Writing North Winter Book Fest was created to build connections between north-inspired authors and readers.
See a tentative schedule of events below.
Writing North Winter Book Fest Itinerary
Saturday, February 28, 2026 | Manistique, Michigan
A one-day celebration of books, ideas, and Northern voices—featuring nationally recognized and regional authors across genres. Enjoy free community programming, ticketed talks and panels, and an intimate evening fireside salon.
Come for an hour or stay all day!
👉 Meet the 2026 Festival Authors
Free Community Events
The Mill Public Market | Open to all | 12PM - 5PM
Meet the Authors & Book Signings: 12PM - 5PM
Rotating book signings and informal meet-the-author tables throughout the day—drop in, browse books, and connect one-on-one.
Community Q&A: 12PM-1PM
Launch the festival with a welcoming conversation featuring Writing North authors.
Young Readers’ Hour: 1PM - 3PM
Storytime, creative activities, and hands-on fun led by children’s and young adult authors. Designed for families and young readers of all ages
Creative Mixer: 3PM - 5PM
A relaxed, playful gathering for readers and writers alike. Discover new books, enjoy low-pressure conversations with authors, and connect with fellow festival-goers.
👉 View All Festival Authors
Readers’ Day: Panels & Presentations
A ticketed event with curated panels, talks, and workshops featuring festival authors.
👉 Buy Tickets Here
10:00 AM–11:00 PM
Behind the Reviews: How Books Find Their Readers
A friendly conversation about book reviews — how authors experience them, how readers use them, and how word-of-mouth helps stories travel from one reader to the next.
11 AM - 12 PM
Books as Community: Stories That Bring Us Together
From book clubs to shared local stories, a conversation about how reading connects people and helps build community — one book at a time.
12:00–1:00 PM
Writing From Real Life: Home, Memory, and Imagination
Authors talk about drawing inspiration from real towns, real people, and real moments — and how they balance truth, memory, and storytelling.
1:00–2:30 PM
Break
Explore downtown Manistique, grab lunch, or return to The Mill for free events and book signings.
2:30–3:30 PM
A Sense of Place: When Setting Shapes the Story
How our landscapes, seasons, and communities influence the stories we love, and why some books feel inseparable from their setting.
3:30–4:30 PM
Two Paths to the Page: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
Ever wondered why some authors choose to self-publish, while others go the more traditional route? A conversation between a traditionally published author and a self-published author about how books come into the world — and what those different journeys mean for readers.
4:30–5:30 PM
Festival-Wide Q&A
A closing conversation with Writing North authors—audience questions encouraged.
Premium Evening Event: Fireside Literary Salon
The Blue Mystique Inn, 7 PM - 9 PM
Ticket: $75 | Limited Seating | Early-bird discount through January 15
An intimate evening of readings, conversation, and connection with all festival authors. Enjoy chef-created appetizers, wine and warm drinks in a cozy fireside setting and experience the quieter, reflective side of Writing North.
Sunday, March 1: Writers’ Day Mini-Conference 10AM - 2PM
For Writers & Aspiring Authors
Want to go deeper? Join us for a half-day Writers Conference created for authors at every stage — from those just beginning to put words on the page to published writers looking to sharpen their craft and think about what’s next. Through intimate panels and practical conversations with working authors, the conference explores craft, process, publishing paths, and the realities of a writing life. You’ll leave inspired, better informed, and connected to a community of fellow writers. Lunch included.