Adults

Join us at the Grape Escape for an evening of poetry and discussion presented by two regional Poet Laureates, Jenna Goldsmith of Rockford, IL and Galena’s very own, Ted Williams. In a conversational style, Ted and Jenna will discuss their poetical journeys, making an impact with the written word, and read from their work. This… Continue reading Galena LitFest: Poets in Dialogue (in-person)

Dr. Kevin Koch will take participants on a photographic journey through natural spaces across each of the twelve Midwestern states, including short excerpts from his newest book, Midwest Bedrock: The Search for Nature’s Soul in America’s Heartland (Indiana University Press, 2024). Koch’s writing style blends narrative and informative techniques to invoke Sense of Place. This… Continue reading Galena LitFest: Midwest Bedrock (hybrid)

Whodonit? That is the question in any murder mystery, but an even better one is “How did the author do that anyway?!” In many cases, it means writing backwards. The author chooses who is killed and how. The author chooses the setting and the weapon. The author chooses…sometimes not a lot! Sometimes the characters themselves… Continue reading Galena LitFest: Writing a Mystery Can Be a Mystery! (virtual)

While sharing his journey of writing and publishing Civil War history, Thomas B. Mack, Ph.D will cover lessons learned in finding sources, ensuring the work is accurate, and completing a historical nonfiction manuscript. This is a virtual program presented via Zoom to be viewed anywhere on a device with an internet connection. Attendees will have… Continue reading Galena LitFest: Lessons Learned Writing History (virtual)

Join bestselling mystery author Mia P. Manansala for a curated dinner featuring Filipino recipes from the Tita Rosie Kitchen Mysteries book series to learn about her journey as an author and the cultural importance of food in the Filipino diaspora. A full dinner will be served including beverages, plated appetizers, buffet-style entrees and sides, and… Continue reading Galena LitFest: A Night in Tita Rosie’s Kitchen (in-person)