Building a Literary Community

Inspired by romantic images of lonely geniuses in secluded garrets, writers might feel compelled to toil away in isolation, but here’s a provocative idea: what if, by connecting with other writers, you could not only support their work but also strengthen your own writing practice? That’s the premise behind this session, in which we’ll explore several different options for practicing good literary citizenship. Grant Faulkner is the executive director of NaNoWriMo, which has grown far beyond a single-month writing challenge to encompass nearly a half million writers challenging themselves via a variety of programs and networking opportunities. Janis Cooke Newman has, for the past ten years, convened Lit Camp, a life-changing writers retreat; she’ll speak about the power of connecting there and at her newest undertaking, the Page Street co-working space in San Francisco. Novelist and blogger Rebecca Phelps will relate her experience of connecting with writers and readers on the social storytelling platform Wattpad. And Roberto Lovato, founder and co-director of the Rooted & Written initiative at the Writers Grotto, which provides community support and mentorship for writers of color. Lise Quintana, the publisher of Zoetic Press, will moderate this discussion of literary generosity and how paying it forward can reap writerly dividends.

The bookstore partner for this session is Eastwind Books of Berkeley! Buy the books online at Bookshop.org or purchase them in person at the Festival. More information here.

Book signing information: East Wind Books Tent at the Bookstore Blv (corner of Allston & Milvia in the Outdoor Fair) at in the park, 12:45 PM

Sponsored by Zoetic Press