Marcie Rendon, a celebrated member of the White Earth Nation and award‑winning playwright and poet, will delve into the creation of her breakout character, Cash Blackbear—a tough, intuitive young Ojibwe woman whose roots in rural 1970s Minnesota have resonated deeply with Midwestern readers. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of Rendon’s process for crafting authentic Native […]

From Iwo Jima to Vietnam, Dickey Chapelle reported from the front lines of the world’s most consequential struggles for freedom, fearlessly pursuing the truth no matter how deeply buried. Unlike many of her peers who blindly believed the government’s line, Dickey insisted on witnessing world events with her own eyes even if that meant marching […]

Harjani will share her deeply personal journey as a caregiver—a path that ultimately led to the creation of her powerful book, Postcards from Within: Random Ramblings of an Ordinary Human. Reflecting on the emotional, practical, and spiritual lessons learned through caregiving, Harjani will reveal how the experience shaped her perspective and her writing. Through stories […]

Liz Pelly is the author of Mood Machine, a critical investigation into the origins of Spotify and the impacts of streaming on music and culture. Drawing on over 100 interviews with musicians and industry insiders, Pelly’s book takes readers to the inner workings of today’s highly consolidated record business, showing what has changed as music […]

Please join book festival volunteers and supporters to celebrate the end of our 26th Chippewa Valley Book Festival. We will be gathering in the venue space at Leona’s Pizzeria in downtown Eau Claire. Pizza and beverages will be available for purchase, but camaraderie will be included free of charge. No registration is required. Doors open […]

The Bluff Country Tale Spinners slither back onto the Pump House stage with more Tales of the Creepy and Scary. Stories of mysterious figures, unfortunate events, and creaking floorboards will raise the hair on the back of your neck. It may be best to bring a friend to hold your hand and keep watch for […]

Bestselling, award-winning novelist, LEIF ENGER, a story-teller “of great humanity and huge heart” (Minneapolis Star Tribune), will discuss his most recent novel, I Cheerfully Refuse. Set in a not-too-distant America roiled by climate change and societal collapse, I Cheerfully Refuse is the tale of a bereaved and pursued musician, the affable Rainy, who sets sail […]