After the 2021 Mississippi River Readers Retreat, I had no doubt I would want to attend again if a repeat event was planned. Two years later, at the end of July, the 2023 version of MRRR kicked off with a Garden Party at Linden Hill Estate in Little Falls, MN, followed by an all-day author/reader event at a local church fellowship hall, and capped things off with a multi-author book signing at Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud. I knew a number of the featured authors from previous gatherings, and met some more who are represented by the same literary agency (Books & Such) as I am. It was a special time spent with some very special ladies. The conversations, sharing, and learning were a blessing. I saw a number of readers I’d met previously, and looked for a few who I learned later weren’t able to attend. I was interviewed for a segment with Rayna Zima of TV3 (Detroit Lakes) and had my picture made by the station’s Vikings car. (Kirk Cousins and the rest of the team had already reported to training camp, and I was in Little Falls and Nisswa, so there was no time to arrange a meeting with him on this trip.) I met with Cynthia Ruchti, who is my agent, and we reviewed the next steps in the process. Meeting Laura Frantz was also great fun as we discussed Scotland, Williamsburg, Jamestown, and York(town). Eighteenth century rabbit trails… I’m also thankful for the insight and wisdom Julie Klassen, Michelle Griep, and Erica Vetsch continue to share.
Julie Klassen, Michelle Griep, T. Elizabeth Renich, and Erica Vetsch
Collaboration time with Cynthia Ruchti (author and agent)
Online book club didn’t happen this month since some of us were together in the same place at the same time… Patrice Doten, Phyllis Burlingame, and Julie Klassen
Donna Morrison and Gail Helgeson poring over Bingo cards and chances to win.
MRRR Garden Party bookish decor
With Rayna Zima and TV3’s Vikings car after the interview.
Joyce and Mandy Heffron, along with Gabrielle Meyer, instigate great fun for all attendees.
Ronie Kendig and Kimberley Woodhouse at Barnes & Noble
Great turnout for the book signing at Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud, MN
Laura Frantz and I met up with Julie Klassen for an ice cream treat at Coldstone Creamery (Hopkins, MN)