Weekender Encore: The Napa Valley Writers’ Conference Starts Soon
ST. HELENA, Calif. — From July 21 to 26, the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference returns, offering a range of literary events that are accessible to the public. This annual gathering brings together notable authors and literary enthusiasts for a week of readings, workshops and discussions. The community is invited to participate in more than 20 events, which are either free or priced under $25, with additional discounts for students.
“We’re excited to offer a range of free and affordable events, ensuring everyone can experience the incredible work of our visiting authors,” said Angela Pneuman, executive director of the conference. “Whether you can commit to the entire week, a single day or just a few hours, there’s something for everyone.”
Highlights of the Week
Poetry Workshops and Seminars
The conference features a series of free poetry workshops and seminars led by poets and educators. Maw Shein Win, author of “Storage Unit for the Spirit House,” will conduct a free poetry workshop each morning from Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26, at 10:30 a.m. in the McCarthy Library Community Room at Napa Valley College. These workshops provide prompts and exercises to spark creativity, with feedback on drafts.
In the afternoons, Caroline Goodwin, a Bay Area poet and teacher, will lead free seminars exploring the works of the visiting faculty. These seminars, held from Monday, July 22, through Thursday, July 25, at 4:30 p.m. will also take place in the McCarthy Library Community Room.
Open Mike and Readings
A free “open mike” reading will be held on Tuesday, July 23, at 3 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Napa Valley College. This event will showcase the talents of students participating in the conference’s intensive workshops. Students will also read from their works as part of the evening presentation on Thursday, July 25.
Each evening from July 21-25, the conference will feature readings by the visiting authors. Notable speakers include Jamil Jan Kochai, author of “The Haunting of Hajji Hotak and Other Stories,” and Lysley Tenorio, winner of the New American Voices Award for “The Son of Good Fortune.” These events will begin with a wine reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the readings at 7 p.m. Locations vary between the Performing Arts Center at Napa Valley College and Silverado Vineyards. Events kick off at 6:30 p.m. every day but Wednesday, which starts at 5:30 p.m.
Daytime Lectures
Daytime lectures on writing craft will be held at the Performing Arts Center at Napa Valley College. Topics range from poetry and fiction to translation, with speakers such as C. Dale Young, Bruce Snider, and Emily Wilson. Admission to these lectures is $25 each, or $15 for students.
Featured Authors
This year’s conference boasts an impressive lineup of faculty authors:
Jamil Jan Kochai: National Book Award finalist for “The Haunting of Hajji Hotak and Other Stories.”
Lysley Tenorio: New American Voices Award winner for “The Son of Good Fortune.”
Jan Beatty: Author of seven poetry collections, including “The Body Wars.”
Emily Wilson: Acclaimed translator of “The Iliad,” featured in numerous best books lists.
Jane Hirshfield: Popular poet, with recent collections including “Ledger” and “The Beauty.”
C. Dale Young: Bay Area physician and poet, author of “Prometeo.”
Bruce Snider: Poet and co-editor of “The Poem’s Country: Place & Poetic Practice.”
Lan Samantha Chang: Author of “The Family Chao” and “Hunger: A Novella and Stories.”
Peter Ho Davies: Author of “A Lie Someone Told You About Yourself” and “The Art of Revision: The Last Word.”
“This year marks the fifth anniversary of our focus on translation, a crucial aspect of connecting readers with diverse global voices,” Pneuman said. “We are thrilled to have Emily Wilson share her expertise with us.”
Schedule of Events
Sunday, July 21
6:30 p.m.: Reception and readings by Bruce Snider and Jamil Jan Kochai at the Performing Arts Center, Napa Valley College.
Monday, July 22
9 a.m.: Poetry talk by C. Dale Young.
10:30 a.m.: Free poetry workshop with Maw Shein Win.
1:30 p.m.: Fiction talk by Lan Samantha Chang.
3 p.m.: Translation talk by Emily Wilson.
4:30 p.m.: Seminar with Caroline Goodwin.
6:30 p.m.: Reception and readings by Jane Hirshfield and Peter Ho Davies.
Tuesday, July 23
9 a.m.: Poetry talk by Bruce Snider.
10:30 a.m.: Free poetry workshop with Maw Shein Win.
1:30 p.m.: Fiction talk by Jamil Jan Kochai.
3 p.m.: Open mike reading.
4:30 p.m.: Seminar with Caroline Goodwin.
6:30 p.m.: Reception and readings by Jan Beatty and Lysley Tenorio at Silverado Vineyards.
Wednesday, July 24
9 a.m.: Poetry talk by Jane Hirshfield.
10:30 a.m.: Free poetry workshop with Maw Shein Win.
1:30 p.m.: Fiction talk by Peter Ho Davies.
4:30 p.m.: Seminar with Caroline Goodwin.
5:30 p.m.: Reception and readings by C. Dale Young and Lan Samantha Chang.
Thursday, July 25
9 a.m.: Poetry talk by Jan Beatty.
10:30 a.m.: Free poetry workshop with Maw Shein Win.
1:30 p.m.: Fiction talk by Lysley Tenorio.
4:30 p.m.: Seminar with Caroline Goodwin.
6:30 p.m.: Reception and readings by Emily Wilson and conference participants.
Friday, July 26
10:30 a.m.: Free poetry workshop with Maw Shein Win.
In a story we ran last year, “Napa Valley Writers' Conference Welcomes Locals to Lectures, Readings, Poetry Workshops” by Sasha Paulsen, the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference was highlighted as an enriching experience for literature enthusiasts. With a mix of free and low-cost events, it’s a valuable opportunity for the community to engage with distinguished authors and their works. For more information and a complete schedule, visit napawritersconference.org.