From the Grand Marais Public Library - October 17th, 2023

Grand Marais Public Library invites the community to celebrate National Novel Writing Month this November with two writing workshops intended for adults. The workshops are free and open to the public.

Brian Malloy is the award-winning author of novels The Year of Ice, Brendan Wolf, After Francesco, and Twelve Long Months. His novels have been a 2002 New York Times New and Notable title, an Oprah Daily pick for best of 2022, a 2021 Women's National Book Association Great Group Reads selection, and a 2009 Book Sense Pick. Honors include the Minnesota Book Award, the American Library Association's Alex Award, and the Bloomsday Award for Irish American Literature. He has taught creative writing at Emerson College (Boston), the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities), and numerous arts organizations.

Brian Malloy will be offering two workshops. The first workshop, entitled "Getting Started with Personal Essay and Memoir," will be on Wednesday, November 1st from 5:30-7:30 pm. In this friendly introduction to memoir and personal essay, attendees will learn how acclaimed memoirists have framed their life journeys, and how notable essayists have placed their personal experiences into a larger context. The second workshop, entitled "The Five Parts of Story," will take place on Saturday, November 4th from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. This workshop is for writers who need help with structuring and building momentum in their stories. Participants will examine the five parts of traditional short story: Exposition, rising action, crisis, falling action, and conclusion.

Both absolute beginners and experienced writers are welcome to both workshops. Attendees should bring paper as well as a pen or pencil, for active participation is part of Mr. Malloy's plan. 

The Grand Marais Public Library’s mission is to increase knowledge, inspire creativity, remove barriers, and build community across Cook County. Our fax service is now available at the library for 50¢ per page and a $5.00 maximum.