Jerry Dennis is one of the country’s most prolific outdoor writers. With by-lines in The New York Times, Smithsonian, Orion, American Way, Michigan Quarterly Review, and Gray's Sporting Journal as well as 13 books--and most recently a new edition of “The Living Great Lakes: Searching the Heart of the Island Seas”--to his credit, he is forever finding stories to tell about the Midwest’s waters. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with this seasoned writer about his experiences on Lake Superior, and his deep connection to the water and the natural world that has fueled his writing for four decades.

Key Takeaways:

• Jerry Dennis has always been passionate about writing and the outdoors, and he realized he could combine these interests by writing about his outdoor experiences.
• "The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas" is a book that explores the history, ecology, and personal experiences of the Great Lakes, with a focus on Lake Superior.
• Dennis believes in connecting with readers on an emotional level and inspiring them to protect and appreciate the natural world.
• He emphasizes the importance of experiencing the Great Lakes firsthand and taking the time to observe and appreciate their beauty and significance.
• Dennis is currently working on a collection of poems and a new and selected book of essays, which will include his favorite essays from his previous works.

Quotes:

• "I wanted to write about the things that I care about. That was my goal right from the beginning." - Jerry Dennis
• "Everything is wondrous. And if we can reconnect with those perceptions of childhood, then it becomes clear to you how wonderful it is." - Jerry Dennis
• "When people feel a connection with a place, then they want to protect it." - Jerry Dennis

Resource:

• Jerry Dennis' Website - https://jerrydennis.net/

To listen to the full episode and explore more enlightening content from the Lake Superior podcast, visit our website or your preferred podcast platform. Stay tuned for future episodes featuring fascinating guests and stories about the Great Lakes and Lake Superior.