The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival is returning with a world-class lineup of authors and speakers for its eighth edition. The event will take place from May 2-4 at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, inviting attendees to experience TED Talk-style presentations and engaging breakout sessions from more than 20 renowned authors.
This highly curated, three-day festival is designed to “stimulate the minds and nurture the souls of readers.” Distinguished speakers at this year’s event include:
Isabel Allende: A literary powerhouse and master storyteller, Allende will discuss her forthcoming novel, My Name, Emilia del Valle, set to be released on May 6.
Michael Connelly: A master crime fiction author of over 40 novels, Connelly will discuss his new book, The Waiting, and his journey from journalist to bestselling novelist.
Percival Everett: Critically acclaimed and fresh off a National Book Award win for James, Everett offers a provocative retelling of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, tackling race and history in bold new ways.
A must-attend event for those passionate about literature, science, technology, medicine and life-long learning, the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival was founded in 2018 by Ginny and David Freeman.
“The intimacy of the festival creates amazing synergies, where the audience is as interesting as the speakers,” Freeman said. “The atmosphere engages everyone, forming connections among audience members that are as equally magical as that of the speakers.”
Jeffrey Brown, Senior Correspondent and Chief Arts Correspondent for PBS News-Hour, will return as moderator. Attendees will be able to connect with authors and speakers – over breakfast and lunch or at one of the many book signings – thanks to the intimate environment at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.
“One of the nice things for the people who attend the festival is they get to talk to the authors. Not only hear them speak but actually ask the authors their own questions. They can share what they like about the book, and in turn get to know the authors,” Brown said.
The festival pavilion is limited to 400 seats, however donations from attending sponsors help fund other free events for local community members including Students Day, Authors on the Plaza and the Virtual Festival.
Located an hour north of San Francisco, The Fairmont Sonoma Inn is an award-winning hotel that offers geothermal pools, farm-to-table dining and championship golf at neighboring Sonoma Golf Club. Extend your author’s weekend with a stay in a Mission Spa Suite or Vineyard Suite and immerse yourself in nature through vast open spaces, beautifully landscaped grounds and majestic redwood trees. Learn more at fairmont.com.
