A Brief History of the San Miguel Literary Sala
For many
decades, San Miguel has inspired a rich literary output, having
provided inspiration and tranquility for such luminaries as Jack
Kerouac, Vance Packard, Gary Jennings, Clifford Irving, Hal Bennet,
Bill Wittliff, W.D. Snodgrass, Joseph Persico, Wayne Greenhaw, Tony
Cohan – to say nothing of the dozens of successful writers whose names
may be less well-known.
Aware of this tradition, author Susan
Page was surprised upon arriving here in 2003 to find no showcase for
author readings, and no central location featuring the works of local
writers. Eager to correct this deficit, she placed a small article in
Atencion announcing a gathering of writers interested in greater
visibility. Twenty-eight people appeared for the meeting on April 26,
2004, and the San Miguel Literary Sala was born.
The Sala's
August 6, 2004 historic Inaugural Fiesta drew crowds spilling out the
door. With an author reading every hour all day, they presented ten
authors. Many of those who attended commented on the exhilaration and
palpable excitement that the literary community at last had a visible
presence in town.
The Sala quickly established its popular
series of monthly author presentations featuring two authors at each
event with a wine reception following the readings. In addition, an
enthusiastic group of volunteers have created all of the following
projects:
• a bookstore featuring the works of local writers
• an anthology of fiction, essays, memoir, and poetry, -- all about San Miguel – entitled Solamente En San Miguel
•
an annual Writers' Conference and Literary Festival which has already
brought to overflowing San Miguel audiences, such distinguished and
highly sought-after authors and literary figures as Tom Robbins, Erica
Jong, Joe Persico, Tony Cohan, John Berndt, Rebecca Walker, Sena
Naslund, Jacki Lyden, John Cassady (son of Neal Cassady), Sandra
Gulland, C.M. Mayo, and Beverly Donofrio.
• an occasional
community-wide Book Group, in which everyone in town is invited to read
the same book before the author arrives in town for a presentation
• a weekly Spanish-language literary radio program for the San Miguel community
•
educational workshops for writers (including a workshop by seasoned
editor Alan Rinzler who has published a long list of well-known authors
including Toni Morrison, Robert Ludlum, Tom Robbins, Shirley MacLaine,
Andy Warhol, Hunter Thompson, and many others.)
• the membership-based Literary Society providing elegant special events honoring visiting distinguished authors
• a monthly on-line literary newsletter entitled "Literary Happenings"
• a weekly literary column called "Book Fever" by Marcia Loy in Atencion
• a website listing literary information and events
• an occasional Book Fair featuring local authors
The
Literary Sala always welcomes new volunteers to join the enthusiastic
team that provides ongoing visibility and community for the readers and
writers of San Miguel. Contact Susan Page at susan@susanpage.com or
185-2225. |
