For the first time, Sonoma State University is hosting its annual Writers' Festival. Nationally and internationally acclaimed writers will lead workshops, read from their work, and talk about craft and professional challenges. Renowned editors and publishers will discuss running literary magazines and managing independent presses. Throughout, we'll foster a festive, joyous celebration of the art of writing and the pleasures of creating community. Please join us in celebrating our inaugural festival.
SCHEDULE:
Friday, April 13th
5 PM - 7 PM: Wine & Food Reception | Green Music Center, Prelude
7 PM: Reading by Kazim Ali & Corinna Vallianatos | Green Music Center, Prelude
Saturday, April 14th
9:30 AM - 10 AM: Coffee & Welcome | Valley Conference Rooms, Student Center
10 AM - 5 PM: Book Fair, Panels, Readings & Workshops | Valley Conference Rooms
5 PM - 6 PM: Wine & Food Reception | Overlook Restaurant
ACTIVITIES:
WORKSHOPS
Choose one of our poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction workshops.
Workshops will focus on ways to bring drafts into new possibilities for your
work: bring us your beginnings, your almost-theres, your dreams and
visions: all work is welcome. You’ll leave with unforeseen ways to move your
work forward. All workshops will be small in order to give each participant
close, focused attention.
PANELS
Attend our panel discussions with writers, editors, and publishers. Panels will
focus on issues of craft and contemporary thought in each genre, with plenty
of time for Q and A to follow. The publishing and editing panels will give you
a strong overview of the publishing scene today, how editors curate their
lists, and ways to get your work into print.
BOOK FAIR
Visit our book fair, with offerings from small and big publishers. We’ve got
something for everyone. The book fair, ongoing all day Saturday, from 10-5 pm,
will present some of the most exciting presses of the day: City Lights, Nightboat
Books, Molotov Editions, WTAW, Volt Books and Volt magazine.
ONE-ON-ONE
Speak one-on-one with an advisor. SSU's award-winning creative writing
instructors — poet Gillian Conoley, novelist Stefan Kiesbye, and nonfiction
writers Anne Goldman and Noelle Oxenhandler — will be on hand to assist you
with your work and any questions throughout the day. Learn about how to
connect with writing professionals, and learn more about our undergraduate
and graduate classes, readings, and open-university services.
EXPLORE
Stroll the gorgeous Sonoma State campus. Don’t miss out on the
opportunity to meet and network with other writers, share ideas, and
make lasting friendships.
