Lourdes lounge was filled with students and community members waiting for Alicia Conroy to read an excerpt from her collection of short stories, in her book “Lives of Mapmakers” on April 15.
Hailing from Minneapolis, Conroy grew up with roots not far from Winona. She also lived in Denmark, Wales and Boston for multiple years before returning to Minnesota.
Conroy describes herself as “an interdisciplinary kind of gal.”
Though chiefly a fiction writer, she prefers to be more fluid and feels that changing the type of writing helps her in all areas. She tends to write complex, intertwining and “non-linear structures,” where as a reader prefers a more straight shot plot with twists and turns in the characters.
“As a writer, I wear many hats. I've written, edited and produced annual reports and internal and external publications. My literary writing includes short fiction and creative nonfiction. I've also had my book reviews and feature articles published in national and regional publications,” said Conroy. “Over the years I have taught freshman composition, literature and creative writing classes at MnSCU and other postsecondary institutions. I've also taught creative writing classes at The Loft Literary Center, a major nonprofit literary and community resource in Minneapolis.”
Her writings have been nominated for awards such as the Pushcart Prize. She plans to continue her career as an author as well as a teacher as anticipation for her next book continues to grow.
In her book “Lives of Mapmakers” Conroy explores different paths that one can take to get to their own conclusion and the hardships they may face along the way.
The title story revolves around two historical map collectors. Within the story she adds tidbits about the actual famous mapmaker, Mercator. She leads into his controversies and the kind of figure he was in his day.
All of her stories are eventually linked.
She explores the psyche of her characters thoroughly as readers are lured into her world. By getting into their psyche, she then gets into the reader’s. Conroy draws readers into the characters she portrays instead of presenting them.
Kallie McGettigan, a biology/pre-medical major, has attended multiple book readings on West Campus.
“It is just something about seeing the authors read their own work that lures you into their world. They have a type of zeal and depth that one would not catch if you only read it to yourself,” McGettigan said. “Seeing [Alicia Conroy] read was incredible. She has a gift when it comes to words.”
Conroy’s book, “Lives of Mapmakers” is also used as a textbook at Winona State University. It displays multiple writing styles within one source.

Questions or comments?
Contact Stephanie at
SVetter06@winona.edu