Tahoe Literary Festival 2024 by Tahoe Guide (Tahoe Weekly)

Exploring Spirit of Place

through literary arts

TICKETS

$35 general admission

$15 Obi Kaufmann keynote only tahoelitfest.eventbrite.com

VOLUNTEER

Email: jeffbrunings530@gmail.com

Volunteers receive a free ticket.

SPONSOR

LITERARY EVENTS

IN TAHOE & TRUCKEE

Learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Katherine E.Hill at kat@tahoelitfest.com.

Whodoesn’t love a juicy book, a beautifully crafted song or a poignant poem?

The Tahoe Literary Festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe, a place that has long inspired writers, poets and musicians, was created by Tahoe Guide Publisher Katherine E. Hill and Priya Hutner, writer, journalist and owner of The Seasoned Sage catering to celebrate the written word. The festival is presented by Tahoe Guide and The Seasoned Sage.

The theme, Spirit of Place, speaks to the festival’s roots in the mountains. Open to anyone who loves the literary arts, the festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with the vibrant community of authors, aspiring writers, songwriters, poets and journalists who call Tahoe and the surrounding region home.

Whether you’re a seasoned author, an aspiring writer or someone who loves getting lost in a good book, the Tahoe Literary Festival has something to offer. Festival participants can immerse themselves in the world of writing, discover new books, explore the craft of writing, learn about songwriting, listen to authors talk about their writing, and meet people who share a passion for storytelling.

Support the literary arts

The Tahoe Literary Festival would not be possible without the support of many local writers, community members, local businesses, volunteers and grants from the North Tahoe

ABOVE:

It’s more than just a literary event — it’s a celebration of the stories that shape us and the power of words to connect us.

Community Alliance’s TOT-TBID Dollars at Work Program and Arts Council of Placer County.

Help support the Tahoe Literary Festival and future literary events in the community by becoming a sponsor. Donations of any amount are accepted. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Katherine E. Hill at kat@tahoelitfest.com.

Events for writers, readers

With a diverse lineup of events, the festival explores why the written word is important to the fabric of our community. From author readings and workshops to panel discussions and performances, the Tahoe Literary Festival offers a vibrant experience that will inspire.

Learn from seasoned professionals, connect with fellow book lovers and perhaps even find the spark for your next writing project.

If you are an avid reader, part of a book club, love to journal or long to write, the festival is an opportunity to explore and enjoy this special corner of the world and the people that live and write here. For those who dream of putting pen to paper, the Tahoe Literary Festival offers an array of experiences to inspire.

It’s more than just a literary event — it’s a celebration of the stories that shape us and the power of words to connect us. | TahoeLitFest.com n

Tahoe Literay Festival logo by Alyssa Ganong. RIGHT: Tahoe Literary Festival founders, Priya Hutner and Katherine E. Hill. | Jared Alden

BY PRIYA HUTNER

Artists share work, process at Songwriters’ Showcase

BY PRIYA HUTNER

Oct. 12 | Tahoe Wine Collective | 7:30 p.m. | Free; donations accepted

The Tahoe Literary Festival concludes its first year with a Songwriters’ Showcase on Oct. 12 in Tahoe City, hosted by Will Richardson, executive director of Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) at Tahoe Wine Collective. This event brings together talented singer-songwriters offering a unique blend of music and storytelling. Featured artists include Megan Lacy, Aaron Oropeza and Taylor Murphy, alongside host and musician Richardson. Each artist will perform and share insights into their songwriting process; share examples of background, inspiration and process; and offer a rare glimpse into the creative journey behind their music.

Richardson is best known for his work with TINS but he has been playing music in various Tahoe bands since 1994. From 2017 until the pandemic in 2020, he hosted a series of songwriters’ showcases in Truckee and he is thrilled to be resurrecting the format for the inaugural Tahoe Literary Festival.

Lineup

Lacy captivates audiences with her soulful melodies and evocative lyrics, adding a heartfelt touch to the singer-songwriter scene. Oropeza blends raw emotion with intricate guitar work, creating a powerful and memorable experience for listeners. Murphy brings a fresh perspective with compelling lyrics and engaging performances.

The event is free to attend, but donations to support future literary events will be accepted. | TahoeLitFest.com n

PICK UP YOUR TICKETS

Oct. 11 | 5-8 p.m.

Tahoe Wine Collective

Oct. 12 | 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Tahoe Art Haus

Poetry & Prose at the Boatworks

BY KATHERINE E. HILL

Kickoff the Tahoe Literary Festival with a free evening of poetry and prose on Oct. 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tahoe Wine Collective in Tahoe City. Enjoy Poetry & Prose at the Boatworks hosted by Scott Green of Tahoe Poetry Collective. The evening features invited poets along with a literary open mic open to everyone and for any writing style. Featured poets will include Green, Reno Poetry Laureate Jesse James Ziegler, Karen Terrey, Teresa Breeden, Roxy Hankinson, Edward Manzi, John Merryfield and others.

Sign up for the open mic from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. at the Tahoe Wine Collective; the program begins at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy tastings and a special seasonal menu available for purchase from the Tahoe Wine Collective. The event is free to attend, but donations to support future literary events will be accepted.

Open mic guidelines

All forms of poetry or prose are accepted. No overtly explicit or hate speech* will be allowed.

*Hate speech includes abusive or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice against a particular group, especially on the basis of race, religion, politics or sexual orientation. | TahoeLitFest.com n

Gatekeeper’s Museum

Wildbound PR

Scott Green, Tahoe Poetry Collective

Will Richardson, TINS

Tahoe City

Downtown Association

Inn at Boatworks

Pepper Tree Inn

Base Camp Tahoe City

Karen Terrey, Tangled Roots Writing

Moonshine Ink

Alyssa Ganong

Yoga Room Tahoe

Perry & John King,

Mill Valley Lit Journal

SNOW Museum

Reno Type

SUPPORTERS

Alice Osbourne

Amiee Lowenstern

Brett Hall Jones

Dr. Kim Bateman

Eliza Tudor

Jeff Brunings

Jesse James Ziegler

Jillian Johnson

Katy Hays

Kellie Cutler

Laura Read

Scott Green

Wendy Voorsanger

TAYLOR MURPHY

MEGAN LACY

AARON OROPEZA

Kaufmann headlines Tahoe Literary Festival

Keynote part of ‘State of Fire’ book tour

BY PRIYA HUTNER

“There are many animals and plants that rely on fire. Fifteen years after a fire, these forests are potentially more biodiverse than oldgrowth forests. Many songbirds, ancient species, the spotted owls depend on post-fire habitats.”

–Obi Kaufmann

Oct. 12 | “State of Fire” book tour, Tahoe Literary Festival | 5:30 p.m. |

TICKETS

tahoelitfest.eventbrite.com TahoeLitFest.com

TICKETS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS

A limited number of free tickets are available for Tahoe & Truckee high school and college students. Email: kat@tahoelitfest.com.

Asthe sun sets over the ridge of the mountain, streaks of carnelian, ruby and deep amethyst thread through the billowing dark slate-gray clouds rising from behind the peaks. The outer-worldly red-orange ball we call the sun looks as if it belongs in a galaxy far, far away, shrouded by a swelling smoke cloud. Ash rains down and the scent of burning wood signifies a fire nearby.

A few years ago, I interviewed renowned naturalist, author and artist Obi Kaufmann for Tahoe Guide for the release of his book, “The Forests of California.” During our conversation, I asked Kaufmann about forest fires and he said the fire is essential to the ecology of California, adding that wildfires were not going away. We’ve watched large swaths of California burn in the few years since that interview.

Kaufmann’s new book, “The State of Fire; Why California Burns,” is a deep exploration of the history of fire in California and why it is essential to the state. Kaufmann will come to Tahoe City during his book tour as part of the inaugural Tahoe Literary Festival where he will be the keynote speaker on Oct. 12.Tickets are on sale at tahoelitfest. eventbrite.com.

Kaufmann isn’t offering solutions in his book, but observations, telling two unique stories. He delves into an old story of how California was shaped by human hands and a new story of fire ecology, a new discipline. He weaves

both stories to illuminate what has emerged in this moment in time and that fire is essential for maintaining the health and diversity of California’s ecosystems. Without fire, these natural systems would collapse.

“I think [fire] is among one of the most important conversations we need to have in California right now. I believe that talking about fire is imperative and it’s hard to talk about especially when 100 percent of the media narrative is destructive,” Kaufmann says.

He points out that 2020 was a tough year for people who live in the wild urban interface, especially in the Tahoe area. The wild urban interface, he explains, is where fire can have the most impact on human settlement. That year, 4 million acres burned.

“Fire is a necessary aspect of what ecologists call the adaptive cycle of the forest, without fire, you get disastrous results. After a century and a half of fire suppression, our forests are in a state of infirmity, stress, overpopulation and water depletion because of the lack of fire,” he says.

Coupled with climate breakdown, Kaufmann points out that we will continue to experience rain bombs, snow droughts and more fire in California.

He reminds us that 49 percent of California’s total land area is National Forest. It will burn.

“There are many animals and plants that rely on fire. Fifteen years after a

fire, these forests are potentially more biodiverse than old-growth forests. Many songbirds, ancient species, the spotted owls depend on post-fire habitats,” he says.

According to Kaufmann, we need to aim for resiliency: “Resiliency in an ecological sense, is defined by biodiversity. The more biodiverse an ecosystem is, the more resilient it is toward disturbance, be it a fire storm or human development. Invasive grasses dry out and plants want to burn.”

“The State of Fire; Why California Burns” offers the reader a glimpse into one of California’s most pressing social and ecological challenges. Kaufmann is brilliant, articulate and engaging, providing hope for the state’s future. He believes that California has the opportunity to restore habitats and successfully maintain the environment with sustainable practices.

“Getting right with fire on the land is potentially the greatest influencer of the quality of our continued residency here in California for at least the next few centuries,” Kaufmann says. | californiafieldatlas.com, tahoelitfest.eventbrite. com n

Granlibakken, Tahoe City | Book sales & signing to follow

“The State of Fire: Why California Burns” Obi Kaufmann | Heyday Publishing

Tahoe Literary Festival

Workshops, panels highlight inaugural Festival

The inaugural Tahoe Literary Festival will kick off Oct. 11 and 12 at venues in Tahoe City. The festival kicks off with a free literary open mic night on Oct. 11. On Oct. 12, enjoy a morning keynote with Wildbound PR founders Jared and Julia Drake, followed by panels, workshops and discussions with local journalists, poets and authors. Author and naturalist Obi Kaufmann is the evening keynote and the festival concludes on Saturday night with a Songwriters’ Showcase.

Limited tickets are available for the festival with $35 for access to all events, or a $15 option for the keynote with author and naturalist Obi Kaufmann. The Oct. 12 main day will feature the followings programs and panels:

Morning keynote

Jared & Julia Drake

Jared and Julia Drake, founders of Wildbound PR, will be the morning keynote. Wildbound PR is a boutique literary PR and marketing firm, working with authors, publishers and storytellers across the globe.

Why Independent Publishing is Important to the Fabric of the Community

Mayumi Peacock, Moonshine Ink; Mike Rogge, Mountain Gazette; & Katherine Hill, Tahoe Guide

In mountain towns like Tahoe, the spirit of place is deeply intertwined with the stories and voices that emerge from the community. This panel brings together three influential independent publishers — Mayumi Peacock of Moonshine Ink, Mike Rogge of Mountain Gazette and Katherine Hill of Tahoe Guide to explore the vital role that independent media plays in preserving and nurturing the unique character of mountain towns.

Observing Nature and Writing Its Tale

Eve Quesnel & Tim Hauserman

Learn how to write about nature and the outdoors from two Tahoe local nature writers, Tim Hauserman and Eve Quesnel. Explore how time spent in nature as an opportunity for physical challenge, mental solace, rejuvenation and the inspiration for writing.

Writing in the High Sierra with Tahoe Writers Works

Bruce Rettig, Lisa Michelle, Lisa Parsons & Frank Riley

Local authors from Tahoe Writers Works share their writing experiences, from creating and crafting an engaging story to the process of publishing and promotion. This panel will provide in-depth information for anyone interested in furthering their writing pursuits or exploring the writing and publishing process.

Crafting Memoir Rooted in Spirit of Place

Clare Frank, Alenka Vrecek & Marianne Porter

Memoir writers explore the deep connection between their stories as they relate to spirit of place. Panelists will discuss writing memoir, how the landscapes, cities and homes we’ve inhabited shape our personal narratives, and why capturing the spirit of these places is vital to telling our own stories. Authors discuss their lives written in the pages, how writing can shape our narratives and why.

PICK UP YOUR TICKETS

Oct. 11 | 5-8 p.m. | Tahoe Wine Collective

Oct. 12 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Tahoe Art Haus

What makes a good writing community?

Emilee Guido

Learn how to create and sustain a writing community, which is essential for a strong writing practice. Aimed at those leading writing groups, searching for one or curious about successful communities. Presenter Emilee Guido of the Northern Nevada Author’s Community will lead this workshop.

Explore A Poet’s Sense of Place Through Ekphrastic Writing

Lara Gularte

Participants engage in an Ekphrastic writing activity to form a relationship to the natural world and gain a sense of self in relation to the landscape. Ekphrasis is what the poet sees in nature or art and puts into words to transform an image and expand its meaning. Poet Laureate Emeritus of El Dorado County Lara Gularte will offer this workshop.

Shattering the Myth of Women in the West

Wendy Voorsanger

The program Shattering the Myth of Women in the West explores the myth of women in the Old West ingrained into the American collective consciousness through early pulp fiction and Hollywood movies to the fascinating stories of women who helped build the West. Wendy Voorsanger is an award-winning author of the historical novel, “Prospects of a Woman.”

Fruit & Persephone’s Pomegranates: Three Approaches to Connect the Personal with the Mythic for Writers

Dr. Kim Bateman, Karen Terry & June Sylvester Saraceno

In this interactive workshop, participants are offered a deep dive into some ways myth and folklore can help us create richer and more defined characters and storylines and learn to incorporate myth as a guide in writing poems, essays and stories. Join this fun and experiential workshop for anyone that’s interested in writing.

How to Make Place a Character

Leslie Hsu Oh

Learn techniques like when to use scene or summary, layering texture and experimenting with elements like contours of landscape, weather, season, local perspective and compass directions.

FROM LEFT: Bruce Rettig, Jared & Julia Drake, Mayumi Peacock, Mike Rogge