Millions of Minnesota Artists Writing Series

The Blue Earth County Historical Society, with J. Anderson, will present a three-part writing series at the Blue Earth County History Center. The cost is $15/adults, $10/BECHS Members. Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 507-345-5566.

• June 17: Brenda Ueland, born in 1891, became a journalist and writing teacher. She published a book in 1938 called If You Want to Write; hailed the “best book ever written on how to write.”
• July 15: Maud Hart Lovelace, born in 1892, also a writer, published her first Betsy-Tacy book in 1940.
• August 19: Wanda Gag, born in 1893, grew up to write and illustrate Millions of Cats, the oldest American picture book that remains in print.

These three Southern Minnesota artists were born into different social circumstances—from gracious living to extreme hardship—but they straddled the same fault lines of early twentieth-century life. They were intentional— and inspirational—about making time for art in the broader world that assumed they would prioritize homemaking.

Workshops will be led by local writer J. Anderson, who will examine the artist’s history, her work, and use both to motivate individual creativity. The group will spend time together writing and sharing, knowing, as Ueland titled the first chapter in her first book, “Everyone Is Talented, Original, and Has Something Important to Say.” No preparation is necessary, but come with a notebook, a writing utensil, and a willingness to uncover your most authentic stories.