Rebecah Propst
Once, Rebecah Propst was an active successful woman who managed a business, ran marathons and held a black belt in karate.
Then she lost her memory – completely – due to a seizure.
That was 11 years ago, and her first half-century of memories never returned. Now 58, Propst has only 10 years of accumulated knowledge to guide her actions.
She writes compellingly and movingly of the incredible experience in “Absent Memories: Moving forward when you can’t look back.”
Her writing provides a great understanding of amnesia, seizures and how one can truly make the most of each moment.
Propst’s story has amazed people across the country. She was featured Aug. 13 on ABC’s “Good Morning America” with Diane Sawyer.
William Kloefkorn
William (Bill) Kloefkorn is the Nebraska State Poet.
He earned the title in 1982 from the Nebraska Legislature.
He has never insisted on the title, and he has never reliquished it.
Kloefkorn’s works invite you in for a cup of coffee and a comfortable conversation as the guest of a true gentleman and visionary of the Plains. He makes you aware of the finest beauty and the truest wonder.
An educator in Lincoln, Kloefkorn is the author of 22 collections of poetry, two short story collections, a collection of children's Christmas stories, and three memoirs.
We are pleased to welcome this master of communication and civility to the Writer’s Guild Fall Conference.
Patricia Bremmer
Nebraska author Patricia A. Bremmer is a master of the mystery genre.
Patricia is known for compelling, fast-moving plots and active characters that keep the reader engaged throughout. Her plots are accessible to a casual reader and intricate enough to please a hard-core mystery lover. She writes in a secluded bunkhouse that sits beside her farm home near Venango, a home she shares with husband Martin and their three children.
“Down-home, small town, engaging mysteries.” -Lincoln Journal-Star, 2007
John Gale
Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale was born in Omaha and represented the state of Nebraska during a distinguished career of legal work and public service, which he practices with a simultaneously affable and professional demeanor.
Gale and his family lived in North Platte for 29 years, where he was a private practice attorney. In December 2000 he became the 26th Nebraska Secretary of State when he was appointed by Gov. Mike Johanns to fill a vacancy created with the resignation of Scott Moore. He was elected to four-year terms in 2002 and 2006.
Jack Ostergard
Gothenburg writer Jack Ostergard is an accomplished cowboy poet, writer and philosopher. His 2006 book, “Ruminations”, is a collection of dozens of stories, hundreds of poems and a plethora of jokes, brainteasers, observations and the wisdom of the years. Jack will be on hand throughout the weekend and open the show at the reception Friday.
Kim Baxter
Kim Baxter of North Platte is a professional optometrist with an overwhelming passion for music.
Baxter is a singer, songwriter and arranger who plays guitar, fiddle and harmonica. He has led the dance band “Chance” for nearly three decades.
Kim will provide the music and invocation for the luncheon and also perform at the microphone during the Friday night reception.