Your community: Meet the author BJ Hollars
BJ Hollars and his six-year-old son embarked on a 2,500-mile road trip to rediscover America on the Oregon Trail, and he has a gripping story to tell. Johnson County Library is pleased to host author BJ Hollars for three events in March. The first is a reading and presentation of his book on the adventure of rediscovering America along the Oregon Trail. The next day, enjoy a behind-the-scenes lecture on lessons learned from writing his latest book. Then join Hollars for a writing workshop where he will provide a series of generative writing prompts that are sure to boost your memory, bring your past to the present, and help you write your life’s story.
BJ Hollars is the author of several books, including the most recent “Go West Young Man: A Father and Son Rediscover America on the Oregon Trail”. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, NPR and elsewhere. He is the recipient of the Truman Capote Prize for Literary Nonfiction, the Anne B. and James B. McMillan Award, the Blei-Derleth Award from the Council of Wisconsin Writers, among others. He is an associate professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Here are the events not to be missed:
Make Every Mile a Memory: A Reading and Presentation with BJ and Henry Hollars on Go West Young Man: A Father and Son Rediscover America on The Oregon Trail
Tuesday, March 22, 6:30 p.m. Register online
When BJ Hollars and his six-year-old son, Henry, began a 2,500-mile road trip retracing the Oregon Trail, their mission was to rediscover America and Americans along the way. While their adventure included the usual setbacks, their most compelling drama involved people, privilege, and their attempt to find common ground in a country that was too fractured. Join the father and son team for a reading and conversation about their consideration of the founding of our nation and their renewal of faith in the America of today.
Travel Writing For Dummies: On Rattlesnakes, Wagon Ruts, And Making The World Feel At Home With BJ Hollars
Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m. Register online
When it comes to telling true stories from the outside in, you have to tread carefully or be prepared to pay the price. Join author BJ Hollars for a behind-the-scenes lecture on lessons learned from his latest book, “Go West Young Man: A Father and Son Rediscover America on the Oregon Trail.” Learn from his missteps, mishaps, and mistakes in service to your own masterpiece.
The Story of Your Life: Writing Your Forgotten Past Workshop with BJ Hollars
Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m. Register online
How do we evoke our long-forgotten stories? And how to remember those details of the past that we thought had disappeared? There is hope! And the technique too! Join author BJ Hollars for a series of generative writing prompts in a workshop that will boost your memory, bring your past to the present, and help you write your life’s story.
Don’t miss these opportunities to hear, learn and be inspired by this award-winning author. This will be a great time for anyone interested in travel, history, or writing. All three events require registration, secure your place today by registering online at jocolibrary.org.
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