As a feature of the ongoing Milwaukee Book Festival, Marquette University hosts the Wisconsin Authors Night this evening. Featuring Wisconsin authors including Sandra Kring, Lesley Kagen and Isabel Sharpe, the event highlights the best of Wisconsin's literary talent.

Kring, one of tonight's speakers, has just published her third novel, "Thank You For All Things." Growing up in Brantwood, and residing in Wausau, Kring's style and subject matter illuminates small-town life and the imagination and interaction of children.

"I always write through the eyes of a child. I think every single protagonist I write through, is a piece of me in some way," Kring says.

A self-proclaimed book junky, Kring began writing after several years of reading. Completely self-taught in her style, Kring's novels have received attention throughout the region for their vivid imagery and heart-warming stories.

"I started writing on my own and worked really systematically at it. I was always a writer but I just didn't know it. I started writing dialogue and creating character sketches," Kring explains. "Even if I had never sold, I would have kept doing it. I really love it."

"Thank you for All Things" was published in September and Kring is already working on her fourth, as-yet-untitled novel.

"I have lived within a 90-mile radius from where I was born. I didn't even go to a city until about seven years ago, so I feel like Wisconsin is the area I really know to write about," Kring says. "This is a good place for writers. You can't beat this place for writers. It's slow paced up here and the long winters are perfect for writing."

The Wisconsin Author's Night includes question and answer, author readings and discussion. Kring will be joined by Lesley Kagen, Liam Callanan, Brenda Cardenas, C.J. Hribal, Valerie Laken, Paul Salsini, Isabel Sharpe, Angela Sorby and Larry Watson.

"I'm looking forward to the author's night for the very reason to meet more writers from Wisconsin," Kring explains. "We're developing a little hub here and it seems like we have a good thing going; Wisconsin really lends itself to being a good place for writers."

The event takes place this evening in the Marquette University's Weasler Auditorium adjacent to the Memorial Union on 15th and Wells Streets. For information, call (414) 288-7179.