Poets & Writers Live

What They're Saying

“I’ve been writing most of my life but only started committing to it since September 18, 2023, and it was really the first event where I felt like I was part of a community instead of a market.”

—5 Over 50: 2025 audience member

“That was one of the best Q&As I’ve ever heard about the realities of publishing a book.”

—5 Over 50: 2025 audience member

“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

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.

From 2014 to 2017, we visited Los Angeles; New York City; Chicago; Washington, DC; Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas; and San Francisco. The day-long events were celebrations of the writen word that included readings, panel discussions, craft talks, slam performances, film screenings, music and dance performances, literary mixers, and one-on-one consultations with publishing professionals. Well over two hundred writers, editors, and agents were featured, including Frank Bidart, Stuart Dybek, Ben Fountain, Jonathan Franzen, Juan Felipe Herrera, Tayari Jones, Li-Young Lee, Yiyun Li, Barry Lopez, Harryette Mullen, Joyce Carol Oates, Susan Orlean, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Charles Yu. 

Since then, Poets & Writers has organized dozens of online events to celebrate writers featured in the pages of Poets & Writers Magazine, from the debut authors in our annual debut poets roundup, First Fiction, The New Nonfiction, and 5 Over 50 to acclaimed authors Garth Greenwell, Douglas Kearney, Karen Russell, and Clint Smith.  

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