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   Readers, aspiring writers and book lovers will have the opportunity to meet dozens of talented authors from across Minnesota during the 2026 Northwoods Art and Book Festival to be held August 8th in Hackensack. The festival will feature an impressive lineup of award-winning and bestselling writers representing a wide variety of genres, offering visitors the chance to browse books, visit with authors, discover new favorites and have books personally signed.

This year’s literary lineup showcases more than 35 authors whose works span everything from historical fiction and cozy mysteries to science fiction, fantasy, romance, memoirs, children’s books and Minnesota history.

Among the featured authors are William Anderson, known for Minnesota-themed fiction; Margaret A. Blenkush, who writes cozy mysteries and historical fiction; David Bruns, author of science fiction and thrillers; Rhonda Buerkle, children’s and young adult books; William Burleson, fiction; Bruce Carlson, non-fiction; Justin Delzer, young adult adventure, fantasy and mystery; Jennifer DeVries, fiction featuring paranormal and time-travel themes; William Durbin, Minnesota historical fiction; Brian Duren, psychological literary fiction; Nan Dixon, romance and contemporary fiction; Ron Elcombe, contemporary fiction; Julie Guth, children’s books; Margo Hansen, Christian fiction; and Sharon Harris, representing the Jackpine Writers Bloc and its Minnesota writers anthology.

Additional featured authors include Laura Hern, cozy mysteries, fiction and romance; Christine Husom, police procedurals and traditional mysteries; Nathan Jorgenson, Minnesota-themed fiction; Jeff Krogstad, fiction and non-fiction; Julie Jo Larson, Minnesota travel books; Mike Lein, humorous outdoor non-fiction; C.A. Lewis, fantasy; Brenda Massman, historical fiction; Marjorie Mathison Hance, Minnesota murder mysteries; Stephanie Mirocha, memoir; Jodie Leigh Murray, romance; Chris Norbury, Minnesota mysteries, thrillers and middle-grade adventures; Jan Payne, thriller mysteries; Darrell Pedersen, Minnesota memoirs; Mary Perrine, Minnesota thrillers and dramas; Niomi Phillips, historical fiction and memoir; Mary Seifert, cozy mysteries; Richard Sherry, political thrillers and memoir; Candace Simar, historical fiction; Jonathan Sweet, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers and non-fiction; Scott Welvaert, fantasy and thrillers; and Jason Willis, whose work includes history, mysteries, thrillers, fantasy and fiction.

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to meet the authors throughout the event, learn about their latest releases, discuss the writing process and purchase signed copies of books for readers of all ages. With genres ranging from children’s literature and inspirational fiction to suspense, historical novels and Minnesota-themed stories, the festival promises something for every reader.

The Northwoods Art and Book Festival continues to celebrate the rich literary and artistic talent found throughout the region while connecting readers with the authors whose stories bring Minnesota’s history, landscapes and imagination to life.

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