10 North Dakota Writing Resources
Posted by David Duhr in 
North Dakota, the “Peace Garden State”(?), the “Roughrider State”(?), the “Flickertail State”(?) is up next in our State Writing Resources series. Capital Bismarck, largest movie city Fargo, according to Wikipedia “North Dakota is considered the least visited state.” Awesome! Theodore Roosevelt State Park (ahh, that’s where the roughrider thing comes in) is the state’s most-visited tourist attraction. But you know, I’ve heard from numerous sources that North Dakota is a pretty state to drive through. I believe it.
For a state with a population of not much over half a million, North Dakota writing boasts a pretty stellar lineup. Poet Thomas McGrath grew up there. Playwright Maxwell Anderson graduated high school in Jamestown–home of the world’s largest buffalo monument, which is called The World’s Largest Buffalo Monument. Pulitzer winner Louise Erdrich has some strong North Dakota ties. Chuck Klosterman grew up there and graduated from UND. William Gass! He was born in Fargo. Jennie Shortridge was born in Grand Forks. Western legend Louis L’Amour was born in Jamestown–home of the world’s largest buffa … well, etc.
Presented in no particular order, here are 10 North Dakota writing resources, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you are a roughrider/peace gardener or are planning to become one, these are some organizations you might want to take a peek at.
A literary journal whose roots extend back to the early days of the University of North Dakota. Articles, fiction, essays and poetry.
An annual and free conference bringing together writers and readers from around the nation.
3) Red River Valley Writing Project
A local site of the National Writing Project, the RRVWP brings together teachers in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota to learn about the teaching of writing.
A comprehensive resource to find books by North Dakotans, those about the state and its people, and notices about statewide literary events.
Supporting new writing and writers in Fargo.
An international journal of literary fiction, poetry and criticism that works to serve both the writers it publishes and the literary community of the University of North Dakota.
A place for students, faculty and staff to talk about their work in progress with a writing consultant.
8) Fargo/Moorhead Writers Group
A group for people interested in fiction writing, poetry, screenwriting or scriptwriting. Gathers twice a month to discuss work for constructive feedback.
9) Grand Forks Writers Group
Meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month to discuss writing and share work.
Free one-on-one writing consultations for faculty, staf, and alumni.
Help us add to this list, North Dakotans! Do you run a local writing group or a lit journal we should be aware of? Feel free to share info and links in the comments section below.