Good Thunder Reading Series returns Sept. 13

Another school year at Mankato has begun and with it comes opportunity to explore everything campus has to offer to its students.

One of my favorite events Minnesota State University Mankato offers here is the Good Thunder Reading Series.

Good Thunder is a series of multiple authors brought to Mankato from diverse backgrounds, sharing their writing experience through craft talks, workshops, as well as readings for those who attend.

The program first started back in 1982 and has only grown from there in its 25 year lifetime. Authors such as George Saunders, Yusef Komunyakaa, and Roxanne Gay (to name a few) have visited before.

I can say from personal experience that the Good Thunder Reading Series has helped improve my writing by allowing me to hear what other writers think about the art.

Everyone has a different way of developing their craft, so it’s always wonderful to see what others can teach you.

Sessions are usually not too long, only about an hour, and are offered throughout a two or three day span.

Events usually take place on campus, but sometimes take place off campus somewhere locally.

The events are completely free of charge and open to the public.

The series starts next week Sept.13 beginning with Juan Felipe Herrera and Alyssa Striplin as the event’s first featured authors.

At a glimpse, Juan Felipe Herrera has written many collections of poetry and books for children, and received awards for his work such as the Americas Award for

“Crashboomlove: A Novel in Verse.” He is a performance artist and activist for migrant and indigenous communities, too.

Alyssa Striplin is an MFA candidate at MNSU. She is the managing editor for the Blue Earth Review, and the recipient of the Nadine B. Andreas Graduate Assistantship.

For more information about either of these authors, upcoming events, or information about the Good Thunder Reading Series in general, visit their website at gt.mnsu.edu.