Elizabeth Oness to present at Laureate Writers Series

Wednesday, October 8 | 7:00 pm
Blue Heron Coffeehouse
Free and open to the public

The Laureate Writers Series will feature local writer Elizabeth Oness as its October presenting artist. Her appearance will feature Oness’ latest novel, The Hopefuls. This Wednesday event at the Blue Heron departs from the usual first Tuesday scheduling for the program.

Oness’ creative writing life is deeply grounded in Winona experiences. While living on a biodynamic farm in Southeast Minnesota, she has been an active creative writer, mentor, and member of the English Department at Winona State University. She has published six books of fiction, and several of her works have achieved significant honors. Her stories have received an O’Henry Prize, a Nelson Algren Award, and the Crazyhorse Fiction Prize. Meanwhile, she directs marketing and development for Sutton Hoo Press, a literary fine press devoted to producing beautifully printed and illustrated small books. Beth also plays a mean fiddle with the Organic Music Cooperative at The Trempealeau Hotel every other Tuesday.

Maureen Aitken, author of The Patron Saint of Lost Girls, describes The Hopefuls as “a beautiful collection about what happens after the dreams of true love, elite instructors, and academic jobs clash against the ballast of dwindling economies and cheating partners. Oness writes about the surprising ways the vulnerable and misunderstood are taken down, or survive.”

Oness will read a selection from The Hopefuls, and then will respond to questions from the audience. An open mic session will follow, during which audience members are encouraged to read samples of their own creative works.

The Laureate Writer Series is co-sponsored by the Blue Heron Coffeehouse, by Chapter 2 Books of Winona, by Friends of the Winona Public Library, by Sara and Richard Ricker, and by Laurie Lucas.

Photo credit: Erica Thibodeaux, Cover image: Ty Webster

Ken McCullough is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.