If you are looking for the Summer "Art weekends" we are now offering space to local artists ALL month long.
Featured Authors:
Nancy Shea blends her extensive expertise in energy psychology with a deep passion for writing poetry. She has created groups and classes aimed at guiding individuals toward personal transformation and creative expression. Her poems can be found in the Solitary Plover and the Wisconsin Poet’s Calendar.
Join her for a two-part presentation and writing experience, where we will explore our experiences and thoughts on creativity. It is common that these skills, and this fantastical creative part of us has been set aside for “practical” undertakings. We notice that the creative part within us has an energy that is pushing to be acknowledged and affirmed. This is a wise part of us wanting to bring our creative wisdom forward. We are meant to create and bring our unique light into the world!
Nancy Shea
Creative Wisdom Facilitator
and Poet
Kurt Griesemer
An honored educator and author
of the feature article, titled
“Dungeon Crawling in Lake
Geneva: Fifty Years of
Dungeons & Dragons,”
in the 2024 Fall issue of the Wisconsin Magazine of History
Join Griesemer as he takes you through understanding Tabletop RPGs and How you can create your own with an educational flare.
Lawrence Iles
Photographer, Teacher,
Traveler, Speaker, and
Author of, Impermanence.
A vivid and deeply moving
memoir about walking Japan’s
legendary Shikoku Eighty-Eight-Temple Pilgrimage. What begins as one man’s 879-mile trek soon becomes a profound spiritual journey through loss, memory, and renewal.
At The Market
Located at:
Parking Lot #7 on Milwaukee Ave,
Fort Atkinson WI (Directly across from the Post Office.)
8am - Noon
Shopping For Inspiration
Join us at the market as our regular vendors are joined by local authors, book themed crafts, and custom journal and stationary crafters as well. Pick up a unique fall read, find your new favorite pen, or just take in the atmosphere. Entry is always FREE, and the fun always abounds.
Don't forget to stop by the Welcome Booth to sign up for the 50/50 raffle, ask questions, or just say hi!
*(Please note that many vendors do not take credit cards and we do not have an ATM on site.)
9am
A Walk on the Writer Side
The Hoard Dairy Museum will be leading this free community literary walk around the historic district of Fort Atkinson. Learn about the writers who have tread the same paths, and pause for observational writing exercises along the journey.
Meeting location: In Front of the Welcome Booth at the Farmers Market. Look for a yellow tent will blue tables. We'll be happy to help you!
9-11am
Live Music by
Kettle Morrain Blues
Take in the classic sounds of one of the areas most celebrated bands. Find inspiration as you take a step back in time amidst the miriad of instruments and wide range of music selections from eras long gone.
Noon,
Lunch Break and Beyond
At Various Participating Restaurants and Cafes Along Main St.
As the market portion of the day tears down, treat yourself to one of the fabulous coffee shops, grills, or eateries along Main St. as our authors and prepare for their workshops and presentations.
More Details on Specials will be announced soon.
The Paddy Shack
will feature a "Hemmingway" Special
The Langhoff
will feature a Butterbeer Latte Special
All Day Special
Good To Go
TBD ... Is still deciding. But it's going to be good! It's in the name after all!
All Day Special
To reserve space for each session you can find free tickets by clicking HERE
Workshops, Readings, and Presentations:
1pm
Author Talk with
Nicolas Butler
Live Reading and Q&A
Proof Speakeasy
Seating limited to 30
Minimum Age: Semi-Mature Content,
(High School and Over.)
Preregistration Recommended
​
(A short window of Book Sales and Signings will follow at Tattoed Tree Books.)
Award winning author, Nicolas Butler will be reading select excerpts and speaking with the audience about just about anything the audience would like to know about his books, the publishing process, and general life as an author.
Story Time with Pat Hall
Live Reading of Children's Books
The Langhoff (back area).
Seating for 16, standing room beyond that.
Apropriate for all ages.
Join Author Pat Hall as she reads from a selection of her heartwarming children's books.
Fantasy World Building with Author Meg Turville Heitz
Workshop
Tattoed Tree Books
Workshop
Space for 16
Preregistration
Join Author M Turville Heitz as she takes you through the magical process of literary world building.
2pm
Reading of Impermanence: One Man’s 879-Mile Journey on Japan’s Shikoku Eighty-Eight-Temple Pilgrimage
with Author Lawrence Iles
Live Reading
Proof Speakeasy
Seating limited to 30
High School Age and Up
Preregistration Recommended
​
Join Lawrence Iles as he shares how a journey around a Japanese island led to an introspective memoir that addresses life and death, grief, transformation, and more.
Ignite Your Creative Spark Part 1
with Author Nancy Shea
​
Workshop
The Langhoff
Space for 16
Preregistration
Attend one or both sessions
​​
Part one will explore the experience of creative energy, and activities or techniques that can spark creative wisdom. Creative energy has a flow, and this flow is a physiological experience that we can learn to develop. We will discuss how to access this flow state, as well as how to overcome limiting beliefs that keep us away from our innate creative wisdom.
My Publishing Journey​
with Author Rick Parks
Presentation
Tattooed Tree Books
Seating limit 16
Learn what the author experience is like and what to possibly expect as you progress through your own writing dicipline. Rick Parks take you through his experiences from first sentence to on the shelf with a price tag.
5 Ways to Elevate Your Writing
with Aimee Leonard
Workshop
The Thing
Seating limit 20
​
This workshop, led by former teacher and award winning writer Aimee Leonard, takes you through the elements of pacing, dialogue, imagery, stakes, and tone through fun and accessible exercises that can help elevate any writer's skill level.
3pm
Live Reading and Author Talk
Meg Turville Heitz
Live Reading
Proof Speakeasy
Seating limited to 30
Intended Audiences of High School and older.
Preregistration Recommended​​
​
Join author Meg Turville Heitz as she reads from her works, taking you through wonderous worlds of fantasy and romance.​
Ignite Your Creative Spark Part 2
with Author Nancy Shea
Workshop
The Langhoff
Space for 16
Preregistration
Part two is an experiential writing session. we will role the Metaphor Dice to help us develop writing prompts, spend some time writing and as well sharing our writing in a safe, fun and supportive space. Yes, silliness is welcome here! Spontaneity is an ingredient of creativity.
Happy Hour Haiku
With local Bookstore owner Dena Tullis
Workshop
Tattoed Tree Books
Seating limit 16
Come try your hand at some Haiku Poetry as the owner Dena Tullis helps guide you through the process.
Understanding the Hero's Journey
Author and Professor, Holly Wilson
Presentation
The Thing
Seating limit 20
​
Once you learn about all of the elements of storytelling you'll understand what makes any narrative an instant classic! From books to movies, you'll never look at your favorite stories the same again.
4pm
Author Talk with
Joshua Alan Doetsch
Live Reading and Q&A​​
Proof Speakeasy
Seating limited to 30
High School Age and Up
Preregistration Recommended
​
Author of the macbre, Joshua Alan Doetsch as he delves into works of horror, grit, and ...cuteness? Josh will read excerpts from some of his works, and answer questions about everything from characters he's created from the ink of his fountain pen, to his life as a novelist and video game writer.​
Plotting for Pantsters
Meadow Hora
​
Workshop
The Langhoff
Space for 16
Preregistratio
​​
Do you write by the seat of your pants? Even if outlining stresses you out, you can build a strong narrative foundation without rigid planning. We'll let your characters lead the way and lay down the bones of your story, so you can "pants" your way to a satisfying and structured novel. Author Meadoe Hora will help you learn how to unlock your story's potential and streamline your writing and editing process, even if you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants.​
​
​
TBA
Tattoed Tree Books
Seating limit 16
Wisconsin Adventures, Roll For Initiative
Kurt Griesemer
Presentation
(Historian, Writer, Educator)
Please Note that this session may run longer than the typical 1hr time slot.
Preregister​
Sometimes the things that connect us to the past and each other comes in the least expected forms. Join Kurt Griesemer as he takes you through how history and gaming can both help your creativity thrive. If you are a teacher or mentor of you won't want to miss this talk on how good story telling can take interests to a new level!
​​
The Thing
Seating Limit 20