“Fierce Mosquito (Small But Persistent Prose)” presents fiction and nonfiction stories, written and read by local writers who are also filmmakers,  performers, journalists, chefs, and entrepreneurs.  

John Cosgrove grew up in Northern Ireland, following the love of his life to Minnesota in 1999.  He has founded several successful business ventures and is the father of three flourishing children.  John has had a monthly column in the Irish Gazette, been published in The Onion and The Rake and has emceed many entertainment events.

Mark Ehling assembles words and pictures. His plays have appeared at the Minnesota Fringe Festival, and his short film, “How to Live Better,” has appeared at the Mpls./St. Paul Film Festival and on MNTV.  His most recent project is a chapbook of short fiction:  River Dead of Minneapolis Scavenged by Teenagers.  He lives in that aforementioned city with his wife and son.

Ari Hoptman is a successful actor, playwright, comedian and author in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.  His venerable theater roster includes comedic, dramatic and musical roles. Ari is heralded for his role in the Oscar-nominated Coen Brothers film, A Serious Man. (www.arihoptman.com)  He teaches at the University of Minnesota.

Jim Leinfelder is a freelance journalist and producer raised in St. Paul who works nationwide.  He’s produced for MN Public Television and Dr. Phil and currently produces for NBC Nightly News. When living in Portland, OR, Jim was host of the series Neat Stuff for The Learning Channel.  Jim now lives in Minneapolis with his wife and daughter.

Karen Taulelle is a creative nonfiction writer and documentary filmmaker in St. Paul, originally from the MN Iron Range.  Her film Carny  (2007 Best Documentary Short/Landlocked Film Festival) currently resides with tpt Channel 2/KTCA.