Writer and woodworker Spike Carlsen to deliver Carleton convocation on writing, building, and AI
Carlsen will share lessons he’s learned from writing about the world around him.
Spike Carlsen — writer, editor, and woodworker — will deliver Carleton convocation on Friday, February 27, from 10:50 to 11:50 a.m. in Skinner Chapel. His talk is titled, “Writing with Dirt Under your Fingernails… in a Well-Manicured AI World.”
Carlsen has been writing about the world and how it works for the past 30 years. He was an editor with the home improvement division of Readers’ Digest for 15 years, where he wrote hundreds of articles and oversaw the books division. He’s written for The Wall Street Journal, Men’s Health, The Daily Beast, The Minnesota Star Tribune, Mother Earth News, and numerous other magazines. He’s the author of several books, including the award-winning A Splintered History of Wood (2008). Carlsen’s other long-form work includes A Walk Around the Block (2020), Building Unique and Useful Kid’s Furniture (2018), Cabin Lessons (2015), The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects (2014), Ridiculously Simple Furniture Projects (2011), and Woodworking FAQ: The Workshop Companion (2012). Carlson has also showcased his woodworking and storytelling expertise on NBC’s Today Show, Modern Marvels, HGTV, The CBS Early Show, and more. Prior to picking up a pen, he swung a hammer for 15 years and taught elementary school.
In his free time, Carlsen enjoys biking, playing guitar, woodworking, and working on refugee resettlement through Refugee Housing Minnesota, an organization he co-founded. He and his wife, Kat, live in Stillwater, Minnesota, in close proximity to their five kids and eight granddaughters.
This convocation will also be live streamed — please register in advance to receive information on how to attend via Zoom. Carleton convocations are free and open to the public. Find upcoming events and archived recordings (including in podcast form) on the convocations website. For more information, including disability accommodations, call 507-222-5461 or email nponder@carleton.edu.
After each convocation address, Carleton hosts a luncheon with the speaker. Convocation luncheon is held in the Alumni Guest House Meeting Room (unless otherwise noted) from noon to 1 p.m. and is generally limited to 30 people. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP on the convocations website.