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Author Weekend: LIW Pageant in De Smet
July 12, 2024 - July 14, 2024
On the Page and Stage: Writing Laura’s History
South Dakota Authors Spotlight Weekend
July 12, 13, 14, De Smet, South Dakota
Friday, July 12
De Smet Public Library, 102 1st St SW
3:30pm
I will be leading a poetry workshop! It will be more fun than it sounds, I promise. There is a form of poetry called centos. Centos use phrases from an existing work, then you rearrange them into your own poem. It is fun and easy!
I have already selected phrases from By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, and These Happy Golden Years. (Or if you want to identify your own phrases, you are welcome to do so! And if you want to use a non-De Smet Little House book, that is ok, too!)
At the activity, I’ll briefly introduce the idea of centos poetry, then we’ll use the phrases I’ve selected (or ones you’ve brought) to create your own poem(s)! Then, if you’re willing, share them with others!
This activity will be suitable for people of most ages. Even children who aren’t yet good readers can have phrases read to them and help!
One warning, though…it might be hard to read books in the future because now you may be looking for interesting phrases to use in a centos! 😉
Schedule for July 13, 2024
De Smet Event Center
(west side of town, just north of US Highway 14)
Be sure to sign up for door prizes!
Doors open to the public at 9am
9:30 AM
I will speak on how the early railroad story overlaps with the Ingalls Family story, using information from We Suffered Much
10:30 AM
Rick Mills will speak about the history of railroads in South Dakota 1879-2024
11:30 AM
Nancy Koupel will speak on Laura and Rose and the path to fiction
12:00 PM
Go Go Burritos will be set up at Washington Park.
12:30- 2:00 PM
This portion will be very informal. About 1:00 the authors will be introduced in the theater and given a chance to talk about their books, the writing process, publication, and answer questions.
2:00-3:00 PM
A more formal Q & A time with the speakers, authors, and the author of this year’s pageant.
The drawing for the book door prizes will take place as well.
6:00 PM
Authors will be available at the pageant site to talk with visitors and sell their books (weather dependent)
6:00 PM to 8 PM
Activities at the pageant site include buggy rides, old fashioned games, music, and a concession stand.
8:00 PM
The pageant begins.