The Upper Peninsula is a hidden treasure trove of literary talent. In Fall 2023, there are many opportunities to meet these writers around the U.P. from Pickford in the EUP to the Keweenaw and from Escanaba to Marquette. It’s a unique opportunity for U.P.-themed holiday shopping and getting your books signed by local authors. U.P. authors write in every genre of books from colorful children’s picture books to fun middle-grade and young adult historical fiction books, to suspenseful and engrossing murder mysteries for adults, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find books that are a unique take on U.P. history. geography, and culture—celebrating the life and times of this land.
Many U.P. residents may not realize that these authors are living and working in their communities or just a few miles down the road. Many of these holiday shopping events are also charity fundraisers for the local community where the booth rentals are going to support projects that benefit others in the community. Most events have free admission (TV6 events are $3.00 admission). If you’ve never read a book by a U.P. author, that’s OK, because these holiday sales events are your ideal opportunity to learn about the books and take that first step.
The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) supports all U.P. authors and their literary aspirations. UPPAA hopes that this holiday shopping guide, sorted by dates of the shows, will help readers both find their favorite authors as well as discover new ones. If you’re a writer or thinking about writing a book, be sure to ask these authors about how UPPAA supports them.
- Escanaba Library Author Fair (Oct 14, 2023) featuring
Carol Schultz “The Story of Journey, the Great Horned Owl”
Dorothy Paad “Dance Your Dance, Sing Your Song”
Hilton Everett Moore “North of Nelson” Series
and many more!
- Big Holiday Craft Show (Nov. 4, 2023) at Kingsford Middleschool, Kingsford MI. Featuring Deborah Frontiera, author of books for middle-grade like “Living on SISU: The 1913 Union Copper Strike Tragedy” and “Superior Tapestry: Weaving the Threads of Upper Michigan History”
- Pickford Craft Show (Nov. 10-11), at the Pickford Township Hall Friday 10 am – 7 pm and Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm) featuring
Jan Kellis, fiction writer, and memoirist, “Tales From the Jan Van: Lessons on Life and Camping” and others. Also hand-crafted scented soaps.
Sharon Kennedy, author of “The SideRoad Kids” Books 1 & 2, “View from the SideRoad”
- Keweenaw Art Affair (Nov 11, 2023) at Houghton High featuring
Terri Martin, author of the award-winning “The Home Wind” middle-grade book and humorous U.P. fiction books like Moose Willow
Deborah Frontiera, author of books for middle-grade like “Living on SISU: The 1913 Union Copper Strike Tragedy” and “Superior Tapestry: Weaving the Threads of Upper Michigan History”
- Sault Ste. Marie High School (Nov. 18) Sault Ste. Marie High School 10 am – 3 pm: featuring
Jan Kellis, fiction writer, and memoirist, “Tales From the Jan Van: Lessons on Life and Camping” and others Also hand-crafted scented soaps
Sharon Kennedy, author of “The SideRoad Kids” Books 1 & 2, “View from the SideRoad” - Harvey MI, St. Louis Fall Bazaar (Nov 18th). Featuring Elizabeth Fust, author of “The Hungry Kitten’s Tale” and other books
Tables are $20 and they are still looking for vendors contact the church secretary at secretary@sltkchurch.org or call (906)249-1438 to reach the coordinator, MaryAnn Bernier.
- Norway, MI Holy Spirit Catholic HS Holiday Craft Show, (Nov 18-19): featuring Carol Schulz, author of “The Adventures of Charlie the Chihuahua”, “The Story of Journey, the Great Horned Owl”, and other children’s books.
- Indian River Craft Show, at the High School (Nov 24) 9 am – 4 pm. featuring Jan Kellis, fiction writer, and memoirist, “Tales From the Jan Van: Lessons on Life and Camping” and others Also hand-crafted scented soaps
- TV6 Craft Show – Escanaba at the Ruth Bulter Bldg. (Nov 24-25, 2023):
Michael Carrier, author of 16 “Jack Handler” U.P. mysteries
Dorothy Paad, author of “Dorothy is Moving Mountains” and “Dance Your Dance Sing Your Song”
Mikel B. Classen, historian, and author of “True Tales: the Forgotten History of the U.P.” and “Faces, Places & Days Gone By, a Pictorial History of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula”
- TV6 Craft Show – Marquette Superior Dome (Dec 1-3, 2023):
Michael Carrier, author of 16 “Jack Handler” U.P. mysteries
Larry Buege, author of the Chogan Series
Tyler Tichelaar, author of Marquette-themed books and “Kawbawgam: The Chief, The Legend, The Man”
Mikel B. Classen, historian, and author of “True Tales: the Forgotten History of the U.P.” and “Faces, Places & Days Gone By, a Pictorial History of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula”
Faye Bowers, “Digging Up the Truth and Other Big Bay Stories.”
- Baraga American Legion Craft Sale (Nov. 25, 2023) featuring
Terri Martin, author of the award-winning “The Home Wind” middle-grade book and humorous U.P. fiction books like Moose Willow
Carol Besonnen, former L’Anse Sentinel journalist with her debut book “Off the Hook: Off-Beat Reporter’s Tales from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.)”
Established in 1998 to support authors and publishers who live in or write about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, UPPAA is a Michigan nonprofit association with over 100 members, many of whose books are featured on the organization’s website at www.uppaa.org. UPPAA welcomes membership and participation from anyone with a UP connection who is interested in writing.
