Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

The best of Minnesota writers on stage for Talking Volumes

Three book covers
From left to right: Kate DiCamillo’s “The Beatryce Prophecy," William Kent Krueger’s “Lightning Strike" and Dessa’s “My Own Devices."
Courtesy photos

Writers come to the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul from all over the world for Talking Volumes. The experience is always intimate and energetic. But hometown authors might have the most fun.

For this special edition of Big Books and Bold Ideas, host Kerri Miller takes a look back at some of her favorite on-stage conversations with Minnesota writers. They include Dessa, who appeared at Talking Volumes in 2018 to talk about her memoir, “My Own Devices,” William Kent Krueger, who was the finale guest in 2021, and Kate DiCamillo, who also appeared in 2021 and brought the house down several times with her witty banter.

You can still get tickets to the 2022 season of Talking Volumes. Karen Armstrong kicked it off in September. Coming up later this month and in November: Celeste Ng, Dani Shapiro and Ross Gay.

Guests:

  • Dessa is a singer, rapper and writer based in Minneapolis. Her memoir, “My Own Devices,” was published in 2018.

  • William Kent Krueger is an novelist and crime writer, best known for his series of novels featuring Cork O'Connor, which are set mainly in Minnesota.

  • Kate DiCamillo is an award-winning storyteller for both children and adults. She lives in Minneapolis.

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above. 

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