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Authors Steve Hoffman and MaryEllen Weller-Smith charm the audience with stories from afar

Updated: Jan 18


The first American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) Minnesota author event was advertised to its membership as an evening promising to be entertaining which it surely was. A captive audience of approximately 30 attendees were entertained by engaging stories and lively presentations by our two feature authors: MaryEllen Weller-Smith and Steve Hoffman.


Author MaryEllen Weller-Smith
Author MaryEllen Weller-Smith

The evening began with AATF Minnesota President, Maureen Elwell Peltier, introducing the program and then Weller-Smith, author of Frances Anne Hopkins, Hudson’s Bay Company Wife, Voyageurs’ Artist. She highlighted Hopkins’s journey from Britian to Canada and her subsequent work as an artist who depicted the fur-trade canoe travel that took place in regions few women had ever explored. The presentation outlined some of the challenges that Hopkins faced as an artist, wife, and mother shedding light on her perseverance and resilience. Weller-Smith guided the audience through examples that drew attention to not only these struggles but more

importantly, the captivating work that earned Hopkins her well-deserved recognition. Weller-Smith’s presentation was both simple yet thorough showing the author’s passion for her subject. Her book is available for purchased online at Jackpine Books.

Author Steve Hoffman
Author Steve Hoffman

Steve Hoffman, author of A Season for That: Lost and

Found in the Other Southern France, is a passionate

Francophile who had long dreamed of living in France. His love affair with the country truly began when he spent a semester in Paris, immersing himself in the culture and language with the enthusiasm of a true devotee. Over the years, the deep fascination with all things French has shaped every aspect of his personal life: his marriage, his role as a father, his friendships. So, it came as no surprise when, in 2012, he announced to family and friends that he, his wife Mary Jo, and their two children, Eva and Joseph, were embarking on a six-month adventure in France.



A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France is the story of that adventure, with all its fun, its surprises, its growth, and, at times, its pain. Hoffman shared several of his stories of his journey, including two read directly from the book, that highlighted these emotions. Through these examples, he illustrated how several months in a small southern village were more than just a trip to France – it became a period of self-reflection and growth for all four family members.  Hoffman’s presentation was both humorous and heartfelt, blending light moments with deeper insights, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

Hoffman reads from A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France

Author Mary Jo Hoffman shows off her book, Still
Author Mary Jo Hoffman shows off her book, Still

To conclude the evening, Hoffman’s wife and author, Mary Jo Hoffman, was asked to talk about her stunning book titled, Still: The art of noticing. That project began during their stay in France, where Hoffman, seeking a creative outlet, decided to photograph one piece of found nature every day. Intended to be a temporary pastime, it stretched into more than 4000 days of daily photography. Her published work pairs these striking images with essays that delve into the personal reflections and insights gained throughout the project.


Both books are available for purchase at Barnes & Noble or through a variety of online retailers.





This first author event was an enriching blend of humor, insight, and cultural exploration, offering more than just literary discussion. AATF Minnesota would like to thank Barnes and Noble for their support of this event.


This article was refined for clarity with the assistance of ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025)








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