The National Writers Series (NWS) has shared the author lineup for its fall 2023 season. The season consists of six events, starting in September and running through early November, and includes authors of fantasy novels, cookbooks, and books about science, among other subjects. A full rundown of events is below.

September 12, 7pm – Ed Yong

Yong is a celebrated science journalist who won the Pulitzer Prize in 2021 for his coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic for The Atlantic. He’ll be joining NWS to talk about his latest book, An Immense World, described as “a tour of the radically different ways that animals perceive the world.” The event is slated to take place at the City Opera House. No guest host has been selected at this time.

September 19, 7pm – Cameron McWhirter and Zusha Elinson

McWhirter and Elinson, both Wall Street Journal reporters, are also the co-authors of American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15. The book takes a look at the history of the controversial firearm, from its invention in the 1950s, to its use in the Vietnam War, to its constant role in modern mass shootings. Benjamin Busch, an author, actor, journalist, filmmaker, and veteran who served 16 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, is on tap to guest host. The event will take place at the City Opera House.

October 1, 1:30pm – Ken Follett

Follett, a bestselling British author known for his thrillers and historical novels, will be Zooming in from London to discuss his latest book, The Armor of Light, just days after its September 26 publication date. The novel is the final entry in Follett’s five-part “Kingsbridge Novels” series, which began in 1989 with The Pillars of the Earth. Follett will be in conversation with guest host Pat Livingston, a local television journalist known as the news manager of TV 7&4. While Follett will be attending virtually, Livingston will interview the author from the stage of Traverse City’s newest arts venue, The Alluvion.

October 7, 7pm – V.E. Schwab

A #1 New York Times bestselling author known for books like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Schwab works primarily in the realm of fantasy and science fiction. She’ll join NWS to discuss her latest book, Fragile Threads of Power, the start of a sprawling new multi-world fantasy series that promises “tangled schemes and perilous adventures with friends old and new.” The Ticker’s own Beth Milligan will serve as guest host, interviewing Schwab on the stage of TC’s Lars Hockstad Auditorium.

October 17, 7pm – Heather Cox Richardson

A noted historian, Richardson is also the author of Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, a new book (out September 26) that looks at how “over the decades, a small group of wealthy people have made war on American ideals” and brought the country to the brink of authoritarianism. Guest hosting the event will be Neal Rubin, a columnist for the Detroit Free Press. Like the V.E. Schwab event, this one will also take place at Lars Hockstad.

November 8, 7pm – Erin French

Concluding the fall NWS season is this event with Erin French, a chef known for her famed farm-to-table restaurant The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine. That restaurant is the basis for The Lost Kitchen, a reality TV series on Magnolia Network that completed its third season in January. French will be on hand at the City Opera House to discuss her new cookbook, Big Heart Little Stove, which compiles 75 of her favorite recipes, along with various tips and tricks she's learned over the years. French will be interviewed by guest host Cara McDonald, who serves as a writer and editor for MyNorth and Traverse magazine, as well as host of the weekly “Local Eats” segment on 9&10 News.

More details about the fall 2023 NWS season – including ticketing information – can be found on the NWS website.