May 4th, 2025
Mankato — Twin Rivers Council for the Arts is proud to announce the launch of their new Writers Series. The public is invited to an exciting lineup of events featuring acclaimed local and national writers where they will discuss their work, creative processes, experiences, and the future of literature. The series promises engaging, in-depth conversations with authors, followed by an interactive Q&A with the audience.
The 2025 Writers Series is underwritten by Bryan and Tami Paulsen and the Schmidt Family Foundation. It includes a diverse selection of authors, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table. All events will be held at the Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz – Ward Collective in Mankato, MN.
2025 Writer’s Series Dates:
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 6:00-7:30 PM
- Featured Author: Shannon Gibney
- Website: www.shannongibney.com
Gibney is a writer, educator, and activist. She is author of several books, including The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial Adoption, which received a Michael L. Printz Honor and a Minnesota Book Award; See No Color and Dream Country, both winners of Minnesota Book Awards; Where We Come From (co-authored), winner of the 2023 Carter G. Woodson Award; and Sam and the Incredible African and American Food Fight, a children’s picture book about a cross-cultural family. A Bush Artist and McKnight Writing Fellow, Gibney teaches at Minneapolis College, where she was named Educator of the Year in 2023. She lives with her two children in Minneapolis.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 6:00-7:30 PM
Featured Author: Allen Eskens
Website: www.alleneskens.com
Allen Eskens is the bestselling author of ten novels including: The Life We Bury, Nothing More Dangerous, and The Quiet Librarian. He is the recipient of the Barry Award, Minnesota Book Award, Left Coast Crime Award, and Silver Falchion Award and has been a finalist for the Edgar® Award, Thriller Award, Nero Award, and Anthony Award. His books have been translated into 23 languages. Allen has a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from Hamline University. After law school, he studied creative writing in the M.F.A. program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, as well as the Loft Literary Center and the Iowa Summer Writing Festival. He lives with his wife, Joely, in greater Minnesota where he recently retired after practicing criminal law for 25 years.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 6:00-7:30 PM
Featured Author: New York Times Bestselling Author
Watch for announcement on 8.1.25. Twin Rivers is partnering with the North Mankato Taylor Library and its Community Read program to bring a nationally acclaimed author to our community.
Location:
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz – Ward Collective 523 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001
Event Details:
Each event will consist of a moderated conversation with the featured author followed by a Q&A session. These interactive sessions are a perfect opportunity for writers, readers, and fans to engage directly with the authors and gain insights into their creative processes and literary journeys.
For more information about the Writers Series, please visit www.twinriversarts.org/writers-series