Writer's Corner

Multi-talented Shawn Otto, and lifetime educator Gary Porter were guests on Writers Corner February 27, 2026, interviewed by host, Rob Jung.

Otto, an author and screenwriters, is probably best known for adapting and co-producing the motion picture, House of Sand and Fog, which garnered 3 academy award nominations. His literary work includes both fiction and nonfiction.

Porter, now retired from academia, writes fictional books from the point of view of dogs, geared to adolescent readers.

MATT GOLDMAN, a native Minnesotan, left some years ago for the West Coast.

Then, after writing for several well-known television shows and receiving an Emmy, he returned to the Twin Cities to pursue a career as a novelist. His Nils Shapiro detective novels were an instant success, and he has become a New York Times Bestselling author.

He has also written another series and in this year he has two more novels, including “Dark Humor,” the latest in the Nils Shapiro series, and a free-standing historical publication slated for early 2026.

TRACY CLARK, recognized as Chicago’s #1 mystery writer, flew into the Twin Cities for an appearance on Minnesota Mystery Night and Writers Corner.

She shared an interview with Alan and author Rob Jung, and discussed some of her routines which have led to her success, including arising at 5:30 a.m. to work on her novels before leaving for her “day job” as an editor on the Chicago Tribune.

JOHN GASPARD and JIM CUNNINGHAM could also pass for “The Odd Couple.”

Gaspard is a prolific author, author of countless novellas and novels. His latest series is the Eli Marks mystery series. Eli is a magician; so is Gaspard, at least insofar as this series is concerned. The two have been partners in corporate events, among others, and Gaspard’s books are available both in soft cover and Kindle, as well as Ebooks, and on a podcast.

Cunningham is well known in the Twin Cities as an actor, producer, writer and director, and had a long association with the Dudley Riggs’ Brave New Workshop and the Renaissance Festival, and has developed a seance. He is also the voice behind the Eli Marks series, as Gaspard’s books come to life in several formats. The latest book in the series, “Twisting the Aces”, (co-written with magician Michael Varma) is the 10th in the series. They enlivened Writers Corner with their interview.

RENEE VALOIS, who, in addition to being a prize-winning author, is a well-known poet and also served as a movie reviewer for a major newspaper. She discussed, (coincidentally, on Halloween!), her latest book titled “Collecting Spirits, life with ghosts, guardians and guides,” a collection of her own and other people’s experiences with ghosts and the paranormal.

JOSH WEBER, who is a principal of Calumet Editions, the sponsor of Writers Corner, and is also the publisher of Alan’s novels, not only had a spirited interchange with Renee, but brought in several of Calumet’s most recent books, discussed them, and noted they are available to readers. He also discussed his relationship with Afton Publications, a nonprofit that publishes historical material about Minnesota.