Author Events

Event Date & Time

Date:
May 14, 2025
Time:
7:00 pm
Venue:
City Opera House

Rick Atkinson

Join National Writers Series for an inspiring conversation with #1 New York Times bestselling and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Rick Atkinson. He will talk about his latest book, The Fate of the Day, with New York Times bestselling author Doug Stanton

A riveting narrative exploring the pivotal middle years of the American Revolutionary War, the publication of Fate of the Day marks the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the Revolution.  Atkinson’s brilliant account of the lethal conflict between the Americans and the British offers not only deeply researched and spectacularly dramatic history, but also a new perspective on the demands that a democracy makes on its citizens. It is the second volume of his American Revolution trilogy.

Atkinson is the author of seven previous works of history, including The British Are Coming, the first volume of his American Revolution trilogy. He is also the author of The Long Gray Line, the Liberation Trilogy (An Army at Dawn, The Day of Battle, and The Guns at Last Light).

EVENT DETAILS:

Doors open at 6 p.m. with live music, and the conversation begins at 7 p.m. This event includes a Q&A session, and an author signing event following in the lobby.

Book Release Date: April 29, 2025 – Traverse City locals who’d like to read the book in advance of the event may have the option to pick up their copy at Horizon Books. Instructions will be emailed to you after your purchase.

Additional City Opera House transaction fees are applied at checkout

Tier One indicates premium seating options with the best views, available on the main floor closest to the stage along with premium sections of the balcony.

Tier Two indicates standard seating options, available on the main floor and most of the balcony.

Individual Tickets:
Tier One: $56
Tier Two: $48
Admits one person to the live event and each ticket comes with one hardcover edition of Rick Atkinson’s The Fate of the Day (retail value $42).

Two-Ticket Package
Tier One: $76
Tier Two: $60
This two-ticket option admits two people to the live event and comes with one hardcover edition of Rick Atkinson’s The Fate of the Day (retail value $42). Perfect for couples or friends who want to share a book together. Signed copies are only available in-person at the live event.

Virtual Tickets

Even if you can’t make it to the City Opera House, you can still enjoy National Writers Series events from the comfort of your own home on event night or later on-demand when it’s more convenient.

Each Virtual Ticket includes a private YouTube link to the event, which begins at 6:50 PM. Virtual audience members can contribute questions to the Q&A through a moderated chat.

You have the option to buy the featured book for an additional fee. Shipping is available anywhere in the continental U.S. by our local bookstore partner Horizon Books of downtown Traverse City, Michigan. Actual costs applied at checkout. Signed copies are only available at the live-event.

Student Tickets: $10
No age restriction with a valid school ID, student tickets admit one person to the live event. Books are not included.

Pay What You Can: National Writers Series is dedicated to providing experiences and events to everyone who seeks them, and in that spirit,  we are happy to provide a book to anyone who cannot afford to buy it. Thanks to our generous donors, you may use the code BookChampion (one word) for a complimentary book based on the honor system.

Group Tickets:
For discounted rates on ticket packages of 20 or more, please contact [email protected]

About Our Book Sales:

One of the most exciting parts of attending our events is getting a copy of the author’s latest book along with the chance to often meet the writer and have them personalize it after the event. National Writers Series audiences sometimes get early-access or preview editions of future best-sellers.

Each sale benefits our local partner Horizon Books in downtown Traverse City, Michigan. The bundled price of National Writers Series books is always 20% below retail, so you also get a great deal.

If you already own the featured book, the one you receive with your ticket makes a great gift for friends and family. Or you can donate it back to us at the National Writers Series, and we’ll distribute it to libraries and young writers in Northern Michigan.

National Writers Series author events are usually not suitable for children, unless noted.

Guest Host

Doug Stanton

Doug Stanton is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of In Harm’s Way and 12 Strong, made into a major motion picture by Jerry Bruckheimer, and The Odyssey of Echo Company. His writing has appeared in The New York TimesThe New York Times Book ReviewTimeThe Washington PostMen’s JournalThe Daily BeastNewsweek, Esquire, and Outside.

He was awarded the 2021 Steven Ambrose Oral History award. He attended Interlochen Arts Academy, Hampshire College, and received an MFA from the Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa. He created the National Writers Series in 2009 with his wife, Anne, and attorney Grant Parsons. He and Anne have three children and live in Traverse City.

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