart in His Body, a 2000 Minnesota Book Awards winner illustrated by Minnesotan Betsy Bowen, and Legend of the Ladyslipper. Judy is the author of PJ Penguin: The Race to Save Penguin Land, how they saved Antarctica.  They are interviewed by Dave Carlson. (29:00)

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Northern Lights

A Look at Minnesota Books and Writers

Program Episodes Produced in 2001

Minnesota Humanities Commission/Minnesota Center for the Book

Funding provided by Target Stores and the Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation

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#479 Tom Hegg and Warren Hanson

Tom is the author of A Cup of Christmas Tea, a holiday favorite for over 20 years, plus Peef: The Christmas Bear and other Peef books, and Up to the Lake. Warren is the illustrator of Tom's books and is author/illustrator of The Next Place, an inspirational journey of hope. Dorothy Molstad of Waldman House Press, publisher of all the books, introduces Tom and Warren as they read and talk about their works at Barnes & Noble in Minneapolis. (29:00)

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#478 Leif Enger

Author of the acclaimed Peace Like a River (Atlantic Monthly Press), a national bestselling novel about a Minnesota farm family, a nominee for the 2001 National Book Awards and 2002 Minnesota Book Awards; interviewed by writer William Kent Krueger at Stillwater Public Library. (29:20)

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#477 Pete Hautman and Mary Logue

Pete is the author of six mystery books, including Drawing Dead (1993), The Mortal Nuts (1996) & Rag Man (2001). He has also authored young adult fiction and non-fiction books, such as Mr. Was (1996) and Hole in the Sky (2001). Mary has written two novels, a memoir, a book of poetry, and a young adult fiction book entitled Dancing With an Alien. She has also authored three "Claire Watkins" mysteries—Blood Country (1999), Dark Coulee (2000) and Glare Ice (2001). They are interviewed by reviewer Bruce Southworth at Once Upon A Crime Bookstore. (29:00)

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#476 Lonnie & Kelly Dupre
Lonnie is an Arctic explorer & author of the book Greenland Expedition: Where Ice is Born (NorthWord Press), an essay & photo account of his expeditions circumnavigating this large northern hemisphere island. Kelly is a teacher & writer/illustrator who wrote a children's book, The Raven's Gift, which also focuses on the Greenland expeditions. They are interviewed at Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis by Rudi Hargesheimer. (29:15)

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#475 Ray Gonzalez

Poet, short story writer, Professor at University of Minnesota and author of Turtle Pictures (University of Arizona Press), a 2001 Minnesota Book Awards winner in "Poetry"; interviewed by author George Rabasa. Ray reads three poems from his book Cabato Sentora, and talks about a new book John Wayne's Ghost and Other Stories, and the annual Chicano/Latino Writer's Festival sponsored by the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library. (29:30)

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#474 Steve Hoffbeck

Professor at Minnesota State University—Moorhead, and author of The Haymakers: A Chronicle of Five Farm Families (Minnesota Historical Society Press), a 2001 Minnesota Book Awards winner. Pete Gorton interviews Steve about this memoir which traces the role of haymaking in the lives of five families from the mid-nineteenth century through the present; recorded at historic Phelps Mill in NW Minnesota, which is featured in the book. (28:00)

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#473 Don Olsen

Owner/proprietor of OxHead Press, a long-time small press in rural Central Minnesota. Richard Arey talks to Don about his writing and publishing career, his studio, and the writers he has worked with, including Robert Bly, Joy Harjo, Bill Holm & Pablo Neruda. (29:15)

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#472 Lois McMaster Bujold

Science Fiction and Fantasy writer and author of many books in the "Vorkosigan" series including Falling Free (Nebula Award winner);

The Vor Game, Barrayar and Mirror Dance (Hugo Awards for best science fiction novel in 1991,1992 & 1995); Komarr (1999 Minnesota Book Awards winner) and A Civil Campaign (2000 Minnesota Book Awards nominee). Her latest book is a fantasy, The Curse of Chalion; she is interviewed by sci-fi fan Bernie Piorek. (29:10)

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#471 Maxwell MacKenzie

Architectural Photographer living during the summer in a restored Northwest Minnesota farmhouse, whose recent works are featured in American Ruins, a black & white photographic account of abandoned and neglected farm and homestead buildings in the Upper Midwest, published by Afton Historical Society Press. Maxwell is interviewed by Patricia Johnston, and also talks with his wife, Rebecca Cross, a painter and collaborator. (29:00)

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#470 Patricia Condon Johnston

Writer and founder of Afton Historical Society Press, and author of many books including Stillwater, Pretty Red Wing, The Shape Of Things and Minnesota's Irish. She recently wrote and published her memoir, Pie in the Sky, about her writing and publishing career, and is interviewed at Afton Press by Tom Loome, antiquarian bookseller in nearby Stillwater. Also: An overview of the authors & books published by Afton Historical Society Press. (29:00)

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#469 Louise Erdrich

Popular Native American writer and author of The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse (A 2001 National Book Awards nominee), The Antelope Wife, Grandmother's Pigeon (a children's book), Tales of Burning Love (a 1997 Minnesota Book Awards winner in "Novels"), The Blue Jay's Dance (first major work of non-fiction), The Bingo Palace, Tracks and Love Medicine. Louise is interviewed by journalist Marcie Rendon at her store, Birch Bark Books and Native American Arts in Minneapolis,and talks about her cultural and spiritual writings. (29:00)

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#468 Heid E. Erdrich

Poet and Professor of English at University of St. Thomas, and author of Fishing For Myth (New Rivers Press), a 1998 Minnesota Book Awards nominee; interviewed by Diane Wilson, editor of Minnesota Literature newsletter, at Birch Bark Books and Native American Arts in Minneapolis. Heid and her sister Louise Erdrich also talk about the book store and Native American writers. (29:00)

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#467 Cheri Register

Author of Packinghouse Daughter (Minnesota Historical Society Press), a personal reflection of growing up in the meat-packing town of Albert Lea and experiencing working-class values and the 1959 labor strike; interviewed by University of Minnesota History Professor Sara Evans at the Minnesota Humanities Commission. The book was a 2001 Minnesota Book Awards and an American Book Awards winner. (29:00)

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#466 Mary Casanova

Children's author from far northern Minnesota and winner of two 2001 Minnesota Book Awards — The Hunter in the "Children" category and Curse of a Winter Moon in the "Young Adult" category. Mary is interviewed at Minneapolis Public Library by librarian Lisa Stuart, talks about her other books Wolf Shadows, Riot (both Minnesota Book Awards nominees) and Moose Tracks, and reads from her latest books. (29:00)

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#465 Thom Tammaro & Sheila Coghill

Co-editors of Visiting Emily: Poems Inspired by the Life and Work of Emily Dickinson (Univ. of Iowa Press), a compilation of poems and essays about the famous American poet by various writers and a 2001 Minnesota Book Awards winner in "Anthologies and Collections"; interviewed by Patrick O'Donnell, Professor at Normandale Community College. Thom and Sheila are both professors at University of Minnesota—Moorhead, and Thom has written When Italians Came to My Home Town, a 1996 Minnesota Book Awards nominee in "Poetry", and co-edited several other anthologies with Mark Vinz including Imagining Home and Inheriting the Land (Minnesota Book Award winners for "Collected Works" in 1996 and 1994, respectively). (29:00)

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#464 John L. Peyton

Longtime Duluth-area artist/illustrator who started writing in his 80s and has authored The Stone Canoe, a 1991 Minnesota Book Awards winner; Faces in the Firelight (1992); Bright Beat the Water (1993), an autobiographical account of growing up in the northlands; and The Birch (1994), all published by McDonald & Woodward. He is interviewed one week before his 94th birthday by grandson-in-law Gerald Sweetnam in Duluth. (29:00)

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#463 Emily Carter

Author of Glory Goes and Gets Some (Coffee House Press), a 2001 Minnesota Book Awards nominee in "Novels and Short Stories"; she is interviewed about her writing by author Alison McGhee at the Aster Cafe in Minneapolis, and reads from her book at nearby Nicollet Island. (29:15)

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#462 Chuck Logan & John Sandford

Part Two of a two part program.

Bruce Southworth continues the discussion with the two east metro area mystery writers at Once Upon A Crime Bookstore. Chuck Logan has written three mystery novels, including The Big Law, a 1999 Minnesota Book Awards nominee, Price of Blood (1998) and Hunter's Moon (1996). Chuck and John talk about similarities and differences in their writing styles, their friendship and influences. (29:20)

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#461 John Sandford & Chuck Logan

Part One of a two part program.

Mystery book reviewer Bruce Southworth moderates a discussion with the two east metro area mystery writers at Once Upon A Crime Bookstore in Minneapolis. John Camp, writing as "John Sandford", has authored numerous mystery books in the "Prey" series including Easy Prey, a 2001 Minnesota Book Awards nominee, Certain Prey (1999), Secret Prey (1998), and the first in the series Rules of Prey (1989), and the latest Chosen Prey (2001). As John Camp, he has written several other books and is a PulitzerPrize-winning St. Paul Pioneer Press journalist. (29:20)

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#460 Kate DiCamillo

Author of Because of Winn-Dixie (Candlewick Press), a 2001 Minnesota Book Awards nominee in the "Young Adult" category & a prestigious 2001 Newbery Honor Book award, and The Tiger Rising; a nominee for the 2001 National Book Awards & 2002 Minnesota Book Awards; interviewed at Red Balloon Bookshop by librarian Kathleen Baxter. (28:50)

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#459 Michael O'Rourke

Author of The Ordeal of Riley McReynolds (North Star Press), a novel about the nature and internal politics of a fictional midwestern company, and a new book due out in 2001. He is interviewed at the St. Paul University Club, where he did most of his writing, by book reviewer Bruce Southworth. (29:00)

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#458 33 Minnesota Poets

The latest in a series of publications by Nodin Press honoring Minnesota writers and poets, 33 Minnesota Poets, a 2001 Minnesota Book Awards nominee, presents selections of poems from a variety of the state's well-known or aspiring poets, including Linda Back McKay, Joyce Sutphen, Norita Dittberner-Jax, Philip Dacey, Michael Dennis Browne, Ethna McKiernan, Rich Broderick, Ken McCollough, Mary Kay Rummel and others. Monica and Emilio DeGrazia, editors of the book, and Norton Stillman, Nodin Press Publisher, talk about the book and introduce the readings by the authors which took place at the Open Book Literary Center in February 2001. The Minnesota writers series also includes 25 Minnesota Poets (1974), 25 Minnesota Poets 2 (1977), 25 Minnesota Writers (1980), and 26 Minnesota Writers (1995), all published by Nodin Press. (29:30)

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#457 Eric Markusen

Sociology Professor at Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota and one of the foremost experts on genocide and cultural tragedies; he co-authored The Genocidal Mentality: Nazi Holocaust and Nuclear Threat and The Holocaust and Strategic Bombing and is interviewed in 1998 at the Marshall Writers Festival by Beth Weatherby of the Southwest State University Creative Writing Department. In 2001, he went to Copenhagen as a Research Director at the Danish Holocaust and Genocide Studies Center for six months. (27:40)

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#456 Patricia Hampl

Acclaimed St. Paul writer, author of A Romantic Education, Virgin Time and I Could Tell You Stories, along with the fine press winter book of the Minnesota Center for Book Arts entitled Summer House, a 2001 Minnesota Book Awards winner. She is interviewed in her St. Paul home by writer Phebe Hanson; parts of the winter book publication party and her reading of Summer House are also shown. (29:00)

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#455 David Mech

One of the world's foremost wolf experts and author/editor of The Wolves of Minnesota: Howl in the Heartland (VoyageurPress), an authoritative account of the biology, history and future of wolves in Minnesota— the comprehensive research into wolfpacks, prey and human interactions— and a 2001 Minnesota Book Awards nominee. Dr. Mech works with U.S. Geological Survey and has also studied and written two books about Arctic wolves. He is interviewed by naturalist Nancy Gibson, author of Wolves (VoyageurPress), and a Board member of the International Wolf Center in Ely. (29:00)

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Northern Lights

A Look at Minnesota Books and Writers

Program Episodes Produced in 2000

Minnesota Humanities Commission/Minnesota Center for the Book

Funding provided by Target Stores and the Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation

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#454 Pat Dennis & Susan Vass — Minnesota Humor

A taste of "Minnesota Hotdish Humor" is served up in the kitchen of Susan Vass as the two comedians get together to discuss the finer points of humor, Minnesota humor writers, and their own books — Hotdish to Die For, a blend of mystery and comedy, and Stand Up and Die (both by Penury Press) by Pat Dennis, and Laughing Your Way to Good Health (Marketing Resources) by Susan Vass. Author readings, comedy and hotdishes are served! (29:15)

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#453 John Koblas

Author of The Jessie James Northfield Raid, a thorough account of the events of the legendary bank robbery;  J.J. Dickison, a biography of the "Swamp Fox" of the Confederacy; and Willow River Almanac: A Father Copes With Divorce and Nature, a personal memoir of healing through a month residency in nearby Willow River State Park (all books published by North Star Press). Mark Oyaas, Executive Director of Metro Cable Network, talks with John at the Northfield Historical Society Museum, site of the famous raid. (29:30)

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#452 Alison McGhee

Novelist and author of Shadow Baby (Harmony Books), the 2001 Minnesota Book Awards winner in "Novels and Short Stories", and Rainlight (Papier-Mache Press), a 1999 Minnesota Book Awards winner. She is interviewed by author Faith Sullivan about her writing and reads from her new book at the Washburn Library in Minneapolis. (29:10)

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#451 Gareth Hiebert

The longtime St. Paul Pioneer Press Columnist known as "Oliver Towne" is interviewed by author and journalist Joe Kimball of the Star Tribune St. Paul Bureau. They talk about two recent books published by Pogo Press, City on Seven Hills and Oliver's Towns— compilations of many of the columns he wrote for over thirty years about Minnesota's communities and everyday people. (29:00)

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#450 Carol Bly

Author of many books of essays and short stories, including Backbone, Changing the Bully Who Rules the World and My Lord Bag of Rice (all published by Milkweed Editions), Letter from the Country (Univ. of Minnesota Press) and An Adolescent's Christmas, 1944 (Afton Historical Society Press); interviewed by Emilie Buchwald, publisher of the non-profit literary press Milkweed Editions in Minneapolis. (29:00)

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#449 Harold Kahm (Henry Sackerman)

"Minnesota's Oldest Professional Writer", 94-year old Harold Kahm has been writing since the 1920s in a variety of genres. From early contributions to True Confessions, he then wrote a number of nationally-published business economics books, such as How to Make Money: A Book for Boys and Young Men and 101 Businesses You Can Start and Run, and a book with radio pioneer Robert DeHaven, How to Break Into Radio. Later, he wrote a number of "popular fiction" ("pulp fiction"to some) books under the penname Henry Sacherman. He adapted one of these books, The Crowded Bed, into a play which was performed at Acadia Cafe & Theater.  John Townsend, Director of the play, talks to Harold in the South Minneapolis home he lived in for 84 years; video clips of the play are shown. (29:00)

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#448 D.J. Tice

St. Paul Pioneer Press Editorial W riter and author of Minnesota's Twentieth Century: Stories of Extraordinary Everyday People (University of Minnesota Press), stories centered around the historical happenings of the past one hundred years, including the Depression, Prohibition, several wars, farming, fishing, hockey, lynchings and hangings, and the '60s. He is interviewed at the Minnesota History Center, where he did much of his research, by Roger Sween. The book was a 2000 Minnesota Book Awards winner in the "History" category. (29:00)

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#447 Charles Baxter

Novelist, poet and teacher, originally from Minnesota; author of The Feast of Love (Random House), which was a prestigious National Book Award nominee in 2000; also, A Relative Stranger and Burning Down the House.  He reads from two of his books, and is interviewed at his "second home" and writing studio on the North Shore of Lake Superior by librarian Becky Norlien, Two Harbors Public Library. (29:35)

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#446 Jack Zipes — Folktales, Fairy Tales & Storytelling

University professor, storyteller, and authority on folk and fairy tales around the world. Jack is the author/editor of many books examining the history & cultural significance of the stories that have been passed down through the ages, including The Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales, the first-ever encyclopedia of Western literary fairy tales. He is interviewed by Kati Koerner of the Children's Theatre Co., shown teaching storytelling to students at Lucy Craft Laney School in Minneapolis, and telling a folk tale at Ruminator Bookstore. (29:15)

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#445 Two Poets from the Minnesota Voices Project

Each year, New Rivers Press, the nonprofit literary press in Minneapolis, holds a competition for emerging Minnesota writers of poetry and creative prose. Writer/editor Thomas R. Smith interviews the two poets from St.Paul— Susan Steger Welsh, author of Rafting the Water Table, and Richard Broderick, author of Woman Lake — who won the 1998 competition and had their books of poetry published in 2000.  Also, Eric Braun of New Rivers Press talks about the Minnesota Voices Project and activities at the Press. (29:30)

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#444 John Calvin Rezmerski (with Freya Manfred)

Part Two of a Two-Part Program.

The discussion of the life & writings of Minnesota author Frederick Manfred continues, focusing on The Frederick Manfred Reader (Holy Cow! Press), a compilation of works edited by John which was a 1997 Minnesota Book Awards nominee. Freya also talks to John about his books of poetry, What Do I Know? and Held for Questioning. (29:20)

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#443 Freya Manfred (with John Rezmerski)

Part One of a Two-Part Program.

Freya is a poet, teacher and daughter of renown Minnesota author Frederick Manfred. She is interviewed by author/professor John Rezmerski about the life & writings of her father as reflected in her memoir, Frederick Manfred: A Daughter Remembers (Minnesota Historical Society Press), a 2000 Minnesota Book Awards nominee; she also discusses and reads poetry from her books American Roads and A Goldenrod Will Grow. (29:25)

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#442 Voices for the Land

A literary contest was part of a project of 1000 Friends of Minnesota encouraging appreciation of the state's natural, cultural and historic areas. This program presents readings of the winning essays at the Open Book Literary Center; the essays were published by Milkweed Editions—Voices for the Land: Minnesotans Writing About the Places They Love — and printed in a Star Tribune newspaper series along with photographs of the special places in the state the authors wrote about. (29:00)

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#441 The Grand Opening of Open Book

Highlights of the festive May 21, 2000 Grand Opening of Open Book, the new Literary Center building in Minneapolis — home to The Loft, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Milkweed Editions and Ruminator Bookstore. The Directors of each organization, along with Board members and staff,

building architects and others involved in the project, welcome visitors to this unique and exciting collective of literary activities; also, readings by author Charles Baxter, publisher Allan Kornblum & several poets. (29:30)

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#440 Jim dale Huot-Vickery & A Calvin Rutstrum Tribute

Judy Stern interviews Ely writer Jim Vickery, author of three books including Winter Sign, a 1999 Minnesota Book Awards nominee, and Wilderness Visionaries, highlighting prominent environmental writers. Jim and Judy were in Marine-on-St. Croix in April for the annual tribute to longtime Minnesota outdoors writer Calvin Rutstrum. (28:55)

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#439 Jonis Agee

Novelist, short story writer and teacher; author of Taking the Wall, a collection of auto racing stories published by Coffee House Press and a 2000 Minnesota Book Awards nominee. Jonis has also authored four novels, including The Weight of Dreams; she is interviewed by Lon Otto, writer and Professor at University of St. Thomas. (28:30)

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Northern Lights

A Look at Minnesota Books and Writers

Program Episodes Produced in 1999

Minnesota Center for the Book and Metronet — the Consortium of Metropolitan Libraries

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#438 David Backes — Sigurd Olson Biography and Tribute
Part Two of a two part program.

Barton Sutter continues his interview with author David Backes about the biography of nature writer Sigurd Olson, A Wilderness Within.

Todd Orjala from the University of Minnesota Press talks about the re-issue of many of Sigurd's books. (29:05)

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#437 David Backes — Sigurd Olson Biography and Tribute

Part One of a two part program.

Listening Point and the Burntside Lake cabin of Sigurd Olson, one of America's most prominent and respected nature writers, is the perfect setting for an interview with David Backes, author of A Wilderness Within, the Sigurd Olson biography published by University of Minnesota Press. Duluth writer Barton Sutter talks with David about the making of the book and Sigurd's life, writing and conservation ethic; testimonials and tributes are presented from Sigurd's family and friends who were in Ely attending the 100th anniversary of his birth. (29:05)

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#436 Jim Brandenburg
The internationally renown nature photographer is interviewed at his Ravenwood home/studio northeast of Ely, Minnesota. Richard "Fred" Arey talks with Jim about his latest book, Chased by the Light (NorthWord Press), an impressive series of pictures taken once each day over a three month period, along with earlier works, White Wolf, Minnesota: Images of Home, and some of his many photo essays for National Geographic magazine. (29:25)

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#435 "Prairie Memoirs" — Mary Logue and Dennis Clausen

On the road to Paynesville in West Central Minnesota as two authors with roots in the region talk to interested residents about writing and the prairie culture. Gladys & Don Torbenson interview Dennis Clausen, author of Prairie Son, and Mary Logue, author of Settling, a poetry compilation (both published by Mid-List Press) at the Paynesville Area Center; Marianne Nora, of Mid-List Press, & Janell Hoffman talk about the Prairie Tour. (29:15)

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#434 Emerson Wulling and Sumac Press

A fascinating visit to Sumac Press, the world's longest-operating fine press, and an interview with 95-year old printer, publisher and literature teacher Emerson Wulling. At his home in LaCrosse, Emerson talks to Will Powers, Minnesota Historical Society Press, about his long career setting type by hand & printing books on his old hand-fed press. (29:15)

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#433 Sujata Massey
Mystery writer originally from St. Paul , and author of The Flower Master, Zen Attitude and The Salaryman's Wife (HarperCollins), the "Rei Shimura" series of suspense novels; interviewed at Micawber's Bookstore in St. Paul by book reviewer Bruce Southworth. (29:15)

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#432 1999 MINNESOTA BOOK AWARDS Author Readings

Special Readings from Book Award nominees: Barton Sutter from Cold Comfort: Life at the Top of the MapMarjorie Myers Douglas from Barefoot on Crane Island; William Kent Krueger from Iron Lake; and Marsha Wilson Chall from Rupa Raises the Sun. Wendy Wustenberg hosts the eleventh annual celebration of Minnesota literature. (29:05)

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#431 Ralph Rapson: Sixty Years of Modern Design

Part Two of a two part program. The three authors of the new book covering the life and work of acclaimed architect, artist and educator Ralph Rapson continue their discussion and offer interesting insights into the evolution of modern architectual design. Ralph talks about more of his residential & public building and furniture design projects on display at the Weisman Art Museum & Minneapolis Institute of Arts; excerpts of a video are shown. (29:30)

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#430 Ralph Rapson: Sixty Years of Modern Design
Part One of a two part program. The life and work of acclaimed architect, artist and educator Ralph Rapson is chronicled in a new book published by Afton Historical Society Press. The three authors— Jane King Hession, Rip Rapson and Bruce Wright—are interviewed by architect Linda McCracken-Hunt about their collaborative efforts to produce this comprehensive overview of a variety of architectual designs and projects. Ralph reflects upon a number of his local and international projects and accomplishments on display at the Weisman Art Museum and Minneapolis Institute of Arts. (29:10)

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#429 Sarah Susanka
Architect, journalist and author of the national best seller The Not So Big House:A Blueprintfor the Way We Really Live (Taunton Press), a 1999 Minnesota Book Award winner which provides commonsense, human-scale design principles to modern-day residences. Sarah is interviewed by Connie Nelson, Star Tribune home & garden writer, and gives a tour of her own .recently-constructed "not so big" house which is featured in the book. (29:30)

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#428 A Tribute to Poet John Engman

Highlights of a tribute to Minneapolis poet John Engman (1949-1996), sponsored by The Loft and Hungry Mind Bookstore, featuring readings of his work by Michael Dennis Browne, Barton Sutter, Phil Gallo, Jennifer Crosby, Jim Heynen,John Minczeski and other poets; and excerpts from a video produced by Augsburg College professor John Mitchell. A book of Engman's poems, Temporary Help (Holy Cow! Press) was a 1999 Minnesota Book Award nominee. (29:35)

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#427 Mildred Farkash Miller and Ruth F. Brin — Two Poets

Mildred's collection of nearly 100 poems and prose,A World Split Open,was published by the Powderhorn Writer's Festival, which has also published an anthology of local writing, Close to the Ground; Mildred is interviewed by Jeannie Piekos, who also leads a discussion of Powderhorn Neighborhood Association's support of community writers and literary arts. Ruth is the author of Harvest: Collected Poems and Prayers (recently re issued by Holy Cow! Press) and a personal memoir, Bittersweet Berries: Growing Up Jewish in Minnesota; she is interviewed by writer/literature instructor Patrick O'Donnell. (29:30)

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#426 Sandra Krebs Hirsh and Jane Kise

Co-authors of Soul Types, how the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can be used to discover and enrich spirituality and add fullness to life. Both are nationally-recognized authors and experts on psychological type and management consultants; interviewed by book reviewer Bruce Southworth. (29:00)

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#425 Ellen Hawley

Editor of the writer's magazine A View From the Loft and author of the novel Trip Sheets (Milkweed Editions), a story about cab driver Cath Rahven's search for direction and a more meaningful existence, and a 1999 Minnesota Book Award nominee; interviewed by author David Haynes. (29:25)

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#424 Dr. James Shannon

Catholic bishop, attorney, university president, former head of the General Mills Foundation, and author of Reluctant Dissenter: An Autobiography (Crossroad Publishing), a fascinating account of his personal and spiritual life; interviewed at the Minnesota State Law Library by Dr. Terry Dosh, a church historian. (29:20)

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#423 Andrew Slade and Jay Steinke — Northwoods Fun & Photos

Andrew Slade is the author of White Woods, Quiet Trails (Ridgeline Press), the ultimate guidebook for enjoying cross country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking, plus many other winter activities and attractions, along Minnesota's North Shore.  Jay Steinke ,a Duluth photographer, has put together two photography books: Gunflint Territory (tea table books), images from the Boundary Waters near the Gunflint Trail, and Superior's North Shore—Wild Places.  Both Andrew and Jay are interviewed in Duluth's Lester Park by author Richard "Fred" Arey. (29:00)

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#422 Bob Cary

Senior Editor of the Ely Echo newspaper and author of Born to Pull (Pfeifer-Hamilton), a thorough and beautifully illustrated (by Gail de Marcken) book about the sport and the dogs that are used for sled dog racing and touring, with interesting insights and anecdotes from mushers, a 1999 Minnesota Book Award nominee; interviewed by Stuart Osthoff, publisher of Boundary Waters Journal magazine and avid musher. Bob is also the author of Root Beer Lady and Tales from Jackpine Bob; he is shown mushing with some of Stu & Michelle Osthoff's sled dogs. (29:25)

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#421 Barton Sutter
Professor of Writing, public radio commentator, poet and author of Cold Comfort (University of Minnesota Press),-- a book of whimsical essays reflecting the life and culture of Duluth and northern Minnesota, and a 1999 Minnesota Book Award winner. He is interviewed by writer Joe Muldoon and is also featured reading his works with musical accompaniment by his brother Ross Sutter and pianist Heather McLaughlin at the Schubert Club in St. Paul. (29:35)

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#420 William Kent Krueger

Author of Iron Lake, a mystery set in northern Minnesota and a 1999 Minnesota Book Award winner, and second mystery book Boundary Waters; interviewed at the St. Clair Broiler in St. Paul, where he does most of his writing, by book reviewer Bruce Southworth. (29:00)

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#419 Jane Pejsa

Author of Romanoff— Prince of Rogues: The Life & Times of a Hollywood Icon (Kenwood Publishing), a biography of the flamboyant but shadowy restauranteur, a 1998 Minnesota Book Award nominee; interviewed by Erich Christ, owner of the Black Forest Inn in Minneapolis. (27:30)

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#418 David Haynes

Author Julie Landsman interviews David Haynes about his novel All American Dream Dolls (Milkweed Editions), a 1998 Minnesota Book Award nominee, and about the anthology they co-edited, Welcome to Your World: Writings for the Heart of Young America (Milkweed Editions). Mary Jo Pauly then talks to David about his special limited edition fine arts press book, The Everyday Magic of Walterlee Higgins, the 1998 Winter Book Project of the Minnesota Center for Book Arts and a 1999 Minnesota Book Award nominee. (29:30)

​

Northern Lights

A Look at Minnesota Books and Writers

Program Episodes Produced in 1998

Minnesota Center for the Book/Metronet

​

#417 Tessa Bridal

Author of The Tree of Red Stars (Milkweed Editions), a debut novel about growing up in South America at a time of increasing threats of terrorism from the government; interviewed by Glenda Martin, Minnesota Women's Press. (29:25)

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#416 A Winter Gathering: Jon Hassler and Bill Holm
A special Duluth get together of these two prominent Minnesota authors who have successive Winter Books published by Afton Historical Society Press: Bill Holm and Faces of Christmas Past (1997), and Jon Hassler and Underground Christmas (1998). Duluth author Barton Sutter introduces an evening of holiday readings, book talk and music. (29:35)

​

#415 J.F. Powers

Part Two of a two part interview.
Jon Hassler continues his interview with J.F. Powers,including a discussion of his novels, Morte D'Urban, the 1962 National Book Award winner, and Wheat That Springeth Green, a 1988 National Book Award nominee, and two collections of short stories, Prince of Darkness and The Presence of Grace. An introduction is provided by Nancy Hynes, Professor of English at College of St. Benedict and Creativity Conference Co-Chair. (29:40)

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#414 J.F. Powers

Part One of a two part interview.
The legendary Minnesota writer and winner of the prestigious National Book Award in 1962 is interviewed at the College of St. Benedict by fellow novelist and teaching colleague Jon Hassler. Part One focuses on his life and early writing. Recorded in conjunction with the annual Creativity Conference at College of St. Benedict. (30:00)

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#413 U Sam Oeur
Cambodian poet now living in the Twin Cities, whose book of poetry, Sacred Vows, was published by Coffee House Press. U Sam Oeur is interviewed by professor and translator Ken McCullough about his poetry and experiences during the fall of Phnom Phen.  Also, excerpts from Krasang Tree, a recent play based on the works of the poet and performed atTheatre de la Jeune Lune, are shown and discussed by musical composer Mark Bruckner.(29:20)

​

#412 Genny Zak Kieley
Author of Heart and Hard Work: Memories of 'Nordeast' Minneapolis (Nodin Press), a pictorial & historical tour of the people, neighborhoods and businesses of the city's northeast area; interviewed at Jax Cafe and Kramarczuk Deli, two "Nordeast" landmarks, by Minnesota State Representative and long-time resident Len Biernat. (28:10)

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#411 Paul Clifford Larson
Minnesota historian and author of A Place at the Lake (Afton Historical Society Press), a pictorial account of the many summer cabins, cottages and houses that have proliferated along Minnesota's lakeshores; interviewed by Joanna Vail at the Fillebrown House, an enchanting 1879 cottage on White Bear Lake which is featured in the book. (29:35)

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#410 Linda Back McKay
Author of Shadow M others: Stories of Adoption and Reunion (North Star Press), heartfelt stories from ten women who placed a child for adoption and were reunited years later; interviewed by writer Carol Connolly at Children's Home Society of Minnesota. (28:40)

​

#409 George Morrison and Margot Fortunato Galt
The Native American painting and wood artist joined with writer/editor Margot Fortunato Gait to produce a book about his art, Turning the Feather Around, published by Minnesota Historical Society Press. They are interviewed by writer Joanne Hart in Geroge's studio along Lake Superior on Grand Portage Reservation. (29:00)

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#408 John Henricksson
Author of Wild Neighborhood, essays about visits of native wildlife to his Gunflint Lake cabin, a 1998 Minnesota Book Award winner in the nature category; interviewed by Northern Minnesota writerJoanne Hart.(29:15)

​

#407 Richard "Fred" Arey and Fine Arts Book Production

Part Two of a two part program.

The production process for the fine arts book Waterfalls of the Mississippi, continues with a look at the paper making at Cave Paper, binding at Campbell-Logan Bindery, and clamshell box construction by Jill Jevne; also, a pictorial tour of some of Gaylord Schanilec's earlier fine arts press books. (29:30)

​

#406 Richard "Fred" Arey and Gaylord Schanilec

Part One of a two part program.

The author/publisher teams up with the renowned wood engraver/fine arts pressman, to produce a deluxe hand-made limited edition book entitled Waterfalls of the Mississippi.  Patrick Coleman and Richard Arey talk to Gaylord in his studio about the wood engravings and production of the book. Richard & Gaylord received the Flanagan Prize at the 1999 Minnesota Book Awards for their work on the book. (29:00)

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#405 Joe Amato
Director of Regional Studies at Southwest State University in Marshall and author fifteen books on history and culture. Joe's 1997 publication is Golf Beats Us All (And So We Love It), a philosophical reflection on the pleasures and wisdom of the game that "cause so much pain,wastes so much time, and whose outcome is of utter insignificance" but remains intriguingly beloved to many; interviewed at Braemar Golf Course in Edina by Bill Brady, Executive Director of the Minnesota Library Association and weekend duffer. (29:35)

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#404 Poets Angelina Griffin, Louis Jenkins & Connie Wanek
Angelina Griffin's compilation of poems is entitled The Norwegian Lady Smiled; she is interviewed about her work and her participation in poetry slams by literature instructor Patrick O'Donnell. Louis Jenkins & Connie Wanek interview each other and read from their recent works while at the 1998 Marshall Writer's Festival. (29:50)

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#403 Blazin' Phil Blazovich
Baseball fan and author/publisher of Having Fun With Baseball Nicknames, featuring biographies, statistics, lingo, trivia, photos and index of over 4000 major league players and their descriptive nicknames (including the Twins' Puck, Herbie, Bruno, Lombo, Sweet Music and the G-Man!); interviewed by author/baseball historian Stew Thornley. (29:45)

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#402 Kevin Cashman
Founder and CEO of LeaderSource, an international leadership and coaching firm in Minneapolis, and author of Leadership From the Inside Out, a practical guide for personal and leadership transformation; interviewed by Dave Elmstrom, staff writer with Twin Cities Business Monthly.  Also: Sarah Bell Haberman of Haberman & Associates talks about her role in the marketing and promotion of the book. (27:40)

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#401 Marda Liggett Woodbury

Author of Stopping the Presses: The Murder of Walter W. Liggett, published by University of Minnesota Press, a compelling account of the 1935 murder of the progressive newspaper publisher in Minneapolis who was also the author's father; interviewed by David Braddock, actor/tour guide with Down in History Tours.  David also discusses the history and notoriety of St. Paul's Wabasha Caves and tours of local gangster-era sites. (29:50)

​

#400 1998 MINNESOTA BOOK AWARDS Author Readings

Special Readings from Book Award nominees:  Greg Breining reading from Minnesota; Susan Carol Hauser from Sugartime; Joseph Amato from Golf Beats Us All (and So We Love It); and Nadine Blacklock from Fifteen Years in a Photographer's Life, plus awards to Paul Gruchow and Bill Truesdale at the annual event at the Minnesota History Center. (29:45)

​

#399 John Persico, Jr., Ph.D. and Patricia Rouner Morris

Co-Authors and Editors of The New Business Values for Success in the Twenty-First Century, a collection of effective ideas and methods to bring success to organizations. John Persico has been an independent m anagement and training consultant and is now a business planner for Metropolitan Council; Patricia Morris is a writer and editor and a partner in a training firm; Lynn Smaagaard serves as the facilitator/interviewer. (29:00)

​

#398 Howard Mohr
Author of the popular book How to Talk Minnesotan, now a successful musical performed at the Plymouth Playhouse by Troupe America. Beth Weatherby, Director of the Southwest State University Creative Writing Program, talks with Howard about writing, humor and theater, other writers, and the 1998 Marshall Writer's Festival; excerpts from the play are shown. (26:50)

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#397 Anne M. Dunn

Native American author of Grandmother's Gift: Stories From the Anisbinabeg, a collection of short stories published by Holy Cow! Press and a 1998 Minnesota Book Awards nominee, and When Beaver Was Very Great; interviewed at the Marshall Writer's Festival by Jim Perlman, editor/publisher of Holy Cow! Press in Duluth. (28:25)

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#396 Leo Dangel

Poet and former literature and writing instructor at Southwest State University, talks with Bill Holm and Beth Weatherby at a recent Marshall Writer's Festival about his recent poetry compilation, Home From the Field, published by Spoon River Press.  Sally Childs, Artistic Director for the Lyric Theatre, discusses and shows excerpts of the theatrical adaptation of the book entitled Old Man Brunner Country. (29:15)

​

#395 Bicycling Books by Minnesota Writers

Doug Shidell and Vicky Vogels discuss their self-published book, Bicycle Vacation Guide to Minnesota & Wisconsin, with complete bike trail and route maps, and event and lodging information. Richard Arey talks about his Twin Cities Bicycling book, published by Minnesota Outdoors Press, with maps and descriptions of dozens of interesting bicycle rides and trips around the metro area. Bruce Blair, manager of the beautiful and popular Cannon Valley Trail, talks about Rail-Trail Handbook, a complete guide to the growing number of new biking/hiking trails along former railroad corridors in the Upper Midwest, published by Nodin Press. (29:40)

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#394 Walter Breckenridge

Former Director of the Bell Museum of Natural History for many years, author/illustrator of The Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota, and wildlife painter/illustrator for the classic two volume set The Birds of Minnesota; interviewed by Bob Janssen, editor of Loon, the journal of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union, author of two Minnesota bird books and long-time associate of Dr. Breckenridge.  Also: Current Director Scott Lanyon welcomes viewers to the Bell Museum on the campus of the University of Minnesota. (30:00)

​

#393 Hazelden Foundation and Publishing
Bob Ferguson, Hazelden Alumni Relations Manager, and Rebecca Post, Editor with Hazelden Publishing, talk with

Linda Hanner about the book, The Way Home, four real life stories of the journey from addiction to recovery. Publisher Bill Hammond describes the extensive marketing, publishing and materials distribution activities at this w orld fam ous center. (29:15)

​

#392 Paul Clifford Larson
Author of Icy Pleasures, a historic expedition of pictures and stories depicting Minnesotans celebrating the winter season, published by Afton Historical Society Press; interviewed outdoors in Como, Powderhorn & Rice Parks by Jennifer Eyrich of the St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation (Winter Carnival sponsors).  Also: Excerpts of a presentation by Paul Larson about his book Minnesota Architect: The Life and Work of Clarence H.Johnston. (29:30)

​

Northern Lights

A Look at Minnesota Books and Writers

Program Episodes Produced in 1997

Minnesota Center for the Book/Metronet

​

#391 Bill Holm... and Minnesota Center for Book Arts

Author of a second seasonal book, Playing Haydn for the Angel of Death, the ninth winter book published by the Minnesota Center for Book Arts with fifteen artists providing artworks for the poetic stanzas. Bill Holm's Haydn piano work is also featured, along with closer looks at the winter book exhibit and the previous American Institute of Graphic Arts "Fifty Books and Fifty Covers" exhibit at MCBA. (29:00)

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#390 Bill Holm... and Minneota, Minnesota
Poet, teacher, musician and author of two winter books, including Faces of Christmas Past, a series of holiday cultural essays published by Afton Historical Society Press. Bill Holm guides a tour of his hometown of Minneota, plays the piano, reads from Christmas Past and The Heart Can Be Filled Anywhere on Earth: Minneota, Minnesota, and talks with Beth Weatherby, Creative Writing Professor at Southwest State University in nearby Marshall, Minnesota. (29:55)

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#389 Minnesota Women's Press
Mollie Hoben and Glenda Martin, founders and directors of the Minnesota Women's Press, talk with Joanne Hart about their newest national publication, Book Women; their library and bookstore in St. Paul; reading groups and retreats; newspaper and directories; and their mission and future plans for "giving voice to women's words." (29:35)

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#388 George Rabasa

Author of the novel Floating Kingdom, a 1998 Minnesota Book Award winner, as well as a collection of short stories, Glass Houses, a 1996 Minnesota Book Award winner; interviewed by Mark Oyaas, Neerland & Oyaas Inc. and Metro Cab Network Executive Director. Also featured: Owner Allan Kornblum talks about Coffee House Press in Minneapolis. (28:15)

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#387 John H. Daniels

Author, book collector and bibliophilanthropist of a wide range of sporting and history books and manuscripts; his unique and impressive collection is being donated to the National Sporting Library in Middleburg, Virginia; interviewed at his home and library in Medina by Patrick Coleman, Minnesota Historical Society. (29:55)

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#386 Jon Hassler
Popular novelist, author of Rookery Blues, Dear James and The Dean's List; interviewed by Kay Bonner Nee, who acted in the theatrical adaptation of Hassler's Simon's Night. Video clips from two recent theatrical performances by the Lyric Theatre, Grand Opening and Dear James, are shown. (29:50)

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#385 Mary Bakeman
Owner of Park Genealogical Books, publishers and distributors of a wide range of genealogy and local history books, and a volunteer at the Genealogy Help Desk at the Minnesota History Center; interviewed by Denise Carlson, Head of Minnesota Historical Society Reference Dept. (29:00)

​

#384 Jerome Liebling
Acclaimed photographer and former University of Minnesota professor; he discusses the art of photography with Ted Hartwell, Curator of Photography at Minneapolis Institute of Arts, along with the new compilation published by Minnesota Historical Society Press, Jerome Liebling: The Minnesota Photographs, 1949-1969. (29:30)

​

#383 James Taylor Dunn
Librarian, historian and author who has a lifelong knowledge of and love for the St. Croix River and who authored the 1962 volume in the "Rivers of America" book series focusing on the St. Croix. He has also recently collected and edited articles and manuscripts written by his great aunt, Elizabeth Taylor, in a new book The Far Islands and Other Cold Places: Travel Essays of a Victorian Lady just published by Pogo Press.

He is interviewed at the St. Croix Water Research Station by Director Ron Lawrenz, who also discusses the mission/resources at the Research Station. (29:55)

​

#382 Joan Drury
Publisher of Spinsters Ink from Duluth, and author of two books of feminist myteries, Silent Words, a 1997 Minesota Book Award winner,

and The Other Side of Silence; interviewed by mystery book reviewer Bruce Southworth .

(28:40)

​

#381 Elmer L. Andersen
Part Two of a two part interview.

Patrick Coleman, Minnesota Historical Society, interviews the former Governor about his special collections and generous donations of books to libraries, museums and academic research facilities. (29:55)

​

#380 Elmer L. Andersen
Part One of a two part interview.

Patrick Coleman, Minnesota Historical Society, interviews the former Minnesota Governor and winner of the annual Kay Sexton Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Minnesota Community of the Book about his long-time book collecting, as well as his love and support for Minnesota literature and reading. (29:55)

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#379 LitLink Literary Arts Festival
Event Organizer Bob Gale talks about the recent LitLink Festival held at Calhoun Square in Minneapolis to celebrate National Poetry Month.

Included are highlights and snippets of the event and poetry presentations by ARTS-US Young Storytellers. (28:55)

​

#378 Larry Millett
Author of Twin Cities Then and Now, talks to David Wiggins, Minnesota Historical Society, about the dramatic changes in buildings and architecture in St. Paul and Minneapolis; he also discusses with reviewer Bruce Southworth his historic Minnesota railroad mystery, Sherlock Holmes and The Red Demon. (29:35)

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#377 Susan Davis Price
Author of Minnesota Gardens: An Illustrated History; the Best of Show at the Midwest Independent PublishersAssociation Awards held in 1997, and a 1996 Minnesota Book Award winner; published by Afton Historical Society Press; interviewed at the Como Conservatory by Roberta Sladky. Also featured: Selected highlights of the Midwest Independent Publishers Association Awards Ceremony in the Twin Cities. (29:40)

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#376 1997 MINNESOTA BOOK AWARDS Author Readings
Special readings from Book Award nominees: Audrey Osofsky from her book Free to Dream; John Rezmerski from The Frederick Manfred Reader; David Moffatt from Explorations in the Ordinary; and Lisa Westberg Peters from October Smiled Back. Former Gov. Elmer L. Andersen, the Kay Sexton Award winner for Outstanding Contributions to the Minnesota Community of the Book, speaks of the importance of books and literature. (30:00)

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#375 Marlin Bree
Author of Call of the North Wind and In the Teeth of the Northeaster, books about voyages and adventures on Lake Superior; interviewed by Anne Auten. (29:25)

​

#374 Deborah Keenan

Poet and author of Happiness, a 1996 Minnesota Book Award nominee, and five other poetry books; interviewed by writer/teacher Margaret Hasse. (29:45)

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#373 Myron Orfield and James Kunstler

These two authors address the important issue of "urban sprawl" and how a pattern of land use and zoning policies dramatically affect the way we all live. Minnesota State Representative Orfield, Minneapolis, focuses on the local metro area in his new book Metropolitics. Jim Kunstler has written The Geography of Nowhere and Home From Nowhere and is a renown observer and critic of urban issues and trends. They ar interviewed by Jeff Strate, TV Writer/Producer and Board Member, Minnesota Land Trust. (29:20)

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#372 Wing Young Huie
Award-winning Photographer who created an art exhibit and a book, Frogtown: Photographs and Conversations in an Urban Neighborhood, a 1997 Minnesota Book Award nominee; interviewed in various locations in St. Paul's Frogtown and Minneapolis' East Lake Street communities by Jack Becker, FORECAST Public Artworks. (29:20)

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#371 Michael Dennis Browne
Writer and teacher, whose work and personal stories are chronicled in Selected Poems: 1965-95, a 1998 Minnesota Book Award winner; interviewed by Olivia Walling, Minnesota Center for the Book. (29:35)

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#370 Duke Klassen -
Author of The Dance Hall at Spring Hill, a collection of short stories from a small Central Minnesota town and a 1997 Minnesota Book Award nominee; interviewed by Catherine Lupori. (29:30)

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#369 David Housewright
Mystery novelist and author of Penance, winner of the national Edgar Award for best first mystery novel in 1995; interviewed by Book Reviewer Bruce Southworth. (28:35)

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#368 Richard "Fred" Arey
Author of Twin Cities Winter Recreation, is interviewed "on the trail" about his comprehensive guide to the metro area's vast array of cross country ski trails, downhill ski and snowboarding areas, winter walking, snow-shoeing, ice skating, sledding, and many other activities and pictorial history; interviewed by Dave Carlson. (28:00)

​

#367 Bonnie Watkins and Nina Rothchild

Coverage of the reception honoring publication of In the Company of Women: Voices from the Women's Movement by the Minnesota Historical Society Press; included are interviews with the authors, and testimonials from many of the women featured in the book, such as Judge Rosalie Wahl, Arvonne Fraser and Minnesota State Representative Phyllis Kahn.(29:25)

​

Northern Lights

A Look at Minnesota Books and Writers

Program Episodes Produced in 1996

Minnesota Center for the Book/Metronet

​

#366 Boundary Waters Essays: Voices in the Wilderness

A special presentation of the remarkable personal testimonials about Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with readings by the winners in the essay contest sponsored by Aveda Corporation and Milkweed Editions. Also featured: A presentation by Andrew Malcolm, the author of Mississippi Curents. (29:40)

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#365 Chuck Logan
Author of the mystery Hunter's Moon and a new book The Price of Blood; interviewed by mystery book reviewer Bruce Southworth. (28:25)

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#364 Marie Sheppard Williams
Author of The Worldwide Church of the Handicapped and Other Stories; interviewed by Jack Cole, Metronet and Hennepin County Library Board, and Glenda Martin, Minnesota Women's Press.  Also featured: A visit to the Coffee House Press "Summer Book Bacchanalia" at the Loring Cafe. (29:45)

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#363 Mary Higgins Clark
Noted popular mystery writer, plus coverage of some of the exciting panel sessions presented at Bouchercon 27 World Mystery Convention held in St. Paul in October 1996, including a session with Minnesotans Ron Handberg and John Sandford, a Sherlockian panel, and a "Mysteries On Tape/Online" discussion. (29:50)

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#362 Robert Treuer
Author of The Tree Farm: Replanting a Life, an autobiographical chronicle of the beginning of a new life in the northwoods, originally published in 1977 and recently re-issued by Hungry Mind Press; interviewed by Roger Sween, Minnesota Library Cooperation Specialist. (29:55)

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#361 John Koblas and Dave Page
Authors of F. Scott Fitzgerald: Toward the Summit, an account of the fascinating life of one of the state's most famous literary figures; interviewed by Margot Fortunato Gait. Also featured: A pictorial look at the F. Scott Fitzgerald literary celebration in St. Paul in 1996. (29:40)

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#360 Biloine Young
Author of Grand Avenue, a look at St. Paul's successful and well-known retail and cultural area, and Mexican Odyssey, reflections on the author's experiences in running the Grand Avenue store of that name; interviewed by Edie Meissner. (29:00)

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#359 Harold Adams
Mystery writer and author of the long-running "Carl Wilcox" mystery series, including The Ditched Blonde and Hatchet Job; interviewed by mystery book reviewer Bruce Southworth. (27:35)

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#358 Barbara Stuhler
Community activist and author of Gentle Warriors: Clara Ueland and the Minnesota Struggle for Women Suffrage, published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press; interviewed by Mollie Hoben, Minnesota Women's Press. (28:00)

​

#357 Dennis McGrath and Dane Smith
Journalists/co-authors of Professor Wellstone Goes to Washington, an inside look at the 1990 Minnesota senatorial campaign, a 1996 Minnesota Book Award winner in "History" category; interviewed by attorney Tom Nelson. (28:45)

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#356 Norita Dittberner-Jax

Poet and teacher and author of What They Always Were: Poems, a 1996 Minnesota Book Award nominee; interviewed by Catherine Lupori, College of St. Catherine. (28:00)

​

#355 Paul Maccabee
Author of John Dillinger Slept Here, a fascinating account of the St. Paul gangster days of the '30s; interviewed by Mark Oyaas, Neerland & Oyaas, Inc. and Metro Cable Network. (28:45)

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#354 Ellen Hart
Mystery writer and author of Faint Praise, another in the "Jane Lawless" mystery series and a 1996 Minnesota Book Award winner; interviewed by mystery book reviewer Bruce Southworth. Also featured: Background on Bouchercon 27, the annual World Mystery Convention held in October in St. Paul. (29:50)

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#353 Lorna Landvik
Author of the novel Patty Jane's House of Curl, a 1996 Minnesota Book Award nominee; interviewed by Glenda Martin, Minnesota Women's Press.  Also: A brief visit to the first Small Press Fair at First Avenue in Minneapolis. .(29:55)

​

#352 Jack & Rochelle Sutin and Lawrence Sutin

Co-authors and editor, respectively, ofJack and Rochelle: A Holocaust Story of Love and Resistance, a 1996 Minnesota Book Award winner in the "Biography" category; interviewed by Lynne Bertalmio, Director of Stillwater Public Library. (28:20)

​

#351 Rhoda Gilman

Editor of Ringing in the Wilderness: Selections from the North Country Anvil, a 1996 Minnesota Book Award "Collected Works" nominee; interviewed by David Wiggins, Minnesota Historical Society. (29:25)

​

#350 Julie Schumacher
Author of the novel The Body is Water, a 1996 Minnesota Book Award nominee; interviewed by Roger Sween, Minnesota Library Cooperation Specialist. (28:15

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#349 1996 MINNESOTA BOOK AWARDS Author Readings
Special readings from Book Award nominees: Marsha Qualey from her book Hometown; Walt Bachman from his book Law v. Life; Lawrence Sutin reading from his afterword to his parents' book Jack and Rochelle; and Maryann Weidt from her book Daddy Played Music for the Cows. (29:35)

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#348 Harold Kittleson
Prominent book buyer and collector, member of the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library and winner of the Kay Sexton Award at the 1996 Minnesota Book Awards; interviewed by Ross Corson. (29:15)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​

Northern Lights & Insights

A Look at the Literary and Arts Culture in Minnesota

Program Episodes Produced in 1995

Hennepin County Library
with Support from the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)
 

#347 Dan Buettner
Adventurer and author of Sovietrek, a fascinating recollection of one of several bicycle treks and cultural explorations he has undertaken throughout the world; interviewed by anthroplogist/author Jack Weatherford.

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#346 Tim Penny

Former U.S. Representative from Minnesota's First Congressional District and author of Common Cents: A Retiring Six Term Congressman Reveals How Congress Really Works and What We Must Do To Fix It; interviewed by Ross Corson, Minnesota Center for the Book.

​

#345 Daniel Wovcha

Ecologist and author of Minnesota's St. Croix River Valley and Anoka Sandplain, a guide to the region's native habitat; interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#344 Walt Bachman

Attorney and author of Law v Life: What Lawyers are Afraid to Say About the Legal Profession; interviewed by Psychologist Dr. Daniel Wiener.

​

#343 Esther G. Johnson

Author of Cats in My Life: Serendipity Stories of Cats and Their People and Guardians of Trouble; interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#342 Katherine Kressman Taylor Rood

Author of Address Unknown,a re-publication of the 1939 short novel of fictional letters between an American and his German friend depicting the frightening events in Nazi Germany; interviewed by Marilyn J. Mason.

​

#341 Thomas O'Sullivan

Curator of Art at the Minnesota Historical Scoiety and author of North Star Statehouse: An Armchair Guide to the Minnesota State Capitol; interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#340 Bob Schranck

Outdoors writer and author of Wild in the Kitchen: A Collection of Fish and Wild Game Recipes; interviewed by P.R. Consultant Pat Lindquist.

​

#339 Linda Myers

Executive Director of The Loft: A Center For Writing and Literature in the Twin Cities, and one of the largest literary organizations in the country; interviewed by author Pat Francisco.

​

#338 David Haynes

Writer/Teacher and author of Right By My Side and Somebody Else's Mama; interviewed by Toni Carter, Director of Arts-Us.

​

#337 Paula Rabinowitz

Associate Professor of English at the University of Minnesota, and author of They Must Be Represented: The Politics of Documentary, an examination of how film documentaries are created; interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#336 Timothy Blade

Professor of Design, Housing and Apparel at the University of Minnesota and author of Antique Collecting: A Sensible Guide to its Art and Mystery.

​

#335 Ashland Price

Author of a romance novel trilogy which includes Viking Rose, Viking Flame and Viking Tempest; is interviewed by Debbie Fumanti, Amazing Adventure Company.

​

#334 David Mura

Writer/performance artist and author of The Colors of Desire and Turning Japanese, is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#333 Louis Jenkins

Poet and author of Nice Fish: New & Selected Prose Poems; interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#332 Larry Watson

Author of Montana 1948 and the new prequel Justice, published by Milkweek Editions; is interviewed by Bruce Southworth.

​

#331 Sandra Nei Schulte

Resident Costume Designer for Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, displaying a variety of costumes from well-known theatrical productions; is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#330 Pam Keesey

Writer/editor of Daughters of Darkness: Lesbian Vampire Stories; is interviewed by Chris Dodge, Hennepin County Library.

​

#329 Larry Millett

Architectural critic for the St. Pioneer Pioneer Press, and author of Lost Twin-Cities, a pictorial reminiscence of famous historical buildings; is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#328 Jane Pejsa

Author of Gratia Countryman: Her Life, Her Loves, Her Library, a biography of the Chief Librarian of Minneapolis Public Library from 1904-1936; is interviewed by author/journalist Margot Siegel.

​

#327 Barbara Winter

Author of Making a Living Without a Job: Winning Ways for Creating Work That You Love; is interviewed by Kathleen Baxter, Anoka County Library.

​

#326 William Morrish

Co-author of Planning to Stay, an overview of the physical features of urban neighborhoods; is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#325 Marjorie Myers Douglas

Author of Eggs in the Coffee, Sheep in the Corn, a reflection of life on a rural Minnesota farm; is interviewed by writer Margot Fortunato Gait.

​

#324 Steve Thayer

Author of The Weatherman, a suspense novel about the television news business and Saint Mudd, a look at the St. Paul gangster days; is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

Northern Lights & Insights

A Look at the Literary and Arts Culture in Minnesota

Program Episodes Produced in 1994

Hennepin County Library
with Support from the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

​

#323 Thomas O'Sullivan

Curator of Art at the Minnesota Historical Society, discusses "Minnesota Through Artists' Eyes", a current exhibit at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul showing artistic views of the state's characteristic landscape regions; is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#322 Judith Martin

Professor at the University of Minnesota and author of The Gateway, a historical and architectural look at the buildings and development of Minneapolis' Gateway District; is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#321 Wade W. Danielson

Independent producer of the short film "Hollywood (and Vine)" and a new feature film "Blue Skies are a Lie"; is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#320 Thomas R. Smith

Poet, editor and author of Horse of Earth, a collection of poetry; is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#319 Beatrice Ojakangas

Food writer and author of Beatrice Ojakangas' Great Holiday Baking Book featuring a variety of delectable recipes for the holidays, is interviewed by Kristofer Sween.

​

#318 Joyce Lyon

Artist/writer and author of Conversations With Rzeszow, images and reflections on her father's life as a Jew in Poland, is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#317 Edward Cleary

Attorney and author of Beyond the Burning Cross: The First Amendment and the Landmark R.A.V. Case, a book about the St. Paul cross-burning incident, is interviewed by Attorney Tom Nelson.

​

#316 Jon Cranney

Executive Producer at Children's Theatre Company, talks about the 1994-95 season and thirty years of classical repertory theater with Cynthia Leines, C.E.L. Public Relations, Inc.

​

#315 Carole Nelson Douglas

Author of Cat on a Blue Monday, the latest in the "Midnight Louie" mystery series, is interviewed by book reviewer Bruce Southworth.

​

#314 Melody Beattie

Author of The Lessons of Love: Rediscovering Our Passion For Life Whe it All Seems Too Hard to Take, along with two books on co-dependency, is interviewed by Lin Maki, Hennepin County Library.

​

#313 Mary Francois Rockcastle

Author of the novel Rainy Lake, is interviewed by author Patricia Weaver Francisco.

​

#312 Amy Dolnick

Author of Between Deep Valley and the Great World, a look at Maud Hart Lovelace's "Betsy-Tacy" series, is interviewed by Kathleen Baxter, Anoka County Library.

​

#311 Faith Sullivan

Novelist and author of The Cape Ann, is interviewed by Phyllis Bofferding.

​

#310 Karal Ann Marling

Minnesota Public Radio commentator and author of As Seen On TV, a look at American culture as reflected through television of the 1950s, is interviewed by educator/commentator Steve Benson.

​

#309 Edith Mucke

Author of Beginning in Triumph, a memoir of growing up in a small Minnesota town, is interviewed by writer/teacher Phebe Hanson.

​

#308 Geoffrey Saign

Author of Green Essentials: What You Need to Know About the Environment is interviewed by Phyllis Bofferding.

​

#307 Dudley Riggs

Well-known local Producing Director and Theatrical Entrepreneur, is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#306 Dr. Elizabeth Nash

Author of The Luminous Ones, biographies of famous historic singers, and Pieces of Rainbow, is interviewed by Dr. James Norwood, University of Minnesota.

​

#305 Sybil Smith

Author of Twin Cities Fishing Guide is interviewed by educator/commentator Steve Benson.

​

#304 Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D.

Author of Self-Talk for Weight Loss, talks to Eileen Cavanagh about a different strategy for losing weight.

​

#303 Jennifer Komar

Assistant Curator for the "Minnesota 1900" Exhibit of turn-of-the-century decorative arts and crafts at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, is interviewed by educator/commentator Steve Benson.

​

#302 Louis Kilzer

Journalist and author of Churchill's Deception: The Dark Secret That Destroyed Nazi Germany, is interviewed by Scott Benton.

​

#301 Kathleen Eagle

Author of the cross-cultural romance novel Fire and Rain, is interviewed by Lin Maki.

​

#300 Bill Meissner

Director of Creative Writing for St. Cloud State University and author of Hitting Into the Wind, a collection of stories, essays and poems about baseball, is interviewed by baseball historian/author Stew Thornley.

​

#299 Alan Lathrop

Curator of the Northwest Architectural Archives, who compiled "Drafting A House History", a guide to tracing a building's historical background, is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#298 Margot Fortunato Gait

Writer/educator and author of The Story in History: Writing Your Way Into the American Experience, is interviewed by educator/commentator Steve Benson.

​

#297 Christina Baldwin

Writer, teacher and author of Life's Companion: Journal Writing as a Spiritual Quest, is interviewed by Louis Bourgeois.

​

#296 Ray Christensen

Minnesota Gophers sportscaster, former WCCO Radio announcer, and author of Golden Memories, with baseball historian and author Stew Thornley, are interviewed by Dave Gade.

​

#295 Mary Hayes Grieco

Author of The Kitchen Mystic: Spiritual Lessons Hidden in Everyday Life, is interviewed by Louis Bourgeois.

​

#294 Mark Scannell

Author of At a Journal Workshop: Writing to Access the Power of the Unconscious and Evoke Creative Ability, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh.

​

#293 Pete Hautman

Author of Drawing Dead, is interviewed by mystery book reviewer Bruce Southworth.

​

#292 John Louis Anderson

Author of Off the Bridal Path, a look at American wedding humor, along with Scandinavian Humor & Other Myths and German Humor, is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#291 Jackie Sheehan

Editor of Pillsbury's Complete Book of Baking, featuring over 700 new and traditional recipes, is interviewed by Pat Lindquist.

​

#290 Syl Jones

Writer/consultant, newspaper columnist, and author of "GunPlay", a play about violence in the inner city, is interviewed by William Randall Beard.

​

#289 Larry Roupe

Local actor and playwright, discusses his performance in "Chief", a play about the life of President Herbert Hoover; interviewed by Mary Lamp.

​

#288 Jonathan Larson

Author of Elegant Technology, a fascinating look at economics and environmental issues, is interviewed by Jon Carlson, WCCO-TV.

​

#287 Bill Holm

Southwest Minnesota professor and author of Landscape of Ghosts, a collaboration with photographer Bob Firth, along with other books and poetry, is interviewed by Steve Benson.

​

#286 Kevin Cwayna, M.D.

Homeless youth advocate and author of Knowing Where the Fountains Are: Stories and Realities of Homeless Youth; is interviewed by David Lindeman.

​

#285 Susan Carlson

Minnesota's First Lady and Executive Editor of Minnesota Times & Tastes Cookbook, present and past recipes from the Governor's Mansion, is interviewed by Pat Lindquist with a cooking demonstration by Chef Kenneth Grogg.

​

Northern Lights & Insights

A Look at the Literary and Arts Culture in Minnesota

Program Episodes Produced in 1993

Hennepin County Library
with Support from the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

​

#284 Alice Kaplan

Professor of French at Duke University and author of French Lessons, memories of growing up in Minnesota, is interviewed by poet and teacher Phebe Hanson.

​

#283 Terence Williams

Founder of the Hazelden Family Program and author of I Won't Wait Up Tonight, a guide to taking care of oneself when living with an alcoholic or addict, is interviewed by David Francis.

​

#282 Justin O'Brien, Ph.D.

Consultant in wellness and leadership and author of The Wellness Tree, a book about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, is interviewed by Communications Consultant Linda Hanner.

​

#281 Phil Willkie

The publisher of "The James White Review," a quarterly gay literary magazine, and "The Gay Nineties," a short story anthology, is interviewed by journalist William Randall Beard.

​

#280 Julie Landsman

Teacher and author of Basic Needs: A Year With Street Kids In a City School, a first-hand account of dealing with troubled inner-city students, is interviewed by David Lindeman.

​

#279 Sandra Benitez

Teacher and author of A Place Where the Sea Remembers, is interviewed by author/teacher Mary Rockcastle.

​

#278 Sister Eleanor Lincoln & Joan Timmerman

Sr. Lincoln, Professor of English at College of St. Catherine, and Ms. Timmerman, Professor of Theology at St. Catherine's, are co-authors of Walking In Two Worlds: Women's Spiritual Paths; interviewed by Catherine Lupori.


#277 Peter Rachleff

Associate Professor of History at Macalester College and author of Hard Pressed in the Heartland: The Hormel Strike and the Future of the Labor Movement, is interviewed by Tom O'Neill.

​

#276 Susan Gustafson

Pfeifer-Hamilton Editorial Director and editor of Boomtown Landmarks, a guide to historical landmarks in Duluth and part of the "Discover Duluth" series, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh.

​

#275 Ellen Hart

Mystery writer and author of A Killing Cure and other books in the "Jane Lawless"series, is interviewed by book reviewer Barbara Haugen.

​

#274 David Barnouw

Historian and compiler of The Diary ,of Anne Frank, The Critical Edition, is interviewed by Candy Bartol, a teacher in the Osseo School system.

'

#273 P. M. Malone

Author of the Deep Woods Trilogy, a series of three children's books, is interviewed by St. Cloud children's bookseller Gertie Geek.

​

#272 John Mosedale

Former CBS-TV News Writer and author of The First Year: A Retirement Journal, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh.

​

#271 Dene E. Billbe

President of Champion Auto Stores and producer of a series of car-care instructional video programs for libraries and schools, is interviewed by P.R. Consultant Pat Lindquist.

​

#270 Jim Northrup

Native American storyteller, writer, journalist, and author of Walking the Rez Road, is interviewed by Chris Dodge.

​

#269 Susan Varlamoff

Author of The Polluters, a personal account of how concerned citizens of Eden Prairie successfully challenged expansion of a local landfill, is interviewed by Eden Prairie Librarian Marge McPeak.

​

#268 Sen. Eugene McCarthy

The former Minnesota Senator discusses his latest book, A Colony of the World, the United States Today: America's Senior Statesman Warns His Countrymen, is interviewed by Hennepin County Library Director Robert Rohlf.

​

#267 Abdelhafidh Bouassida

Director/Producer from Tunisia, now film instructor at Minneapolis Community College, is interviewed by Diana Seyb of the WRITE Agency.

​

#266 Janet Hagberg

Author of Inventurers and Real Power, is interviewed by freelance writer Debra Klingsporn.

​

#265 Jim Heynen

Writer/teacher, author of The One Room Schoolhouse: Stories About the Boys, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh, Hennepin County Library.

​

#264 Dr. Stephen Wilbers

Author of Writing for Business, a compilation of syndicated columns from the Star Tribune which help people improve their business writing skills, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh.

​

#263 Jim Moore

Poet, author of Freedom of History, and contributor to Minnesota Writes: Poetry, is interviewed by author Patricia Weaver Francisco.

​

#262 Pat Helmberger

Author of Transplants: The Second Gift of Life, is interviewed by author/P.R. Consultant Linda Hanner.

​

#261 Adina Wrobleski

Author of Suicide: Why? and Suicide: Survivors, which answers questions on why people choose to end their lives, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh.

​

#260 Diego Vazquez & Zainab Ali

Two writers and contributors to Do You Know Me Now?, an anthology of multicultural writings published by Normandale Community College,

are interviewed by the editor Elisabeth Rosenberg.

​

#259 Maryann Weidt

Children's writer and author of Presenting Judy Blume, is interviewed by Kathleen Baxter, Anoka County Library.

​

#258 Lynne Rossetto Kasper

Author of The Splendid Table, cooking from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, is interviewed by "Cooks of Crocus Hill" Director Lois Lee.

​

#257 Ted Hall

Journalist and author of Growing With the Grass, a tale of Minnesota's Old Frontenac area, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh.

​

#256 Carol Connolly

Poet and playwright; author of the book and the play Payments Due, is interviewed by Pamela Holt.

​

#255 Mary Ellen Pinkham

House care expert and author of Mary Ellen's Clean House, is interviewed by business instructor Carol Reed.

​

#254 Gaby Mclver

The daughter of legendary writer Brenda Ueland talks about her mother's writings including Strength to Your Sword Arm and If You Want to Write, is interviewed by journalist Karin Winegar.

​

#253 Dave Nimmer

Assistant Professor of Journalism at the University of St. Thomas, former broadcaster and author of The Journey Goes On, is interviewed by author Tony Bouza.

​

#252 MYSTERY WRITERS

Part Two: The Mystery Writing Process/Tips for Writers - R.D. Zimmerman talks with authors Ellen Hart, Mary Logue and M.D. Lake.

​

#251 MYSTERY WRITERS

Part One: Mystery and Suspense Writing - Ellen Hart leads a discussion with authors R.D. Zimmerman, Mary Logue and M.D. Lake.

​

#250 Caroline Stevermer

Children's writer and authpr of River Rats, is interviewed by science fiction writer Patricia Wrede.

​

#249 Sandra Adickes

Professor at Winona State University and author of Legends of Good Women, is interviewed by writer Maureen Lajoy.

​

#248 Stephanie Ericsson

Writer and author of Companion Through the Darkness: Inner Dialogs on Grief, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh.

​

#247 Steven DiMenna

Director of "The Great Gatsby" and "Scott and Zelda: The Beautiful Fools" at Great North American History Theatre, talks to playwright Lance Belville and actors Jay Nickerson and Janet Hanson about the two plays which are based on the lives of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

​

Northern Lights & Insights

A Look at the Literary and Arts Culture in Minnesota

Program Episodes Produced in 1992

Hennepin County Library
with Support from the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

​

#246 R. D. Zimmerman

Author of Death Trance, a novel of hypnotic detection, along with other suspense novels, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh, Hennepin County Library.

​

#245 Michael Lupu

Dramaturg for the Guthrie Theatre, is interviewed by actor Larry Roupe.

​

#244 Jackie Urbanovic

Cartoonist, social activist and artist, talks about her various art and illustration projects with Sanford Berman, Hennepin County Library.

​

#243 Rhoda Gilman

Minnesota historian and author of The Story of Minnesota's Past and writer of the introduction to Maud Hart Lovelace's Early Candlelight, talks with Kathleen Baxter, Anoka County Library.

​

#242 Pat Bell

Cat's-paw Press, author of The Pre-Publishing Handbook, talks about the logistics involved in getting a book published; interviewed by Roger Sween, Library Cooperation Specialist.

​

#241 Cynthia Haugland

Author of the novel Francheska, is interviewed by Kathleen O'Brien, Hennepin County Library.

​

#240 "No Limits For Women Artists"

A project to support and encourage women in the arts; Betsy Damon hosts a discussion with artists Audrey Cenedella, Beth Grossman and Jane Loechler.

​

#239 Tony Bouza

Former Minneapolis Police Chief and author of A Carpet of Blue, a book about the war on drugs, is interviewed by Chuck Brady.


#238 Mark DePaolis

Family Practice physician and writer of the "Second Opinion" humor column in the Star Tribune, is interviewed by Bruce Lansky.

​

#237 Vara Kamin

Author of The Gold Key and the Mahogany Box, a book of modern fables, is interviewed by reviewer D. L. Maybery.

​

#236 Tom Keyes and David Miller

Co-authors of The Global Investor: How to Buy Stocks Around the World, is interviewed by Lee Schubert.

​

#235 Marsha Qualey

Author of the children's book Everybody's Daughter, is interviewed by Gretchen Wronka.

​

#234 Betsy Damon and Dejunius Hughes

Multi-media artist and filmmaker, respectively, in the "Artists in the Community" project sponsored by Arts Midwest, are interviewed by Arts Midwest Director David Fraher.

​

#233 Carolyn Strom Collins and Christina Eriksson

Co-authors of The Anne of Green Gables Treasury, a compilation of resources about the famous children's books and television series, is interviewed by Kathleen Baxter.

​

#232 Daniel Gabriel

Director of Writers & Artists in the Schools at COMPAS, a local community arts agency, is interviewed by David Wiggins.

​

#231 Ann Schimpf

Co-author of Teaching Kids to Love the Earth, a manual of creative ecological interpretive techniques for children, is interviewed by Karen Richgruber.

​

#230 Doug Wood

Author of the book Old Turtle and coriiposer and performer of "EarthSongs," a collection of environmental music, is interviewed by Julaine Heit.

​

#229 Mayme Sevander

Author of They Took My Father, an account of her years living in Russia aftere migrating from Northern Minnesota in the 1920s, is interviewed by Kathy Enger, Augsburg College Librarian.

​

#228 Tony Morley and Gordon Regguinti

Co-founders of "Colors" magazine, a publication designed to cross the boundaries of race and culture, are interviewed by writer/editor Anthony Peyton Porter.

​

#227 John Yewell/Jan DeSirey/Chris Dodge

Co-editors of Confronting Columbus, a collection of essays and documents which debunk some of the "myths" associated with the Columbus expeditions to the "new world," are interviewed by Sanford Berman.

​

#226 Ron Handberg

Former WCCO-TV broadcaster and author of the journalistic suspense novel Savage Justice, is interviewed by writer and Skyway News Arts Editor D. L. Mabery.

​

#225 Steven Brust

Science fiction and fantasy writer and author of the "Jhereg" series, The Phoenix Guards and Gypsy, is interviewed by Kay Drache.

​

#224 Robert Des Jarlait

Native American artist, muralist, illustrator and writer is interviewed by author/media specialist Lyn Lacy.

​

#223 1992 MIDWEST BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - Part 2
"The Best in Non-Fiction Book Publishing" - Cynthia Leines interviews MBA Awards Chair Marlin Bree about thewinningbooks and the awards;Donna Montgomery of St.John's Publishing and Marshall Johnson of Fortress Publishing discuss their book awards and publishing activities.

​

#222 1992 MIDWEST BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - Part 1

"Outstanding Non-Fiction Book Publishers" - Cynthia Leines interviews Sherokee Use of Wintergreen Press; Pat Bell of Cat's-paw Press; and Judy Galbraith of Free Spirit Publishing about various aspects of book publishing.


#221 D. L. Mabery

Arts Editor and Revue Editor of Skyway News and freelance writer, is interviewed by Diana Seyb of The WRITE Agency.

​

#220 Martha Hellander

Author of The Wild Gardener: The Life and Selected Writings of Eloise Butler, a book about the woman who was instrumental in the development of the local wildflower garden, is interviewed by Phyllis Pope Bofferding.


#219 Mark Vinz

Author, poet, editor, and college professor, is interviewed by writer/professor Thorn Tammaro.

​

#218 Jean Antonello, R.N., B.S.N.

Obesity specialist and author of How to Become Naturally Thin by Eating More discusses the fallacies of conventional dieting with publicist Pat Lindquist.

​

#217 Keith Froelich

Film"/videomaker, discusses and shows clips from three of his recent video projects; interviewed by Diana Seyb of The WRITE Agency.

​

#216 Ted Robinson

Minnesota Twins broadcaster and co-author (with Tom Kelly) of Season of Dreams, a reflection of the Twins 1991 championship year, is interviewed by baseball historian Stew Thornley.

​

#215 Steve Stilwell

Owner of Once Upon A Crime Bookstore and Crossover Press and editor of "Locked Room Murders", is interviewed by Sharyll Smith.

​

#214 Betsy Bowen

Author/illustrator of the children's alphabet book Antler Bear Canoe, is interviewed by Phyllis Mattill.

​

#213 Joan Timmerman

Professor of theology at The College of St. Catherine and author of Sexuality & Spiritual Growth, is interviewed by Clark Morphew, St. Paul Pioneer Press.

​

#212 Rich Kronfeld

Creator and star of "Dr. Sphincter" on local cable access and KTCA-TV, is interviewed by Diana Seyb of The WRITE Agency.

​

#211 Steve Larson and John Gaspard

Writer/director Steve Larson talks about his video "7000 Cows in Guatemala". Director John Gaspard discusses his film "Resident Alien" with Diana Seyb of The WRITE Agency.

​

#210 Mike Hazard

"Mediamike"...Director of the Center for International Education and proprietor of the Great CIE Twin TV Newsbuggy, a rolling video jukebox of over 50 poets and writers, is interviewed by Cynthia Leines of C.E.L. Resources.

​

#209 Charles Bates

Nationally-known consultant and lecturer and author of Pigs Eat Wolves: Going into Partnership With Your Dark Side, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh.

​

#208 Lin and Leif Enger

Co-authors of the "Gun Pedersen" mysteries Comeback and Swing, are interviewed by Mike Cooney.

​

#207 Ricardo Levins-Morales

Artist/activist and manager of the Northland Poster Collective which produces artwork on a variety of social issues, is interviewed by Sanford Berman.

​

#206 Karen Ritz

Children's book illustrator, discusses the wide range of illustration projects with author/media specialist Lyn Lacy.

​

#205 Elizabeth Craig

Professional speaker and author of Don't Slurp Your Soup, a basic guide to business etiquette, is interviewed by public relations consultant Pat Lindquist.

​

#204 Joanne Hart and Hazel Belvo

Writer/artist respectively of The Witch Tree, a book of poetry and artwork about the famous old cedar tree landmark near Grand Portage, are interviewed by Chris Dodge, Hennepin County Library.

​

#203 Kevin Crossley-Holland

Poet, broadcaster, writer for children, is interviewed by Mark Gleason of the Minnesota Humanities Commission.

​

#202 Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

Husband/wife-illustrator/bookdesigner, are interviewed by children's book reviewer Lynne Burke.

​

#201 Susan Hauser

Poet and essayist, is interviewed by Betty Rossi.

​

#200 Glenda Martin (MN Women's Press), Griff Wigley (Utne Reader), David Wiggins (MN Independent Scholar's Forum), and Roger Sween (MN Study Circles Network) talk about their involvement in developing local discussion groups, study circles, and salons.

​

#199 Michelle Edwards

Author of the children's books Chicken Man and A Baker's Portrait, is interviewed by Rosalie Maggio.

​

#198 Emilio De Grazia

College professor and author of Billy Brazil, is interviewed by Bill Truesdale of New Rivers Press..

​

#197 Fred Zimmerman

University of St. Thomas professor and author of The Turnaround Experience,  a study of the successes and failures of 30 different companies, is interviewed by George Gleeson.

​

Northern Lights & Insights

A Look at the Literary and Arts Culture in Minnesota

Program Episodes Produced in 1991

Hennepin County Library
with Support from the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

​

#196 Conrad Balfour

Writer, editor and social activist, is interviewed by Pamela Holt of Hennepin County Library. (29:40)


#195 Pamela Fletcher

Writer/educator, is interviewed by Pamela Holt of Hennepin County Library. (29:20)

​

#194 John Schumacher

Owner/chef at Schumacher's New Prague Hotel and author of a cook book of the hotel's favorite recipes, is interviewed by publicist Pat Lindquist. (29:00)

​

#193 Randy Adamsick

Executive Director of the Minnesota Film Board, talks with Diana Seyb about the growing film industry in Minnesota. (29:25)

​

#192 Janet Zahn

Director of the Office of Film, Video and Recording for the City of Minneapolis, is interviewed by Diana Seyb of The WRITE Agency. (29:15)

​

#191 Sam Cook

Outdoors writer for the Duluth News Tribune and author of Up North, Quiet Magic and CampSights, is interviewed by Dave Carlson of Hennepin County Library. (29:45)

​

#190 Solveig Zempel

Professor and editor/translator of a book of letters from Norwegian immigrants to their families back home, is interviewed by Solveig Nilsen of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

​

#189 Judy Remington

Author of The Need to Thrive: Women's Organizations in the Twin Cities, is interviewed by Patrice Koelsch, Center for Arts Criticism. (28:55).

​

#188 Don Stolz

Producer/director at Old Log Theatre, is interviewed by Excelsior Librarian Lael Grathwol. (29:40)

​

#187 Anthony Porter & Janice Lee Porter

Author and illustrator of the children's book Kwanzaa, is interviewed by playwright David Grant. (29:50)


#186 Dr. Marilyn J. Mason

Writer/psychologist and author of Facing Shame and Making Our Lives Our Own, talks with Pamela Holt of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)


#185 Judith Bernie Strommen

Author of Grady the Great and other children's books, is interviewed by Gretchen Wronka of Hennepin County Library. (28:50)


#184 Marilyn Boe

Poet and author of The 17th Avenue Poems, is interviewed by Betty Rossi, editor of Loonfeather. (29:40)

​

#183 Don & Dain Strand, Cyndy Strand and Andy Weaver

Don & Dain Strand, musicians/producers, Cyndy Strand, and biology teacher/songwriter Andy Weaver talk about their collaborative efforts to self-produce "Trouble In Paradise," a music tape of environmental songs. (29:00)

​

#182 Larry Roupe

Actor in many local theater productions including Jon Hassler's "Simon's Night," is interviewed by Mary Lamp, (28:40)


#181 Sheila O'Connor

Author of Tokens of Grace, is interviewed by Pamela Holt, Hennepin County Library. (29:30)

​

#180 Pat Hennessey & Jim Smith

Independent filmmakers and creators of the feature-length video "Free Fall," are interviewed by Diana Seyb of the WRITE Agency. (28:45)

​

#179 Rosalie Maggio

Author of Dictionary of Bias Free Usage and The Non-Sexist Word Finder, is interviewed by Sanford Berman, Hennepin County Library. (30:00)

​

#178 Michael Fedo

Author of One Shining Season, which chronicles baseball players who only enjoyed one successful year in the major leagues, is interviewed by Stew Thornley. (29:30)

​

#177 Stew Thornley

Author of Holy Cow, a biography of the legendary Twins sportscaster Halsey Hall, is interviewed by WCCO-TV newscaster and sports buff Dave Moore. (29:30)

​

#176 Jon Kerr

Author of Calvin: Baseball's Last Dinosaur, which focuses on former Minnesota Twins owner Calvin Griffith, is interviewed by Stew Thornley. (29:40)

​

#175 Gordon Dickson

Popular science fiction author, is interviewed by Kay Drache of Hennepin County Library. (29:55)

​

#174 Jon Cranney

Artistic Director at the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis, talks about their wide range of innovative productions with the theatre's Press Relations Manager Chris Hewitt. (30:00)

​

#173 Alice McLerran

Children's author is interviewed by Lois Andersen of Hennepin County Library. (29:15)

​

#172 Linda Hanner/John Witek,M.D.

Author/contributor of When You're Sick and Don't Know Why: Coping with Your Undiagnosed Illness, is interviewed by Cynthia Leines of C.E.L. Resources. (29:15)

​

#171 Carole Nelson Douglas

Author of science fiction, mystery, and romance novels including Good Night Mr. Holmes, is interviewed by Bruce Southworth. (29:30)

​

#170 Patty Sachs Meshbesher

Event planner and author of books on parties and special occasions, is interviewed by public relations consultant Pat Lindquist. (29:10)

​

#169 John Shepard

Author of Minnesota: Off the Beaten Path and Minnesota Backroads, is interviewed by Michael Ditmer. (29:45)

​

#168 Bruce Lansky

Co-author of Dads Say the Dumbest Things and The Baby Name Personality Survey, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh. (30:00)

​

#167 Jim and Mary Jo Malach

Co-authors of Walking Minnesota, a book describing hikes and trails throughout the state and walking equipment information, talks with Fern Anderson of T.C. Walkers. (29:05)

​

#166 Lynda VanDevanter

Author and editor of Visions of War, Dreams of Peace, a collection of poetry by women who served during the Vietnam War, is interviewed by Jan Feye-Stukas. (28:40)

.

#165 James Stageberg/Susan Allen Toth

Architect and author, respectively, and husband/wife discuss their collaboration on the book A House of One's Own: An Architect's Guide to Designing the House of Your Dreams, with Hennepin County Library Director Robert H. Rohlf. (30:00)

​

#164 Jane Pejsa

Author of Matriarch of Conspiracy, a book about the life of Ruth Von Kleist, a friend and supporter of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, talks with journalist Margot Siegel. (29:25)

​

#163 Pat Malone/Leonard Lang/Pam Wynn

The collaborators discuss the book Home Words, a collection of works by and about the homeless. Pat Malone is Director of St. Stephen's shelter; Pam Wynn and Leonard Lang are contributor/editor, respectively, of the book. Eileen Cavanagh is the interviewer. (29:50)

​

#162 Alexs Pate

Poet, playwright, teacher, The Loft Board member and curator at Intermedia Arts, is interviewed by Pamela Holt. (29:15)

​

#161 M. D. Lake

Mystery writer and author of Amends for Murder, is interviewed by Diana Seyb. (29:45)

​

Northern Lights & Insights

A Look at the Literary and Arts Culture in Minnesota

Program Episodes Produced in 1990

Hennepin County Library
with Support from the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

​

#160 Peter Leschak

Northern Minnesota essay writer, poet, and journalist, is interviewed by Phyllis Pope of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

​

#159 Robert Treuer

Essay writer and author of A Northwoods Window, discusses his writing with Elizabeth Masiee. (29:30)

​

#158 Ivan Musicant

Naval historian and author of The Banana Wars: A History of United States Military Intervention in Latin America, is interviewed by Mary Turck of the Central America Resource Center. (29:20)

​

#157 Dorothea Jensen

Children's writer and author of The Riddle of Penncroft Farm, is interviewed by Vicki Dunn of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

​

#156 Alvin Greenberg

Teacher and author of Why We Live With Animals, is interviewed by Virginia Matanic of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

​

#155 Maureen Lajoy

Author, publisher, and co-owner of Castalia Bookmakers, is interviewed by Cynthia Leines. (28:45)

​

#154 Allan Kornblum

Publisher of Coffee House Press books, is interviewed by Mary Lamp of Hennepin County Library. (30:00)

​

#153 Joseph Murphy

Businessman and author of South to the Pole by Ski, discusses his fascinating adventure with Marlin Bree of Marlor Press. (29:40)

​

#152 Jean Kummerow and Sandra Hirsh

Co-authors of Lifetypes, a book about the Myers Briggs type indicator, are interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

​

#151 Patricia J. Bell

Publisher and author of Roughing it Elegantly, a camping primer for the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe area, talks with Glenda Martin of Minnesota Women's Press. (29:30)

​

#150 Evelyn Fairbanks

Lecturer and author of Days of Rondo, a look at St. Paul's old Rondo Street neighborhood, is interviewed by Cynthia Leines. (29:15)

​

#149 Jack Weatherford

Anthropology professor and author of Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World, is interviewed by Chris Dodge of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

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#148 Mary Logue

Poet (Discriminating Evidence) and mystery writer (Red Lake of the Heart) is interviewed by Mary Cannon Trone of Once Upon A Crime and Murder One Bookstores in Minneapolis. (29:05)

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#147 Lane Relyea

Editor of Artpaper, a Twin Cities arts publication, is interviewed by Chris Dodge of Hennepin County Library. (28:30)

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#146 Arvella Whitmore

Children's author, and Mildred Masters, author and librarian, are interviewed by Virginia Morris of Hennepin County Library. (29:20)

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#145 Megan McDonald

Children's author and librarian at Minneapolis Public Library, is interviewed by Deb Achor of Hennepin County Library. (28:20)

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#144 Jane Curry

Author, performer and storyteller, is interviewed by Barbara Davis of United Arts. (28:35)

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#143 V. David Schwantes

Business executive and author of Guatemala: A Cry From the Heart, is interviewed by Diana Seyb. (28:45)

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#142 Harry Boyte

Senior Fellow at Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and author of Commonwealth: A Return to Citizen Politics, is interviewed by Joe Moses. (28:40)

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#141 Ed Sellner

College professor and author of Mentoring: The Ministry of Spiritual Kinship, is interviewed by Clark Morphew, religion writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. (28:45)

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#140 Tony Bouza

Former Minneapolis Police Chief and author of Police Mystique, discusses politics and social issues w ith Chuck Brady of Bloomington. (29:00)

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#139 Pat Middleton

Travel writer and author of Discover America's Great River Road, talks with Tom Hedberg of the Latitudes Map Store in Minneapolis. (28:40)


#138 Glenda Martin and Mollie Hoben

Publishers of the Minnesota Women's Press, Inc., are interviewed by Ginny Holte of Hennepin County Library. (28:10)

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#137 Scott Edelstein

Author of The No Experience Necessary Writer's Course and other books on writing, is interviewed by Loren Taylor of Hennepin County Library. (28:45)

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#136 Lawrence Sutin

Author of Divine Invasions, focusihg on the science fiction works of Phillip K. Dick, is interviewed by Kay Drache of Hennepin County Library. (28:25)

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#135 Peter Docter

Animator from Bloomington and now working in California, shows one of his cartoons and discusses his projects with Diana Seyb [Peter later became animation coordinator for Disney's "Toy Stories" film and Pixar, and became an Academy Award winner]. (28:30)

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#134 Linda Peavy and Ursula Smith

Authors of The Gold Rush Widows of Little Falls, are interviewed by Roger Sween of the Minnesota Office of Library Development & Services. (28:55)

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#133 George Shannon

Children's author, lecturer and storyteller, discusses his variety of activities with Sharon Charles of Hennepin County Library. (28:30)

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#132 John Prin

Journalist and video scriptwriter, is interviewed by Diana Seyb. (28:15)

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#131 Gretchen Beito

Author of Coya Come Home, a biography of Coya Knutson, the first woman from Minnesota elected to Congress, is interviewed by Gretchen Wronka of Hennepin County Library. (28:15)

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#130 Anne Bosanko Green

Author of One Woman's War: Letters Home from the Women's Army Corps, 1944-46, is interviewed by Jo Blatti, local historian. (29:20)

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#129 Alpha Smaby

Author of Political Upheaval: Minnesota & the Vietnam War Protest, is interviewed by Barbara Amram. (29:00)

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#128 Paul Schurke

Arctic trekker and author of Bering Bridge: The Soviet-American Expedition From Siberia to Alaska, talks about his adventures with Tom O'Neill of Hennepin County Library. (28:20)

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#127 John Caddy

Poet and author of The Color of Mesabi Bones, is interviewed by Grace Grady of Washington County Library. (28:45)

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#126 Gary Jenneke and Steve Larson

Screenwriters and Film in the Cities lecturers, are interviewed by Diana Seyb. (29:15)


#125 Marjorie DeBoer

Historical romance writer, is interviewed by Betina Krahn of the Minnesota Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. (29:00)

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#124 Mary Virginia Micka, CSJ

Poet and college professor, is interviewed by Grace Sulerud, librarian at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. (29:45)

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#123 James Lileks

Former writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and author of Falling Up the Stairs, talks about humor writing with Marge McPeak of Hennepin County Library. (27:40)

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#122 Lisa Westberg Peters

Children's author, is interviewed by Trudy Hanus of Hennepin County Library. (28:50)

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#121 Rhoda Lewin

Oral historian and editor of Witnesses to the Holocaust, is interviewed by Eileen Cavanagh of Hennepin County Library. (29:20)

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#120 Curt Tilleraas

President of Minnesota Screenwriters' Workshop and children's book author, is interviewed by Diana Seyb. (29:45)

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#119 Alison Bechdel

Writer and lesbian cartoonist, is interviewed by Chris Dodge of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

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#118 Susan Hill Gross

Staff member at the Upper Midwest Women's History Center, discusses the organization's variety of publications with Janet Donaldson. (29:10)

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#117 John Gaspard and Michael Paul Levin

Comedy and screenwriters, are interviewed by Diana Seyb. (29:30)

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#116 Linda Hanner

Author of Of Power and Love and Sound Mind: Six Years with Undiagnosed Lyme Disease, talks about her experiences with Jodi Ehlers, reporter for the Owatonna People's Press. (28:30)

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#115 Tom Anderson

Nature writer, naturalist and author of Learning Nature by a Country Road, is interviewed by Phyllis Pope of Hennepin County Library. (29:10)

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Northern Lights & Insights

A Look at the Literary and Arts Culture in Minnesota

Program Episodes Produced in 1989

Hennepin County Library
with Support from the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

​

#114 Keith Harrison

Poet and Carlton College English professor, is interviewed by British writer Kevin Crossley-Holland. (29:00)

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#113 Paul Klauda and Dave Hage

Star Tribune reporters, discuss their book No Retreat, No Surrender: Labor's War at Hormel, with Tom O'Neill of Hennepin County Library. (28:50)

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#112 Nevada Barr

Novelist and author of Bittersweet, is interviewed by Kris Hoover of Amazon Bookstore in Minneapolis. (29:00)

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#111 Diane Glancy

Poet and college professor, is interviewed by Chris Dodge of Hennepin County Library. (28:50)

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#110 Nor Hall

Archetypal Therapist and author of Those Women, is interviewed by poet Margaret Hasse. (29:15)

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#109 Andy Nelson

Professional baseball artist and illustrator of A Is for At Bat for children, is interviewed by sports writer Stew Thornley. (29:20)

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#108 Florence Dacey

Poet and recipient of The Loft-McKnight Award, is interviewed by Monica Ochtrup. (29:50)

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#107 Dr. Gisela Konopka

Author of Courage and Love and Professor emeritus, University of Minnesota, is interviewed by Ruth Harris of Hennepin County Library.  (29:50)

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#106 Karen Kennelly, CSJ

Author of American Catholic Women and President of Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles, is interviewed by Margaret Gillespie of Hennepin County Library. (29:35)

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#105 Patricia Carpenter

Author of Away for the Holidays, is interviewed by Jane Leck of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

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#104 Anthony Schmitz

Author of Lost Souls, is interviewed by Theresa Anderson of Minneapolis Public Library. (28:20)

 

#103 Jonis Agee

Poet and fiction writer, is interviewed by Janet Kinney, College of St. Catherine Library. (29:20)

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#102 Dr. David Mech

Noted wolf biologist, talks with wildlife advocate and publicist Nancy Gibson about his book and research on wolves in northern Minnesota and the Arctic. (29:55)

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#101 Karal Ann Marling

Author and art history professor, is interviewed by Margy Ligon of Walker Art Center. (28:40)

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#100 Tom Pope

Screenwriter and producer of "Cold Dog Soup", is interviewed by Diana Seyb. (29:55)

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#99 Stephen W. Plumb

Author of The Streets Where They Lived, a walking guide to residences of famous New Yorkers, is interviewed by Marlin Bree of Marlor Press. (29:20)

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#98 Kelly Simmons and Paul Gruchow

Kelly Simmons, Falcon Press Marketing Agent, and Paul Gruchow, Minnesota nature writer, discuss the book Minnesota on My Mind with Phyllis Pope of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

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#97 Kay Sexton

Former book buyer, talks about the book trade with Marcia Wattson of Hennepin County Library. (28:55)

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#96 Dale Connelly

Scriptwriter and announcer at Minnesota Public Radio is interviewed by Julia Sedlak of Minneapolis Public Library. (28:35)

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#95 Marjorie Dorner

Suspense writer, is interviewed by Lesa Ehlers of Hennepin County Library. (28:30)

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#94 Pat Harpole

Reference Librarian for the Minnesota Historical Society, talks about resources for genealogical research with Roger Sween of the Minnesota Office of Library Development. (29:00)

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#93 Dr. Karen Hoyle

Curator of the University of Minnesota's Kerlan Collection of children's literature, is interviewed by Vicki Dunn of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

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#92 Dan Odegard

Local bookstore owner, discusses the bookselling business with Noha Ismail of Hennepin County Library. (29:20)

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#91 Ron Zemke

Management consultant and co-author of The Service Edge and other business materials, is interviewed by Diana Seyb. (28:30)

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#90 Nancy Gilsenan

Local playwright, discusses theatrical production with Diane Hoeldtke, an actress in one of her plays. (28:35)

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#89 Moira and John Harris

Book designers and publishers, are interviewed by Mary Lamp of Hennepin County Library. (29:30)

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#88 Lon Otto

Short story writer, is interviewed by Loren Taylor of Hennepin County Library. (29:30)

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#87 Dick Schaaf

Co-author of The Service Edge, an evaluation of customer-oriented corporations, is interviewed by Diana Seyb. (29:10)

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#86 Rabbi Manis Friedman

Author, lecturer, and prominent Hasidic Theologian talks with Clark Morphew, religion writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press Dispatch. (29:50)

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#85 Sharla Scannell Whalen

Researcher and expert on Minnesota children's author Maud Hart Lovelace, is interviewed by Kathleen Baxter of Anoka County Library. (28:55)

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#84 Karen Ritz

Illustrator of children's books, is interviewed by school librarian Kathy Suchy. (29:10)

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#83 Sherokee Ilse

Author of Empty Arms, talks with Cynthia Leines about coping with miscarriage or the loss of a newborn baby. (29:20)

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#82 Barbara Esbensen

Children's author and poet, is interviewed by Lois Ringquist of Minneapolis Public Library. (29:30)

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#81 Jean Illsley Clarke

Author of parenting books and materials, is interviewed by Lois Andersen of Hennepin County Library. (29:40)

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#80 Kathleen Coskran

Short story writer, is interviewed by Wendy Woodfill of Hennepin County Library. (28:40)

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#79 Jay Walljasper

Editor of the Utne Reader, talks with Ross Corson of Metronet. (29:40)

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#78 Mary Monica Pulver

Mystery writer, is interviewed by Sharyll Smith of Hennepin County Library. (29:30)

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#77 Mary LaChapelle

Short story writer, is interviewed by Trudi Campbell of Hennepin County Library. (28:55)

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#76 Patricia Weaver Francisco

Novelist, essayist, playwright and author of the acclaimed Cold Feet, is interviewed by Pamela Holt of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

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#75 Carolyn Lucas

Storyteller, musician and poet, is interviewed by Pamela Holt of Hennepin County Library. (28:35)

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#74 Catherine Watson

Star Tribune travel editor and author of Travel Basics, discusses her interesting travel experiences with Sarah Nagle of Hennepin County Library. (29:15)

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#73 Paul Gruchow

Nature writer and author of The Necessity of Empty Places and Journal of a Prairie Year, is interviewed by Phyllis Pope of Hennepin County Library. (29:25)

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#72 Barb Knutson

Children's writer, is interviewed by Wendy Woodfill of Hennepin County Library. (28:55)

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#71 Laura Zahn

Author of Minnesota and Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast guides, talks with Jane Leek of Hennepin County Library. (29:30)

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#70 Susan Johnson

Historical romance writer and author of Blaze and Silver Flame, is interviewed by Betina Krahn of the Minnesota Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. (29:20)

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#69 Peg Meier

Star Tribune feature writer is interviewed by Hennepin County Library Director Robert H. Rohlf. (29:40)

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#68 Ned Skubic

Graphic artist, discusses book art and design with former Minneapolis Public Library Director Joseph Kimbrough. (29:30)

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#67 Jim Latimer

Children's author, is interviewed by April Schwartz, Carver County Library. (29:05)

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#66 Patricia Wrede and Pamela Dean

Fantasy writers, are interviewed by Laura Krentz of Hennepin County Library. (28:45)

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#65 Will Weaver

Novelist and short story writer, is interviewed by Steve Burt, Hennepin County Library. (29:15)

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Northern Lights & Insights

A Look at the Literary and Arts Culture in Minnesota

Program Episodes Produced in 1988

Hennepin County Library
with Support from the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

​

#64 Robert Bly

Noted poet, is interviewed by Carolyn Lucas. (28:15)

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#63 Juanita Havill

Children's author, talks about her writings with Phyllis Pope of Hennepin County Library. (29:20)

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#62 Craig and Nadine Blacklock

Renowned nature photographers, display their photo work and discuss it with Dave Carlson of Hennepin County Library. (29:05)

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#61 Rebecca Hill

The author talks about Killing Time in St. Cloud, which was co-written with Judith Guest, and her other writing with Eileen Cavanagh of Hennepin County Library. (29:50)

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#60 Harrison Salisbury

New York Times editor and former Minnesotan, discusses his worldwide reporting and experiences and his book A Time of Change with Robb Mitchell of Minneapolis. Second of a two-part program. (29:45)

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#59 Harrison Salisbury

New York Times editor, talks with Robb Mitchell about his book Journey for Our Times, which chronicles some of his early career in Minnesota. First of a two-part program. (29:45)

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#58 Jim Sitter

Jim talks about the fascinating activities at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts with Grace Grady of Washington County Library. (28:45)

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#57 David Mura

Award-winning poet, is interviewed by Pamela Holt of Hennepin County Library. (29:55)

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#56 Patricia Calvert

Children's author, discusses her growth as a writer with Jan DeSirey, Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

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#55 Thomas McGrath

Long-time acclaimed poet and a Minnesota Book Award winner, is interviewed by Robb Mitchell of Minneapolis. (29:20)

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#54 Father Marvin O'Connell

Author of the biography of St. Paul's John Ireland, is interviewed by Joseph Connors of St. Thomas College in St. Paul. (28:50)

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#53 Kate Green

Poet and novelist, discusses poems, novels and family with Wendy Woodfill of Hennepin County Library. (28:45)

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#52 Frederick and Freya Manfred

Freya, a Minnesota poet, discusses writing with her father, Frederick Manfred, author of Lord Grizzley and other notable novels and poems.

Second of a two-part program. (29:00)

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#51 Frederick and Freya Manfred

Freya, a Minnesota poet, discusses writing with her father, Frederick Manfred, author of Lord Grizzley and other notable novels and poems.  

First of a two-part program. (29:00)

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#50 Meridel LeSueur

Legendary poet, writer, and social activist, is interviewed by Robb Mitchell of Minneapolis. (30:00)

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#49 Margaret Hasse

Margaret reads her poetry and discusses her work as a poet in the classroom with Holly Ristau of the New Ulm Public Library. (29:20)

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#48 Russ Fridley

Historical writer, is interviewed by John Baule of the Hennepin County Historical Society. (29:50)

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#47 Justine Kerfoot

The Woman of the Boundary Waters, is interviewed by poet and north woods "neighbor" Joanne Hart. (29:00)

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#46 Phyllis Root

Children's author, is interviewed by Lesa Ehlers of Hennepin County Library. (28:15)

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#45 Lyn Lacy

Author and a media specialist with Minneapolis Public Schools, discusses the teaching of visual literacy with Nancy Kweik of Minneapolis Public Library. (29:00)

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#44 Philip Dray

Co-author of We Are Not Afraid, discusses the Civil Rights movement with attorney Peter Ackerberg, a freedom rider in the 1960s. (29:25)

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#43 Eva Schindler-Rainman and Jack Cole

Co-authors of Taking Your Meetings Out of the Doldrums, are interviewed by Hennepin County Library Director Robert H. Rohlf. (29:45)

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#42 Scott Walker

Editor and publisher at Graywolf Press in the Twin Cities, is interviewed by Edie Meissner of the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library. (29:55)

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#41 Susan Broadhead

Poet and executive director of The Loft in Minneapolis, is interviewed by Pamela Holt of Hennepin County Library. (28:20)

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#40 Janice Boies

Young adult novelist, is interviewed by Jean Williams of Hennepin County Library. (29:30)

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#39 Stew Thornley

Author of On to Nicollet, the history of the Minneapolis Millers baseball team, is interviewed by David Cramer of Hennepin County Library. (28:25)

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#38 Senator Eugene McCarthy

The former Minnesota Senator and presidential candidate reads poetry and talks politics with Robb Mitchell of Minneapolis. (30:00)


#37 Ruth Humleker

Writer of travel books, is interviewed by Linda Fritschel of Minneapolis Public Library. (28:50)

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#36 Joe Kimball

Author of Secrets of the Congdon Mansion, discusses the details of the fascinating true-life mystery with Elaine Wagner of St. Paul Public Library. (30:00)

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#35 L. A. Taylor

Mystery writer, is interviewed by Jane Leck of Hennepin County Library. (28:30)

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#34 Tim Rumsey

Journalist and author of Pictures From a Trip, is interviewed by David Cramer of Hennepin County Library. (29:15)

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#33 Mary Martin Mason

Short story writer, is interviewed by Kathy Tinglestad. (28:45)

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#32 Judith Guest

Author and screenwriter of Ordinary People, is interviewed by Sharon Charles of Hennepin County Library. (29:25)

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#31 Joseph Amato

Southwestern Minnesota writer and author of When Father and Son Conspire, is interviewed by Ross Corson of Metronet. (29:45)

 

#30 Marlin Bree

Journalist and writer, discusses his book, In the Teeth of the Northeaster, with Steve Burt, (29:05)

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#29 Jonathon Lazear

The Minnesota literary agent is interviewed by Nancy Agneberg, publicist and owner of WordChoice. (28:40)

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#28 Carol Bly

Essayist and short story writer, is interviewed by Marge McPeak, Hennepin County Library. (28:35)

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#27 Harold Adams

Mystery writer, is interviewed by Sharyll Smith of Hennepin County Library. (29:20)

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#26 Emilie Buchwald

Author and editor for Milkweed Editions in Minneapolis, is interviewed by Margaret Smith of Hennepin County Library. (30:10)

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#25 Michael Fedo

Author of The Man from Lake Wobegon, a biography about Garrison Keillor, is interviewed by Grace Grady of Washington County Library. (28:40)

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#24 Susan Pearson

Children's book editor and author, is interviewed by Rhonda Greenwood of Hennepin County Library. (29:20)

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#23 Dave Wood

Author and Star Tribune Books Editor,is interviewed by Sharon Rendack of Hennepin County Library. (29:20)

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#22 R. D. Zimmerman

Writer of suspense novels, is interviewed by Mary Cannon Trone of Once Upon A Crime Bookstore in Minneapolis. (29:00)

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#21 Pj Doyle

Co-editor of Baker Street Dozen: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Thirteen Favorite Sherlock Holmes Stories, is interviewed by Mary Cannon Trone of Once Upon a Crime Bookstore in Minneapolis. (29:30)

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#20 Howard Mohr

Humorist, author of How to Talk Minnesotan, and Prairie Home Companion writer, is interviewed by Chuck Kritzler of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

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#19 Holly Ramsey and Susan Stan

Editors and publishers of "Five Owls" magazine, are interviewed by Lois Ringquist of Minneapolis Public Library. (29:00)

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#18 Emma Bull and Will Shetterly

Science fiction writers and editors, are interviewed by Kay Drache of Hennepin County Library. (29:55)

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#17 Bill Holm

Southwest Minnesota poet and author of Boxelder Bug Variations, is interviewed by Chris Dodge of Hennepin County Library. (30:15)

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#16 Joanne Hart

Northern Minnesota poet, is interviewed by Bill Erickson of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)

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#15 Gary Paulsen

Young adult writer and author of Hatchet, a Newbery Award winner, discusses writing with Sharon Rendack, Hennepin County Library. (28:15)

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#14 Susan Allen Toth

Essayist, is interviewed by Katie Weiblen, Minneapolis Public Library. (28:30)

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#13 Judy Delton

Children's author, is interviewed by Kathleen Baxter of Anoka County Library. (29:50)

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#12 Bob Williams

Author and historian from Excelsior, is interviewed by Lael Grathwol of Hennepin County Library. (24:25)

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#11 Jane Resh Thomas

Children's author and book reviewer, is interviewed by Wendy Woodfill of Hennepin County Library. (30:30)

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#10 Jon Hassler

Popular novelist, is interviewed by Mary Lamp of Hennepin County Library. (27:45)

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#9 Larry Batson

Author and Star Tribune correspondent, is interviewed by Dave Carlson of Hennepin County Library. (30:00)

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#8 Patricia Hampl

Local poet and essayist, is interviewed by Solveig Nilsen of Hennepin County Library. (28:25)

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#7 Al Sicherman

Author and food writer for the Star Tribune, is interviewed by Helen Malby of Hennepin County Library. (29:15)

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#6 Phebe Hanson

Minnesota poet and writer, is interviewed by Chris Dodge of Hennepin County Library. (29:55)

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#5 Stephen Schwandt

Young adult author, is interviewed by Sharon Rendack of Hennepin County Library.(29:00)

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#4 Nancy Carlson

Local children's author and artist, is interviewed by Sarah Nagle of Hennepin County Library. (29:45)

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#3 Marion Dane Bauer

Author, is interviewed by Lois Andersen of Hennepin County Library. (29:50)


#2 Jill Breckenridge

Poet, author of Civil Blood, is interviewed by Loren Taylor of Hennepin County Library. (29:00)


#1 Vicky Lansky

Author of a variety of books on raising children, is interviewed by Gretchen Wronka of

Hennepin County Library. (27:50)

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For more information on the Northern Lights Minnesota author interview television/video series, contact
• Dave Carlson, Northern Lights Coordinator/Producer — (952) 715-7577; dave.carlson9@gmail.com
• Minnesota Historical Society Video Curator — (651) 296-6216


The Minnesota Center for the Book also sponsored and coordinated the annual Minnesota Book Awards for many years.

Special Thanks to Northern Lights program advisory members over the years:
Eileen Cavanagh (co-coordinator at Hennepin County Library), Roger Sween, Gretchen Wronka, Patrick Coleman, Mary Treacy, Bruce Southworth, Moira Harris, Glenda Martin, Laurel Stiebler, Mary Ann Grossman, Richard Arey, Roxy Markey, Lisa Brienzo and many others.


We appreciate the enthusiasm and support from Minnesota's authors, publishers, booksellers, libraries, and literary organizations, and we are grateful to all the interviewers who volunteered countless hours to read the books and interview the guests.


From 2000-2002, Northern Lights: A Look at Minnesota Books and Writers was produced by Minnesota Center for the Book, a program of

the Minnesota Humanities Commission — located at 987 Ivy — St. Paul, Minnesota 55106; and was produced in conjunction with Metro Cable Network and St. Paul Neighborhood Network, with funding and support from Target Stores, and the Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation.

From 1996-1999, Northern Lights: A Look at Minnesota Books and Writers was produced by Minnesota Center for the Book, a program of Metronet.

From 1988-1995, Northern Lights & Insights was produced by Hennepin County Library.

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Episodes of NORTHERN LIGHTS: A Look at Minnesota Books & Writers were shown every Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. on Metro Cable Network/Channel 6, one of the first regular television series to air primetime on Metro Cable Network.

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Thank you for your interest in our programs. We always appreciate your comments and suggestions! 

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