Poets & Writers Live

What They're Saying

“This far exceeded my expectations. A balanced and intelligent program. Thank you!”

—Portland: Independent Publishing audience member

“It was a gathering of such fine writers, I was humbled and deeply inspired.”

—Portland: Independent Publishing audience member

“Every part had something different and special to share. I loved it all!”

—Chicago: Agents & Editors audience member

“Just WOW.... The event was a perfect balance of 'technical' discussion and artistic celebration. I was grateful for everything and drew lessons from each presentation, but the artistic contributions were tremendous.”

—Chicago: Agents & Editors audience member

“I loved the range of writers and their voices, the range of community networkers and literary supports, the community in all its variety and diversity.”

—San Francisco: Inspiration audience member

“Kay Ryan was amazing!”

—San Francisco: Inspiration audience member

“I found every panel wonderful, filled with sage advice and friendly, inclusive direction.”

—San Francisco: Inspiration audience member

“I learned a lot and I'm happy that I attended the event.”

—Washington, D.C.: Independent Publishing audience member

“I thought it was fabulous. The registration fee was a steal—and the professionalism of the panelists was excellent.”

—Washington, D.C.: Independent Publishing audience member

“Great dynamics among panel members! Good, candid insight into the murky publishing process.”

—New York City: Agents audience member

We created Poets & Writers Live in 2013 in response to interviews and discussions with writers from all over the country. When we asked what Poets & Writers could do to support their writing practice, time and again writers expressed a desire for a more tangible connection to other writers. So, we came up with a living, breathing version of what Poets & Writers already offers: Poets & Writers Live.

So far, we’ve visited Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Washington, DC, Portland, Austin, and San Francisco. Our most recent event was held on January 14 and 15, 2017, in San Francisco. It was a two-day celebration of creativity with more than thirty speakers, panelists, and performers, including United States Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera; best-selling novelist and author of Purity, Jonathan Franzen; New Yorker staff writer and author of The Orchid Thief, Susan Orlean; acclaimed poet and former United States Poet Laureate  Kay Ryan; writer and activist Ishmael Reed; renowned poet Jane Hirshfield; and many others.

Watch this space for information about the next Poets & Writers Live!

Meanwhile, listen to and watch past Poets & Writers Live events.