Writers Among Us! Published Authors at The Center

There’s something special about the Brainerd Lakes Area—and it’s not just the water, the woods, or the small-town charm. It’s the stories. Tucked between our lakes and local coffee shops is a thriving community of talented, accomplished authors who are quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) making their mark. From heartfelt memoirs and children’s books to thought-provoking nonfiction and page-turning fiction, this region is teeming with voices worth discovering—and celebrating.

The Center is lucky enough to have several of these talented folks as members. Enjoy!

Beverly Abear and The Amazing Amanda Series

Amazing Amanda and the Crazy School Carnival is Beverly’s debut novel.

What’s a girl to do when she’s bigger than the other girls in her grade, teased relentlessly, and struggling to control her quick temper? In a Central Minnesota town, Amanda Hamann is determined to prove herself during her sixth-grade year at Beltran Elementary. After repeating fifth grade, she’s now the oldest student in school — and her favorite teacher believes she has true leadership potential.

Chosen as student representative for a major fundraising carnival, Amanda throws herself into planning with creativity, humor, and enthusiasm. She builds real friendships and even sparks a budding romance as she leads her class toward success. But when a nearby charter school closes, and new students arrive — led by troublemakers Priscilla and Anne — chaos follows. When Amanda’s temper flares, the entire project is put at risk. Will the fundraiser succeed? And will Amanda learn what it truly means to lead?

Amazing Amanda and the Mystery of the Black Cat is the second book in the Amazing Amanda series.

Beverly Hamilton Abear is a retired English teacher who grew up in northern and central Minnesota. A lifelong lover of the arts, she has expressed her creativity through watercolor painting, directing school plays, singing in church, and writing. After years of encouraging students to write, she felt inspired to pursue her own stories. Since then, she has published articles, short stories, devotionals, poetry, and several novels for middle-grade, YA, and adult readers. She and husband, Rick,  live in Baxter, Minnesota, where they enjoy camping, e-biking, and serving in their local church.

Amanda has turned thirteen. Gone is the bouncy, joy-filled girl everyone has come to love. In the winter months of her sixth-grade school year, Amanda Hamann must crawl back from a dark, sad place and find, if possible, her joy again. Through surprising sources, her healing and hope begin. But will Amanda truly heal from this pit of grief and find her bright new day?

Amazing Amanda and Her Bright New Day is the third book in the Amazing Amanda series

Amanda has turned thirteen. Gone is the bouncy, joy-filled girl everyone has come to love. In the winter months of her sixth-grade school year, Amanda Hamann must crawl back from a dark, sad place and find, if possible, her joy again. Through surprising sources, her healing and hope begin. But will Amanda truly heal from this pit of grief and find her bright new day?

Beverly will be having a book launch at Passport in Downtown Brainerd for April 23 from 2 PM to 3 PM. Stop by, get a book signed and visit with her about her book journey!

David Vance Potts (pen name)

David Vance Potts is a storyteller who believes the most magical adventures begin with family, imagination, and a little bit of butter. Inspired by childhood memories and real-life “family-isms,” he writes stories filled with warmth, laughter, and heart. Who Put Butter on a Plate?! is his debut children’s book — born from the joy of watching kids discover magic in everyday moments and celebrating the special bond between an aunt and her niece.

Step into a world where glowing marbles lead the way, dragonflies hum with golden light, and every “mistake” becomes a memory worth treasuring. When Zoey and her wonderful Aunt Laura open a mysterious book, they’re swept into an enchanted forest filled with stardust streams, whispering trees, and a tiny butter-colored creature named Buttersprocket.

Together, they discover hidden treasures, magical surprises, and the true power of love and family. A heartwarming adventure for ages 6–12, Who Put Butter on a Plate?! shows that the greatest magic of all is the bond we share with the ones we love. Who Put Butter on a Plate?! is available on the author’s website.

 

Jan Kurtz

Janet “Jan” Kurtz was born in Illinois, raised in Wisconsin and moved to Minnesota to attend Hamline University where she obtained a BA in Spanish and Masters in Latin American Studies. She taught high school Spanish before joining the faculty at Central Lakes College, Brainerd, Minnesota. There, she created the Cultural Thursday series, led student study to Mexico and Spain, organized Latino festivals, and coordinated the AFS International teacher exchange. Translation opportunities led to participating in the 1980s Central American Refugees Overground Railroad, a medical mission in the Guatemalan Highlands and includes immigrants working in her area. She is a frequent contributor to Lake Country Journal and Her Voice, two award winning Minnesota magazines. Her favorite place is the family cabin on a remote lake in the Nicolet National Forest.  Visit her at www.janetkurtz.com

Darrell Pedersen

Jim Roelofs

Jim Roelofs is a retired diagnostic radiologist who authored the book Buddy: Overcoming Cerebral Palsy, Abandonment, and Poverty.

The book is a moving portrait of Buddy’s life, detailing his struggles with Cerebral Palsy, abandonment, and poverty. Roelofs, who met Buddy on a group bicycle ride in 2020, was inspired to write his remarkable story. The narrative begins on a seemingly ordinary summer bike ride, where Buddy’s remarkable spirit first captured the attention of his fellow cyclists. Despite facing the trials of abandonment and poverty, Buddy’s polite demeanor and thoughtful presence soon revealed the depth of his journey. The book is not just a biography; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome. This book is available on Jim’s website and on Amazon.

Steve Schaitberger

Steve is the co-author of Stands Before His People: Enmegahbowh and the Ojibwe. Enmegahbowh was an extraordinary American. He spoke both Ojibwe and English, lived among the Ojibwe, endeavored as a Christian missionary, and participated in the politics of relations and treaties between the Ojibwe, the US government, and the settlers who desired land to log and farm. While Enmegahbowh’s first mission was with the Methodists, he eventually connected with Reverend J. Lloyd Breck and was made an Episcopal priest by Bishop Henry Whipple, the first Episcopal bishop of Minnesota. Importantly, Enmegahbowh left a written record of his work, a plenitude of which is presented for the first time in this book. Stands Before His People recreates the story of Enmegahbowh’s life, from about 1813 to 1901.

Greg Petersen

Greg Peterson is a prior naval aviator, commercial airline pilot, and air traffic control specialist. He holds nearly every fixed wing flight certificate available and is a certified ground and instrument instructor. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Newgate’s Knocker was his first full-length novel. The story is fictional, however you may find it interesting that the historical background of the main character, Mac Macintyre, is based on Mr. Peterson’s real life, and most of the aviation sequences are also taken from his flying experiences. Greg’s second novel, Lie If You Can, is a medical mystery that follows a young college professor on her search to find the person who brutally attacked her.

Julie Guth and Bailey’s Big Spirit

Bailey befriends a puppy named spirit.  But then something terrible happens.  Spirit grows into a big dog, and Bailey doesn’t like big dogs.  Not only is Spirit much larger than Bailey, but the two are different in many ways.  Follow Bailey on her journey from dislike and fear to becoming Spirit’s best friend.

Julie Guth has been drawing and creating stories for as long as she can remember. She has also always loved animals, especially dogs. Julie previously shared her life with a certified therapy dog who volunteered in a fifth-grade class as their “reading dog”.  Her current canine companion is a star in agility.

Although her introduction to the visual arts began with drawing, art instructors throughout middle and high school exposed her to diverse media and assisted in honing her skills.  In similar fashion, Julie’s supportive, but exacting, English teachers helped lay the groundwork for her later writing.

Julie’s desire to write and illustrate children’s books surfaced during her earlier careers as an elementary teacher and psychologist. Her experiences in both paved the way for her first book, Bailey’s Big Spirit.

Many of these author’s books are available in our Gift Shop!