O. Alan Weltzien Writers Series Hosts Author Jon Keller

The University of Montana Western English Department is pleased to announce an upcoming reading and conversation with author Jon Keller on Thursday, December 4, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. in the Bulldog Lounge, as part of the O. Alan Weltzien Writers Series.

The O. Alan Weltzien Writers Series is a literary event that brings authors, poets, and writers to campus for readings and discussions. Named after Weltzien, a longtime professor and writer, the series highlights both emerging and established authors, often with a focus on literature connected to Montana and the West.

This event will feature Jon Keller, a commercial fisherman, licensed sailboat captain, carpenter, and part-time teacher. After more than a decade as a backcountry guide and mule packer in Montana, he now lives in an off-grid cabin on the coast of Downeast Maine. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana and an MFA from Boise State University. In addition to his novel Of Sea and Cloud, his writing has appeared in several hunting and sailing magazines.

“Keller’s unique life experiences and his range of publishing make him a dynamic addition to our speaker series,” said UMW Associate Professor of English Laura Wright. “His first novel has been praised by authors like Debra Magpie Earling and Anthony Doerr. His newest project is a series of crime novels set on both the Maine coast and in Montana’s Rocky Mountains.”

This event is free and open to the public and will include light refreshments. We hope you’ll join us for a great evening. For more information, please contact Dr. Wright at laura.wright@umwestern.edu.