Mankato —Twin Rivers Council for the Arts will open its 2026 Writers Series season with an evening featuring Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, entrepreneur, flower farmer, speaker and USA Today bestselling author, on Tuesday, May 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz, 523 S. Second Street, Mankato.

The Twin Rivers Writers Series invites audiences into thoughtful conversations with authors about their work, experiences, creative process and what lies ahead. Each event features a moderated discussion followed by audience Q&A, offering an engaging literary arts experience in an intimate setting. The series is underwritten by the Bryan & Tami Paulsen Charitable Fund.

Opening the 2026 season, Mergen will discuss her memoir, Flowers Bloom Anyway, traditionally published in 2026 and quickly recognized as a USA Today bestseller. The memoir traces her deeply personal story of loss, resilience and rebuilding after being unexpectedly widowed at 31 while pregnant with her second child.

What began as a healing project planting flowers on her family’s farm grew into Sunny Mary Meadow Flower Farm, a flourishing business rooted in floral design, agritourism and education. Today, Mergen speaks nationally on resilience, entrepreneurship and the courage to pursue meaningful ideas.

“We’re honored to open this year’s Writers Series with an author whose story is deeply personal,” said Kaaren Grabianowski, Twin Rivers Executive Director. “Liz’s work speaks to perseverance, creativity and the belief that beauty can emerge even after life’s hardest seasons.”

In addition to discussing her journey as a writer and entrepreneur, Mergen will share insights into publishing, creative practice and the themes behind her memoir. For more about Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, visit www.lizfiedlermergen.com.

The 2026 Writers Series continues Twin Rivers’ commitment to celebrating literary arts and bringing diverse voices and perspectives to the community.

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About Twin Rivers Council for the Arts

Twin Rivers is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists, enriching communities, and expanding access to the arts through exhibitions, public art initiatives, education, and creative partnerships across southern Minnesota. www.twinriversarts.org