The inaugural Poets & Writers Live event was held at the literary arts center Beyond Baroque in Los Angeles.

Why We Write panelist Harryette Mullen.

From left: former director of Poets & Writers’ California office and Readings/Workshops (West) Cheryl Klein with Opportunities in LA panelists Traci Kato-Kiriyama, Lauren Humphrey, Rick Lupert, and Terry Wolverton.

Why We Write panelist Charles Yu (left) talks with Opportunities in LA panelist Traci Kato-Kiriyama.

From left: poet Harryette Mullen, Poets & Writers editor in chief Kevin Larimer, and fiction writer Charles Yu.

Poets & Writers managing director Melissa Ford Gradel (right) talks with an audience member.

Featured reader Dani Shapiro.

Why We Write panelist Meghan Daum (right) talks with an audience member.

Opportunities in LA panelists Traci Kato-Kiriyama (left) and Lauren Humphrey.