Local Authors Discuss: Door County as Setting and Inspiration

Write On’s Door County Published Authors Collective (DCPAC) presents the on-going series, Local Authors Discuss, in which writers address a specific genre or theme. Today’s program focuses on Door County as both setting and inspiration. Patrick Baird, Kathleen Harris, and Kevin O’Donnell will discuss how the people and landscape of the county have influenced their work. The program is free and open to all ages. No registration is required. Light refreshments will be available.

Patrick Baird is the author of two Door County crime novels, Darkness at Death’s Door and Van Hoke’s Capers. Both books are set in the past and Baird will discuss how his historical research affects his storytelling and where he draws the line between historical fact and fiction.

Kathleen Harris’ book, From the Lookout, tells the true story of Peninsula State Park’s 1916-1948 summer camp for girls. She’ll describe its layered approach: land, people, and history. Harris will also highlight a few authors she considers foundational to understanding Door County’s sense of place.

Kevin O’Donnell’s book of photographs and essays, Behind the Door: Profiles of a Peninsula, quietly captured what many visitors do not see — the life, culture, history, and traditions of the people of the Door Peninsula. He will discuss how letting the peninsula tell its own story changed a loosely defined 2-year project into an unexpected and rewarding 7-year journey.