Marianne Monson, a distinguished author known for her exploration of women’s history, will be at the Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita on Wednesday, March 27, as part of a closing celebration for Women’s History Month. Monson, whose notable works include “Frontier Grit” and “The Opera Sisters,” focuses on bringing to light the untold stories of extraordinary women overshadowed by history. With an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a background in teaching, founding The Writer’s Guild, and co-hosting River Writers on KMUN, Monson’s talk will offer insights into her research and writing processes. The event, which begins at 4:30 pm with a $7 entry fee, promises attendees a chance to engage with Monson’s work and purchase her books, underscoring her decade-long commitment to elevating the narratives of incredible historical women.
Monson is a prolific author and educator with a deep-rooted passion for women’s history, particularly those stories from the frontier era. Her literary contributions span both fiction and nonfiction, aiming to shed light on the lives and accomplishments of women who have been overlooked or forgotten by mainstream historical narratives. Monson has published 12 books, among them notable titles like “Frontier Grit” and “Women of the Blue and Gray,” both of which explore the resilience and contributions of women in the context of American history. “Frontier Grit” was nominated for the Amelia Bloomer award by the American Library Association, and “Women of the Blue and Gray” received a silver medal from Foreword Reviews.
Her latest work, “The Opera Sisters,” is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of Ida and Louise Cook, two sisters who used their passion for opera to help refugees escape the horrors of Nazi Germany. This book, like her others, underscores Monson’s commitment to bringing the extraordinary efforts and lives of women into public awareness.
Beyond her writing, Monson holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and has an extensive background in teaching writing at various colleges and universities. She has also contributed significantly to the literary community through her founding of The Writer’s Guild, a literary nonprofit, and her role as a co-host on the radio show River Writers on KMUN, where she interviews other authors.
Monson’s work is not limited to books; her poetry and prose have been featured in several publications, including Rain Magazine, Hipfish, Coast Weekend, Northwest Review, and Our Coast Magazine. Her career is a testament to her dedication to storytelling, education, and the empowerment of women through the acknowledgment of their historical contributions.
