 Bemidji Middle School students are getting hands-on writing help from an award-winning Minnesota author through a Region II Arts Council grant. The school was able to hold a writer's workshop with William Durbin. The school was also able to host Durbin at the Beltrami County History Center on Wednesday night, where he talked about his young adult historical fiction books and other works. Many of his stories are inspired by real people throughout Northern Minnesota's history. We hope that people will be inspired by Mr. Durbin's writing and how he takes a great interest in the research part and develops his stories from primary sources. Lake of the Woods High School and Red Lake Middle School were also awarded grants through the Region II Arts Council in November. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.