I am proud to call Minneapolis my home. I root for the home town team, The Minnesota Twins.
Sometimes as a writer I wish I lived someplace cooler. Sometimes I wish I lived in London, a world full of boy wizards, wardrobes that lead to new worlds, an underground world. Some days I read books set in NYC and I wish I lived there.
I owe a lot of who I am as a writer to Minneapolis. This city(and her twin St. Paul) is filled with inspiration (bike paths, state parks, beautiful river views, museums, zoos, theaters, fun quirky neighborhoods) and resources for writers.
Here is a list of resources for writers in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities
The Loft Literary Center- classes, workshops, rent your own quiet writing studio.
The Kerlan Collection- Pick your favorite children's author from the list and see how their work went from rough draft to finished product.
Hamline MFA in Writing for Children- they also have lecture passes and options to sample the program.
The Split Rock Arts Program- run by the University of Minnesota. Offers classes for writers and other artists. Some classes in Cloquet and some in the Twin Cities.
Madeline Island School of the Arts (four hours away from Minneapolis. A wonderful writers retreat)
There are also classes offered through community ed and last summer I noticed poetry classes offered at the Rose Gardens at Lake Harriet.
Since Minnesota is home to such great writing resources it is no surprise that Minnesota is home to great writers as well.
Here are some of my favorites.
Alison McGhee- some of her books are set in Minneapolis. I love reading about her characters adventures in Uptown.
Lynne Jonell- I love her Emmy and the Rat series.
Christina Rodriguez- illustrator
Marsha Qualey- a couple of her books, Just Like That and One Night are set in Minneapolis.
This is just a start. If you live in the Twin Cities be sure to check out these resources. If you've only flown over Minnesota before you are totally missing out. You should visit and check out some of what we offer for writers.
If you are still looking for a way to celebrate Library Week sign up for Tamara Heiner's Stock your Library Blogfest.
How has where you live influenced you as a writer?
11 comments:
I've only been to Minneapolis once for one brief night, but I loved it - a very accessible city. When I was there I hadn't realized yet that I was a writer, so I think now I must come back. :)
Whenever I think of Minneapolis, I sadly think of Beverly Hills 90210. *hangs head*
I lived in Minneapolis for 8 years-great city! I almost used Minneapolis for my M. We usually spend time in Minneapolis every summer visiting with friends and family. It's always nice to get a Minneapolis fix.
This is a great post, Carrie! It's always fun to tout the literary merits of our lovely state.
Sorry, I made a boo-boo on my initial comment and had to do it over. Technology and I don't get along sometimes.
Nice post. I've never been to Minneapolis, but I love Prince :)
Thanks for providing a list of resources for those who want to visit.
Go Vikings!!!
The Madlab Post
Wonderful post! I've never been to Minneapolis, but reading this made me want to visit. Sounds like a great city.
Yay, Minnesota! Never been, but it sounds great...have a good friend there and she loves it.
Umm. Love your blog and your newsy approach. Let me tell you, I met Kate DeCamillo. When she was young she lived down here in Florida which was her setting in Because of Winn Dixie. She spoke at a conference and I heard her twice. Then I sat in a workshop next to her and it was just after she got the offer for the movie. It was exciting. I'll be back.
Great post. I often wish I lived somewhere else but Sydney is home. My location hasn't influenced me as a writer (except for festivals and worshops) because I write about other worlds.
What a great post! I live in North Carolina and all my stories seem to be set there. I grew up in Pennsylvania, but I'll take the NC beaches any day over the cold winters up north! And besides, Nicholas Sparks lives not even an hour away from me. Can't beat that!
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