Here ― Women Writing on Michigan's Upper Peninsula

How does place impact prose? Here: Women Writing on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula explores that very question, drawing on the work of Upper Peninsula authors past and present to create a vibrant kaleidoscope of voices and experiences. Bame-wa-wa-ge-zhik-aquay, Janet Loxley Lewis, Lorine Niedecker, Catie Rosemurgy, and thirty-one other authors important to the region appear in this exceptional and diverse volume. In poetry (Spring” by Beverly Matherne, For Those Who Dream of Cranes” by Elinor Benedict, and Skin on Skin” by Sally Brunk), short fiction (North Country” by Roxane Gay, For the Healing of All Women” by April Lindala, and Winter Mines” by Sharon Dilworth), and novel excerpts (fromOnce on This Island by Gloria Whelan, South of Superior by Ellen Airgood, andDandelion Cottage by Carroll Watson Rankin), the unique character of the U.P. materializes on the page. The book also shines a spotlight on powerful emerging voices such as Lisa Fay Coutley, Charmi Keranen, and Saara Myrene Raappana. The first of its kind, this is an anthology for all seasons, an homage to the rich literary heritage of the region.

Ronald Riekki is an award-winning poet, novelist, and playwright. Since 2010, he has headed the U.P./MI Book Tour, which has scheduled literary events throughout the state of Michigan, particularly in rural communities.