The Great Lakes Writers Festival is set for November 5-6 at Lakeland University, featuring published authors June Gervais and Chelsea Whitton in a free event that also offers convocation credit. The festival welcomes college and high school students, along with community members, to engage with the art of writing.

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This annual festival includes a variety of activities such as readings, master classes, book signings, an open mic, a question-and-answer session, a poetry walk, a book fair, and a writing contest. Attendees are welcome to participate in any or all events.

June Gervais will read from her debut novel, “Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair,” while Chelsea Whitton will present work from her poetry collection, “Wonder Wheel.”

June Gervais is an author, activist, graphic designer, and public speaker who earned her MFA in Writing and Literature from Bennington College in 2012. Her novel explores the journey of Gina, a young adult navigating tattoo apprenticeship, familial relationships, and self-discovery. Gervais's writing has been featured in publications including Lit Hub and Writer’s Digest.

Chelsea Whitton, a poet and professor, authored “Wonder Wheel,” released by LSU Press in 2026. She holds a PhD from the University of Cincinnati and an MFA from The New School. Her poetry has appeared in various literary journals, and she has received accolades such as the 2018 Sandy Crimmins National Poetry Prize. “Wonder Wheel” delves into themes of spirituality and identity, portraying characters grappling with their life paths.

The festival schedule is as follows:

**Thursday, Nov. 5**

- 10:30-11:00: Registration in the Bradley Theater lobby

- 11:00-12:30: Reading and book signing in the theater for convocation credit

- Lunch break

- 2:00-4:00: Master Class One in Laun 2nd floor

- 4:30-5:30: Poetry walk at Walla Hi County Park, 1841 Mueller Rd, Kiel

- 7:00-8:00: Open mic and book signing at Jake’s, 529 Ontario Ave., Sheboygan

Master classes on Thursday include Fiction titled “Bewitch Me: Sweeping the Reader Away” and Poetry titled “Mimesis as a Symptom.”

**Friday, Nov. 6**

- 9:30-10:00: Registration in Laun 2nd floor

- 10:00-11:30: Reading and Q&A in Laun 209

- Lunch break

- 1:00-2:00: High School Master Class in Laun

- 4:30-5:00: Master Class Two in Laun 2nd floor

- 4:30-5:00: Book signing in Laun 209

Friday’s master classes will cover Fiction titled “Say Less: Micro-Memoir” and Poetry titled “Let it Linger: Sous rature, palimpsest, and other ‘soft erasure’ strategies.”

For more information and registration, visit greatlakeswritersfestival.org.