"Yeah I'm a Writer. Now What?" A panel discussion for emergent authors and literary program alums looking for advice on what's next

If you are a new writer looking for tips on how to live a writer's life in service to your community, this is the panel for you. Join three working poets and organizers doing exciting things in the fields of music, publishing, activism, arts education, and beyond for a discussion on ways new authors can apply their craft in impactful ways once they've chosen the writer's life. Walk away inspired and with a clearer sense of direction as authors Giovanna Lomanto (Game Over Books), Aleah Bradshaw (aka Nyfe of musical duo "Closegood," Youth Speaks), and Daniel Summerhill (Divine, Divine, Divine and Mausoleum of Flowers) share advice from each of their unique paths through the literary world beginning as alums of youth and college writing programs. This panel discussion is open to all, especially alums of the Bay's rich tapestry of youth literary arts organizations and emerging artists looking for advice on what's next. This event took place in Downtown Berkeley, at the Bay Area Book Festival, May 29-31 2026.  Support our work and help to keep the Bay Area Book Festival 96% free! https://givebutter.com/writingthefuture Check out our upcoming events www.baybookfest.org Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baybookfest/