Â
Edwidge Danticat
The Good Thunder Reading Series, held annually at Minnesota State University at Mankato, includes readings and signings, residencies, discussion of craft, and radio interviews. Though they are happy to accept subscriptions, the events are free and open to everyone.
Â
This year's lineup has been announced, and, as always, it's an impressive mix of national names and strong regional writers. The series begins in September and runs through next April.
September 13:
Poets Carl Adamshick and Dorianne Laux
October 4
Graphic artist and writer Alison Bechdel
October 25
Fiction writer Nick Healy, fiction writer and memoirist Nicole Helget and fiction writer Nate LeBoutillier
November 15
Angela Mullen and Edwidge Danticat
January 31
Novelist Tayari Jones
February 19-22
Poet Bao Phi and novelist Marlon James
March 28
Â
Robert Hedin
Fiction writer Brett Biebel and poet and translator Robert Hedin
Â
April 11
Poet Kris Bigalk and fiction writers Thomas Maltman, and Scott Wrobel
 April 25
YA writerGeoff Herbach and memoirist Diana Joseph
Â
Laurie Hertzel is senior editor for books at the Star Tribune, where she has worked since 1996. She is the author of "News to Me: Adventures of an Accidental Journalist," winner of a Minnesota Book Award.
2 Minnesota poets win national awards
Lesley Nneka Arimah wins the Caine Prize for African Writing
Award-winning Minneapolis writer recounts harrowing Lyft ride in viral tweets
Tommy Orange, Ann Patchett coming to Pen Pals
