# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Water Street Writers Reading Series
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sun, 19 Apr, 2026 at 05:00 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: Join us Sunday, April 19th, for our next Water Street Writers event!

Featuring the talents of Susan Friedland, Susan Ward Trestrail, Richard Holinger, Michael Wettengel, and Leslie A. Lindsay!

Open Mic after the program too!

Doors open at 5pm, show starts at 5:30pm at the gorgeous Water Street Studios in Batavia.


                                                  ...


Susan Friedland ::

Susan Friedland is an author and horsewoman who still believes in the magic of a great childhood book. Her memoir Marguerite, Misty and Me explores the life and literary legacy of former Wayne, Illinois resident Marguerite Henry and the lasting cultural impact of her beloved horse story, Misty of Chincoteague. A former educator, Susan now visits schools with author programs that spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of storytelling. She also writes for the equine industry and co-hosts the Barn Banter podcast. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram @saddleseekshorse or susanfriedlandauthor.com.



Susan Ward Trestrail ::

Background and Education

Susan Ward Trestrail is a photographer, poet, and English professor from Sleepy Hollow, Illinois. She possesses an extensive academic background, holding an M.F.A. in creative writing with an emphasis in poetry, as well as an M.A. in English from National University in La Jolla, California. Additionally, Susan earned an M.S.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education and a B.A. in Sociology from Northern Illinois University. She teaches college composition courses at The College of DuPage, where she regularly contributes to their literary journal, The Prairie Light Review.

Published Works

Susan is the author of three published books. Her works include a children's book titled Tiny Bird, as well as two poetry collections, All Earthly Colors and Gather the Days, both of which feature her own photography alongside her poems.

Artistic Pursuits and Exhibitions

Currently, Susan's artistic focus is on photography, particularly in the realm of creative portraiture. Her photographic work has been featured in exhibitions such as The Aurora First Friday display and, most recently, at Limestone Coffee and Tea at the Batavia Public Library. She is presently working on a new book, Daisy Chains, which will combine portraits and poetry.

Personal Life and Inspirations

Susan grew up in Batavia, Illinois, just two blocks from the scenic Fox River. The natural beauty of Northern Illinois, which enriched her childhood experiences, serves as inspiration for many of her poems. Raised by parents who were both writers and avid readers, she developed a deep appreciation for culture that she shares with her siblings. Susan is especially passionate about poetry, education, and her family. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.


Richard Holinger ::

Richard Holinger’s poetry, fiction, and nonfiction appear in Chautauqua, Chicago Quarterly Review, The Southern Review, Witness, and elsewhere. Nominations include the Pushcart Prize (seven), Best of the Net, Best Small Fictions, and appears in Best Microfiction 2025. Books include North of Crivitz (poetry), Kangaroo Rabbits and Galvanized Fences (essays), and Down from the Sycamores (poetry chapbook). His short fiction collection, Unimaginable Things and Other Stories, and Manure Dreams and Other Essays, have an April 2026 release. He holds a doctorate in English from UIC, has taught English and creative writing for forty years. He lives in rural northern Illinois with his wife and first editor, Tia, and where his two children visit and occasionally read what he writes.


Michael Wettengel ::

Michael is an author, a painter, and a sometimes boxer. He got a couple of Master's Degrees from Iowa State University a few years ago, and now he teaches at North Central College and Benedictine University. He loves Kurt Vonnegut and Earl Grey tea. But none of that's important right now. Right now, he's just happy to be here, reading for you.

https://wettengelm.wixsite.com/my-site


Leslie A. Lindsay ::

Leslie Lindsay (she/her) is a memoirist, poet, & visual artist. She is the author of SPEAKING OF APRAXIA in audio with Penguin Random House, & contributor to BECOMING REAL: Women Reclaim the Power of the Imagined Through Speculative Nonfiction, an anthology. Her work has appeared in various literary journals, including DIAGRAM, LiteraryHub, On the Seawall, The Millions, Allium, The Rumpus, and others. Her writing was nominated for the Best American Short Fiction in 2022. She is an active member of Off-Campus Writer’s Workshop. Leslie is on the masthead at Hippocampus Magazine and contributes reviews and interviews frequently. Her work has been supported by The Ragdale Foundation and Vermont Studio Center and attended Kenyon Writer’s Workshop with Victoria Chang. Leslie resides in Greater Chicago and is at work on a memoir excavating ancestral legacy, art, & sense of place. She is obsessed with all things vintage. You can find her on Instagram @this.iswherewelive and www.leslielindsay.com.


                                                  ...


Everyone is welcome! Suggested donation is $5. All proceeds pay our authors, so let’s give them a good night! So please like and share and all that jazz. 

In addition to fine literary entertainment, you may purchase signed copies of our authors’ books. Refreshments will be available from Water Street Studios’s bar. 

Water Street Studios has graciously donated their gallery to us, all that they ask is that we respect the art and their space. In return, as they are a nonprofit, we ask you to consider becoming members to support their unique programming. (Which includes some writing classes this go round!)

This event is emceed by Eric Bodwell. Susan Ward Trestrail Photography will document the evening, while Kevin Moriarity will record the show for our archives and your enjoyment. 

Experience Water Street Writers four precious Sundays a year in the fully accessible main art gallery at Water Street Studios. For more information, contact Cathy Borders here or at waterstreetwriters@rolreadlocal.com.

To learn more, including submission guidelines, please visit our website: https://waterstreetwriters.com

Submit to become a featured reader at waterstreetwriters@rolreadlocal.com. 

Submissions are chosen by committee. 

Submissions are always open. We pick from the slush pile each and every event. Multiple submissions are okay. This is our last event of the 2026-2026 season, but don't worry, we'll be back at it again in September.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/batavia/water-street-writers-reading-series/200029928023710
- **Event Categories**: art, literary-art, workshops, nonprofit, exhibitions, music, entertainment, open-mic, first-friday, it, storytelling
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 52

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Batavia
- **state**: IL
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Water Street Studios
- **lat**: 41.848093622917
- **long**: -88.310039822435
- **full address**: Water Street Studios, 162 S Water St, Batavia, IL 60510-2447, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Water Street Writers Reading Series
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/741fca996a8688d41cc25a9f44fb745e62ea884f09749956e7541ac0aa4517df-rimg-w1200-h628-dcbfdbff-gmir?v=1775911450

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Water Street Writers Reading Series being held?
  - **A:** Water Street Writers Reading Series takes place on Sun, 19 Apr, 2026 at 05:00 pm to Sun, 19 Apr, 2026 at 05:00 pm at Water Street Studios, 162 S Water St, Batavia, IL 60510-2447, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Water Street Writers Reading Series?
  - **A:** Water Street Writers Reading Series is organized by The Republic of Letters.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Water Street Writers Reading Series is ideal for aspiring performers, spoken word artists, budding comedians, and audiences who love discovering raw, unpolished talent in an intimate and supportive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Batavia, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. With 50+ people already showing interest, this is clearly an event worth adding to your calendar - don't miss out.

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