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Multiple authors will be here to present their work from the Rural American Writers' Center. The Rural America Writers’ Center of Plainview, Minnesota, states that its mission, in part, is “to provide activities and programs so that writers may develop their individual and collective creative abilities and skills, and to enhance the culture of rural and small town America….” The Center is accomplishing these goals, admirably.   Poetry writing and creative non-fiction classes are offered along with workshops led by established writer/teachers like Gary Holthaus, Ken McCullough, John Rezmerski and Emilio Degrazia.  One of the Centers' "Writer's Helping Writers" workshops was lucky enough to have the late Bill Holm give the keynote speech and "play the black piano".

On the "Third Wednesday" of the month there is a guest reader where a Minnesota poet or writer is asked to feature their work for an hour  followed by an open mic where everyone is welcome to share.  Featured guest readers have included Richard Broderick, Joyce Sutphen and Kirsten Dierking, all among Minnesota's best poets.  The open mic portion of the night has borne witness to fantastic local talent, some of which you will hear at this event, from Pam Whitfield, Betty Benner, Dee Bezoier, Rita Hawes, Nicole Borg, Peg Bauernfeind and Carolyn Bizien.  These folks are regular attendees of the "Third Wednesday" group and have contributed to the Center's publication, The Green Blade, which is what they will be reading from at this event.

The Center aims at creating an atmosphere that's relaxed and friendly, it's a place where you can make new and lasting friendships.  This warm, inviting atmosphere is mostly due to the wise and devoted leadership of Dean and Sally Harrington, who will also be joining us for this special event.

Some information on the readers (in order of their appearance):

*Dee Bezoier* was born in Minnesota, land ofn'ice and snow.  He says: "My essays are deemed poetic, my poetry deemed...um...unprintable (or at least un-publishable).  If defiance is fear's label for joy, then expect some soon!"

*Betty Benner *is a Mankato MN native, has lived in Austin MN since the early 1950's and for the last several years has made Plainview MN her third home.  She draws from experience in human services, storytelling, teaching, secretarial work, mothering and grandmothering.*

*Carolyn Bizien* grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis and teaches English as a Second Language to kindergarten through second grade students at an elementary school in Rochester, MN.  Her hobbies include running, cooking, writing poetry and fly fishing.

*Nicole Borg* lives in Wabasha MN with her husband and one year old son.  Her poetry has appeared in /The Talking Stick/, /Dust & Fire/ and /Main Channel Voices/.  When Nicole is not writing, she enjoys chasing after her son or daydreaming about writing.

*Peg Bauernfeind lives in Wabasha and has always been interested in writing.  During her career she has composed lesson plans, training manuals, grants and reports.  When she retired she began an endeavor to write a family history for her extended family, plus a bit of fiction.  This adventure eventually led her to many places, among which is the Rural America Writers' Center. *

*Pam Whitfield* is an Instructor of English and Equine Science at Rochester Community and Technical College.  She writes for academic journals, horse magazines, mainstream publications and the occasional "literary" journal.  She’s a bona fide Southern gal, yet happy to be in the Midwest where her kids will hopefully grow thicker skin than she.

*Rita Hawes* says she has been farm girl, waitress, wife, mother, back-to-the-lander, gardener, seamstress, painter, potter, parts inspector, graduate and librarian.  She continues to be a student of literature, mythology, theology, Jungian psychology, metaphysical realities, and a grandmother assisting in births.  She’s working on being a poet, writer.