9:00 – 9:30 AM

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM  |  Coronado Performing Arts Center: Main Stage Theater

Gill Sotu Kicks Off the Festival with Spoken Word – Naruwan Taiko Drummers Kick Up the Beat and Ring in Our 5th Annual Year! 

Don’t miss this opportunity to see Gill Sotu kick off this year’s festival! He’ll rock your world. He’s that good! Then, enjoy an incredible performance by the energetic and impressive Taiko Drummers Troupe. 

9:30 – 10:30 AM  |  Coronado Public Library: Winn Room

Luscious, Biting, Revealing Memoir: The Art of Leaving Everything on the Page

Sponsored by Connie J. Mableson, Esq. literary attorney

9:30 – 10:30 AM  |  Coronado Public Library: Ruby Room

Words Birthed From The Borders: What Does It Mean to Be a Writer along the Borderlands?

Sponsored by Susan Finkelstein

9:30 – 10:30 AM  |  Coronado Performing Arts Center: Main Stage Theater

Mystery Panel – Putting the Character in Character-Driven Mysteries

Sponsored by author Anne Moose

9:30 – 10:30 AM  |  Blackbox Theater

Writing About Place: How to Write The Words That Transport You

Come learn from stellar travel writers and journalists how to captivate, transport, and immerse readers by and into worlds created with words, providing vicarious experiences of places they may never see and motivation to visit the places described. This stellar panel includes Michelle Bigley, author and environmental activist; James Hebert of San Diego Tourism Authority; Jackie Bryant, managing editor of San Diego Magazine; and Sarah Clemence, freelance journalist for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

Sponsored by author Sally Buffington

9:30 – 10:30 AM  |  Theatre Arts Room 101

Rich Farrell Presents “How to Craft a Scene”

Sponsored by author Douglas A. Burton

9:30 – 10:30 AM  |  Multi-Purpose Room, Bldg 400

KidsWrite! Awards

Each year, the San Diego Writers Festival hosts a KidsWrite! children’s writing contest. With three age divisions–primary, middle, and high school—and three genre divisions–short story, poetry, and graphic story—plus five special awards, including the new Otto Lana Consistency in Excellence award, this ceremony promises to be warm, fun, and inspired. Join us as our amazing children and teen poets and authors receive their certificates, cash prizes, and laptops! Come cheer on the next generation of talented writers!

Sponsored by author Linda Moore  |   San Diego Writers & Editors Guild

9:30 – 10:30 AM  |  Room 702

Getting Published: Deciding Between Self, Indie, and Hybrid — Experienced Authors Share Their Stories

Demystify the world of indie, self, and hybrid publishing by hearing about the experiences of local authors who successfully published their books their way. Discussion will include the pros and cons of each pathway.

Sponsored by Monkey C Media

9:30 – 10:30 AM  |  Room 703

Douglas A. Burton Presents “The Heroine’s Labyrinth: A Workshop”

Sponsored by Ollie Media

10:30 – 11:15 AM | Outdoor Stage in the Quad

Live Music by Marie Haddad

Marie Haddad is a piano-based singer-songwriter from San Diego. Her latest release took home the award for Best Pop Album at the 2018 San Diego Music Awards. It’s been written that Marie has “a voice and lyrical landscape all her own” (San Diego Troubadour) whose voice “can hold your attention whatever she is singing” (North County Times). Her songwriting and piano style have been described as “somewhere between Kate Bush and Leonard Cohen” (San Diego Downtown News). Her songs have appeared on national television shows and movies, and music she created for a short film was awarded Best Musical Score at the 2019 48-hour Film Project, San Diego.

Sponsored by Michael Ready Photography

11:00 – 12:00 PM  |  Coronado Public Library: Ruby Room

Middle Grade vs. YA: What’s the Difference? With Chris Baron and Lee Wind

Sponsored by author Anastasia Zadeik

11:00 – 12:00 PM  |  Coronado Public Library: Winn Room

Who Tells Our Stories? Who Sells Our Stories? Black Authors Speak Out

The road to publishing is full of roadblocks for most writers, but historically, Black authors have had to overcome additional barriers. In this panel, you will hear three Black authors, a bookseller, and a film and television producer discuss the unique challenges Black authors face when telling and selling their stories.

Sponsored by author Janell Strube

11:00 – 12:00 PM  |  Coronado Performing Arts Center: Main Stage Theater

Ed Zwick Talks Hits, Flops and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years In Hollywood

A dishy, behind-the-scenes discussion with legendary Academy-Award, Emmy-Award, and Writer’s Guild-winning producer/writer/director Ed Zwick as he opens up about his heartfelt career memoir, Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood. Marni Freedman interviews Zwick about his spectacular career directing Blood Diamond, The Last Samurai, Legends of the Fall, About Last Night, and Glory, creating the hit show thirtysomething, and his time as an executive producer on My So-Called Life. Zwick will cover his experiences working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, such as Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, and Morgan Freeman.

Sponsored by Zibby’s Bookshop  |  The Roustabouts Theatre Company

11:00 – 12:00 PM  |  Blackbox Theater

Better Days with Neal Allen: An Interactive Workshop on Taming Your Inner Critic

Are you tired of arguing with yourself about whether you’re a good enough writer or have the perseverance to finish your projects? Join this hands-on workshop where you’ll meet your own personal inner critic, engage in dialogue with it, and start a process that can relieve the pressure and anxiety that seems to come from within. Neal’s eye-opening workshop is fun, extremely engaging, and easy, too.

Sponsored by Madonna Treadway &  Free The Squee Podcast

11:00 – 12:00 PM  |  Theatre Arts Room 101

Writers, Ink Presents Promptapalooza: Writing Prompts Galore with Kristen Fogle

Sponsored by San Diego Writers Ink

11:00 – 12:00 PM  |  Multi-Purpose Room, Bldg 400

Hot Marketing and PR Tips for Authors

Authors and experts offer powerful book promotion ideas to break through the noise, increase your online presence, and get your book noticed. Moderated by Jeniffer Thompson.

Sponsored by Caroline Gilman Marketing 

11:00 – 12:00 PM  |  Room 702

Writing About the Metaphysical and Spiritual Realms, Raising Consciousness and Other Worlds

Sponsored by Nere Lartitegui

11:00 – 12:00 PM  |  Room 703

Immigrant Heart Poets Group Presents Poetry from Italy, Spain, and Venezuela

“Writing from Our Immigrant Hearts” features distinguished award-winning poets from three nations: Spain, Italy, and Venezuela. Join us for a heartfelt, inspiring discussion and poetry reading as the poets share their experiences before, during, and after their immigration, highlighting the universality of attaining our dreams despite our different cultures and circumstances. Moderated by Thelma T. Reyna, Poet Laureate Emerita of Altadena, CA, and a Pushcart Prize for Poetry Nominee.

Sponsored by Marvelyn Bucky

12:15 – 2:45 PM  |  Outdoor Stage in the Quad

Live Music by The Turgid Succulents

The Turgid Succulents music has been called “campedelic, botany beach soul for the ecology-curious wanderer.” The collective play an eclectic mix of originals, covers and parodies mostly inspired by the native ecologies of Baja and southern California.

Sponsored by Chad Thompson Photography

12:45 – 1:45 PM  |  Coronado Public Library: Winn Room

Quit Lit: A Genre, A Movement, A Lifeline – Writing about Sobriety and Recovery

Sponsored by Falcone Institute

12:45 – 1:45 PM  |  Coronado Performing Arts Center: Main Stage Theater

SDWF Headliner Judith Orloff – Interview and Talk on The Genius of Empathy

Join legendary psychiatrist and author of acclaimed work The Empath’s Survival Guide for an interview and presentation discussing her new book, The Genius of Empathy, which includes cutting-edge knowledge on intuition, spirituality, and energy. Marni Freedman interviews Orloff in this do-not-miss session for every sensitive, empathic person or anyone who longs to improve their emotional wellness.

Sponsored by Reach for Wellness – Dr. Laurence Freitas, ND LAc MPH MPP

12:45 – 1:45 PM  |  Theatre Arts Room 101

Writing Songs for a Generation – An Interview with Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons

12:45 – 1:45 PM  |  Room 702

The Ins and Outs and Ups and Downs of Publishing

Join us for an enlightening discussion about hybrid and traditional publishing models! Learn about their advantages and challenges and hear from seasoned industry experts as they share insights, tips, and invaluable advice, empowering you to navigate the ever-evolving world of publishing with confidence.

Sponsored by Monkey C Media 

12:45 – 1:45 PM  |  Room 704

Weaving Fact and Fiction: A Historical Fiction Panel

Historical fiction novelists share their secrets to creating compelling stories set in a real historical period. What comes first, the history or the fiction? How much creative license can an author take while remaining historically accurate? Moderated by Jill G. Hall.

Sponsored by Jennifer Coburn

12:45 – 3:00 PM  |  Multi-Purpose Room, Bldg 400

SDPA Poetry Reading and Open Mic

Sponsored by San Diego Poetry Annual

12:45 – 3:15 PM  |  Blackbox Theater

SDWF Headliner Matthew Quirk – Screening of The Night Agent and Author Talkback

Watch an exclusive screening of the pilot episode of the hit Netflix TV show The Night Agent with New York Times Bestselling author Mathew Quirk. Get the inside scoop on his meteoric rise to the top of the mystery/thriller world! Bestselling author Joe Ide interviews Quirk about the book The Night Agent is based on, and his new hit book, Inside Threat, and gets the straight talk on his advice to writers.

Sponsored by The Woods Family  |  Marni Freedman Workshops

2:15 – 3:15 PM  |  Coronado Public Library: Winn Room

How to Unblock and Become a Creative Force of Nature with Marni Freedman

Sponsored by author Janet Hafner

2:15 – 3:15 PM  |  Coronado Public Library: Ruby Room

It’s Never Too Late To Write, To Publish, To Change Genres

Sponsored by author Zoe Ghahremani

2:15 – 3:15 PM  |  Coronado Performing Arts Center: Main Stage Theater

Dean Nelson Interviews Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Dean Calbreath, author of The Sergeant

Join acclaimed journalist and interviewer Dean Nelson in a discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dean Calbreath about his powerful new book, The Sergeant, which chronicles the life of Nicolas Said, a man who was kidnapped into slavery and ended up a hero in the American Civil War.

Sponsored by Writers Symposium by the Sea

2:15 – 3:15 PM  |  Theatre Arts Room 101

Readings from “But I’m Still Here,” Volume 5 of the award-winning Shaking the Tree Memoir Anthology Series

Eight writers will read a portion of their “But I’m Stil Here,” five-page personal essay from the fifth volume of the Shaking the Tree anthology from the annual Memoir Showcase. These eight stories will make you laugh, reflect, and relive a pivotal moment in these writers’ lives, and in the spirit of the Shaking the Tree anthology, they go there—unapologetically. Featuring Marvelyn Bucky, Lisa Churchville, Saadia Esmail, Janet Hafner, Melissa Jordan Grey, Marilyn Woods, Elise Prosser, and Paul Steinkoenig. Moderated by Tracy J. Jones.

Sponsored by the Fay Family Flying Pig Fund  |  David Spector

2:15 – 3:15 PM  |  Room 704

Killer Reads: Writing About True Crimes

Ever since “murder pamphlets” were introduced to readers at the dawn of the printing press in the 1600s, true crime has been a popular genre—and it’s only rising in popularity. This panel will discuss how to write well-researched, immersive pages so that readers are not only invested in the story but feel that the mystery is unfolding before them.

Sponsored by Dr. Loren Mell

2:15 – 3:15 PM  |  Room 702

Mental Health: Discussing Supermindsets, Ecotherapy, Hacks, and Naked Vitality

Sponsored by author Madonna Treadway

2:15 – 3:15 PM  |  Room 703

Centering The Margins: A Discussion on Empowering Voices with Madushree Ghosh as Moderator

Uncover how the marginalized and traditionally excluded storytellers can use their writing to overcome barriers, build bridges, and empower the voices of the future.

Sponsored by author Mahshid Hager

WORDS to UPLIFT Featured Poets

Bring a picnic blanket and grab a place on the grassy knoll in the center of the Quad for our curated poetry event! Regional voices of note will deliver a dynamic and engaging reading to tickle your funny bone, open your heart, and lift your spirit. Hosted by Jane Muschenetz and Tania Pryputniewicz, this family-friendly event is open to all. 

Sponsored by author Leslie Ferguson

3:45 – 4:45 PM  |  Coronado Public Library: Ruby Room

Diversity in KidLit: Identity and Beyond

Is being woke a bad word? Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan and Dr. Lashon Daley are SDSU faculty members and children’s literature authors. They study and write diverse children’s books. In this session, they will discuss the current issues addressing diversity in KidLit. They will specifically examine what diversity means in our current era of racial reckoning and political polarization.

Sponsored by authors Sarah Cotty and Rachel Ipsan

3:45 – 4:45 PM  |  Coronado Public Library: Winn Room

Engaging, Gripping, and Utterly Unputdownable: How to Write a Page-Turning Novel

High stakes, open loops, big questions, and so much more. Join award-winning authors Adrienne Brodeur, Tammy Greenwood, Elizabeth L. Silver, Anastasia Zadeik, and Amy Wallen (moderator) as they reveal tools, secrets, and tricks of the trade on how to write a book that keeps readers turning pages until they reach the very . . . last . . . one.

In memory of Suzanne Spector, sponsored by Marni Freemdan Workshops

3:45 – 4:45 PM  |  Coronado Performing Arts Center: Main Stage Theater

Anita and Danny Moorjani in Conversation about Sensitive Is the New Strong: The Power of Empaths in an Increasingly Harsh World

NYT’s bestselling author and captivating speaker Anita Moorjani in conversation with brilliant thinker Danny Moorjani about Anita’s latest book, Sensitive Is the New Strong: The Power of Empaths in an Increasingly Harsh World. Join this dynamic duo as they discuss Anita’s near-death experience—and how it changed not only their lives, but also the entire publishing industry and the lives of their hundreds of thousands of followers.

Sponsored by Julie Brams and Experience Elemental

3:45 – 4:45 PM  |  Blackbox Theater

VAMP Presents: How to Perform Your Story

Sponsored by So Say We All

3:45 – 4:45 PM  |  Theatre Arts Room 101

Getting Personal – The Art of Writing and Publishing Creative Nonfiction with Sue William Silverman

Sue William Silverman will guide you on a journey from the personal to the world, discussing how to turn a seemingly ordinary life into art. We will focus on how to use metaphor, reflection, and emotional authenticity to craft your hard-earned words into publishable personal essays or books.

Sponsored by author Nancy O’Sullivan

3:45 – 4:45 PM  |  Multi-Purpose Room, Bldg 400

Bestselling Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, and Thriller

Sponsored by the Willamette Writers Conference

3:45 – 4:45 PM  |  Room 702

Comic Books: New Ways to Write and Publish

Sponsored by The Roustabouts Theatre Company

3:45 – 4:45 PM  |  Room 704

An Interview with Patty Lin, Author of End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood

Want to know what it’s really like inside the writers’ room of a successful TV show, how scripts are chosen, or what “taking a lunch” means? Join Patty Lin as she discusses her inside-Hollywood memoir, End Credits; her career writing for some of the most recognized shows in history, including Friends, Freaks and Geeks, Desperate Housewives, and Breaking Bad; and her decision to retire “at the ripe age of thirty-eight.”

Sponsored by Zibby’s Bookshop