Repeatedly named the “Most Literate City in the United States,” the Twin Cities has played host to numerous visiting national writers via book tours, festivals, and lectures. This curation presents broadcasts over the decades of writer’s voices in form of speech, interview, and discussion.
July 22, 1994 - On this installment of Voices from the Heartland, American writer Susan Straight reads from her novel, Blacker Than a Thousand Midnights. The book follows young Black firefighter as he attempts to support his family in Southern California.
July 22, 1994 - Midmorning’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Lisa Jones, author of Bulletproof Diva and playwright of Combination Skin. The two discuss race, racial identity, and cultural differences between Minneapolis and New York City.
August 8, 1994 - Midmorning’s Cathy Wurzer interview American writer and historian about his profession. Topics include writing, interviewing, and his interest on “ordinary people.”
August 11, 1994 - An All Things Considered conversation with Sekou Sundiata, a poet and playwright; and Rhodessa Jones, a director, teacher, and writer about capturing culture in art and enlightening youth.
August 22, 1994 - On this Midmorning interview, Minneapolis-born screenwriter and actor Nick Sadler talks about writing his script, Amateur Fools. He also discusses filming in Minnesota.
September 9, 1994 - On this installment of Voices from the Heartland, Iowa native and writer Jerry Twedt reads an essay from his book, Growing Up in the 40s: Rural Reminiscence.
September 10, 1994 - Michigan nature writer Jerry Dennis reads an essay about the calming effect he experienced while canoeing the waters of Michigan.
September 26, 1994 - Midday presents author Amy Tan, author of the bestseller The Joy Luck Club, speaking at the Westminster Town Hall Forum on how "ethnic correctness", as she puts it, is taking its toll on literature.
October 1, 1994 - A Weekend Edition interview with American crime novelist Mickey Spillane, who details his path into writing after returning from service in the army during World War II.
October 6, 1994 - A Midmorning conversation with Montana writer Ivan Doig, who opens up about his thoughts on writing about family and the mythos of the American West.