LIVE SESSIONS
Presented by the Harmony Motel
The Twentynine Palms Book Festival Live Sessions will feature 13 panel discussions, presentations, workshops, and readings, showcasing 50 authors and experts. The program runs on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9, at the Twentynine Palms Community Center by Freedom Plaza, where most festival activities will be held. Exceptions include the Never Underestimate the Desert series, which will run all day at the nearby Old Schoolhouse Museum on Saturday, November 9, and the Happy Poetry Hour from 4 to 6 PM at the 29 Palms Inn. Evening events will take place at various locations around Twentynine Palms. The program is presented with the support of the Harmony Motel.
FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER
10:30 AM | WELCOME SPEECH by Nalini “Ash” Maharaj, owner of the Harmony Motel, and Patrick Zuchowicki, Festival Director.
11:00 AM | ROUTE 66: THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN ICON. Join us for an exploration of Route 66’s rich history as it winds through the Mojave Desert. Historian and preservationist Kelli Shapiro, PhD, will share her insights into the cultural significance of this legendary highway, drawing from her work on preserving Route 66 landmarks like the Azusa Foothill Drive-in Theatre. Kyle Okura, the owner of Roy's Motel and Cafe in Amboy, a classic stopover on Route 66, will recount the golden era of the highway and the efforts to maintain this iconic site. Nalini “Ash” Maharaj, owner of the Harmony Motel, will discuss her experience preserving this historic desert motel and how the Mojave’s unique spirit continues to inspire travelers.
NOON | PERSONAL STORIES FROM THE TWENTYNINE PALMS MARINE CORPS. LtCol Chris Proudfoot, USMC (retired), leads a heartfelt discussion about the deep connection between the Twentynine Palms community and its Marine Corps Base. Joined by fellow veterans, Proudfoot will share personal stories and experiences that highlight the lasting bond between residents and the base. This session will give insight into the unique role the base plays in the lives of those who call Twentynine Palms home, offering a preview of Proudfoot’s forthcoming book on the base’s history from 1981 to the present.
2:00 PM | CRAFTING YOUR LATE BLOOMER WRITING CAREER. Join moderator Mike Vail and an experienced panel of writers—Kent Wilson, John Sierpinski, Greg Gilbert, Francis Moss, Jenifer Palmer-Lacy, Carmen Mendoza, and Cindy Rinne—as they share essential tips and strategies for those looking to kickstart a writing career later in life. From finding your unique voice to navigating the complex world of publishing, this session will provide valuable insights and guidance tailored for late bloomers ready to embark on their literary journey. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to reignite your passion for writing, this discussion will offer the tools and inspiration you need to succeed.
3:30 PM | UFOs ARE REAL, OUR GOVERNMENT FINALLY CONFIRMS. Join Leslie and Stephen Shaw, authors of Who They Are: And What They’re Up To, as they explore the mysteries of UFOs and mankind’s true history. Drawing on decades of research in UFO data, ancient history and human evolution, they provide fact-driven insights into why UFO sightings occur so frequently and what these visitors may want. The Shaws will address common questions about UFOs, such as who is piloting them, where they come from and the purpose behind their human/hybrid breeding programs. This session promises to be a captivating exploration of the unknown, guaranteed to keep you engaged and questioning.
4:30 PM | THE DESERT TRAIL NEWSPAPER: A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY READING. Join Kurt Schauppner, the current editor of The Desert Trail newspaper, for an engaging session on the rich history of this local publication and its role in documenting the story of Twentynine Palms. Founded in 1935 by Bill Underhill, The Desert Trail has been a cornerstone of the community, capturing the growth and development of the area through the decades. Kurt will share insights into the newspaper's origins, its commitment to fostering community spirit, and its ongoing mission to serve as a reliable source of news and history for the greater Palm Springs area.
5:30 PM | DESERT LITERARY SHOWCASE Join us for a reading event designed for independent authors, featuring members of the Desert Writers Guild and the Mojave Sage Writers. This collaborative gathering aims to provide a platform for independent authors to share their work, connect with readers, and celebrate the vibrant literary community of Twentynine Palms and the surrounding Hi-Desert areas. Authors will have the opportunity to read excerpts from their latest works.
SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER
10:00 AM | BOTANICAL LITERATURE. Join authors Janet Tucker and Trinie Dalton for a discussion on the evolving definitions of botanical literature. Once focused on plant identification, this genre now encompasses ethnobotany, sociohistorical narratives, and the connections between humans and plants. Janet Tucker, author of Minimalist Gardener, will explore the unique challenges of desert gardening. Moderator Trinie Dalton will guide the conversation, highlighting how Mojave-based botanical literature integrates science, storytelling, and visual art into a rich, multidisciplinary genre. She is known for her books like Baby Geisha and curated anthologies such as Dear New Girl or Whatever Your Name Is.
11:00 AM | P.O. BOX OUTER SPACE. Join us for a reading session featuring contributors from P.O. BOX OUTER SPACE (POBOS), a visionary book-zine that offers a channel for cosmic connection. Rooted in the mystical desert skies of Joshua Tree, POBOS summons the lost art of letter-writing, blending words, art, music, and moving images to communicate with the unknown and the beyond. This session will feature readings and performances by POBOS contributors, all of whom share a passion for exploring the otherworldly through creative expression. Volume 1 of POBOS is available now, and this special event will be a celebration of its first cosmic transmission, edited by Jennifer Prediger and Jardine Libaire, with design by Beth Middleworth.
NOON | TRANSITIONING CRIME FICTION AND LITERARY NONFICTION INTO FILM NOIR. Join moderator Brian Townsley for an in-depth exploration of the art of adapting crime fiction into captivating film noir. This panel will delve into the techniques needed to translate suspense, character, and atmosphere from the page to the screen. Panelists include Daniel Pyne, acclaimed writer and producer known for The Manchurian Candidate and Fracture; Jim Towns, a filmmaker and author with a talent for blending crime and psychological tension; Sean Jacques, a screenwriter celebrated for his gripping noir narratives; Deanne Stillman, an award-winning author known for Twentynine Palms and Desert Reckoning; and Chris Rossi, a screenwriter and producer know for Meadowland Together, they will share their experiences and insights on the challenges of bringing crime fiction to life in film, offering valuable perspectives for writers, filmmakers, and fans of the genre.
1:30 PM | A CONVERSATION WITH SUSAN LANG AND SUSAN ZAKIN. Susan Lang had a childhood the rest of us can only imagine. Daughter of a single mother who homesteaded in Pioneertown back when land was free, but life was hard, Lang saw Pioneertown transformed from the real frontier into the fictional landscape of Hollywood Westerns. After running away from home at 16, Lang eventually became a professor and author of prize-winning novels. Susan Zakin, a New York-bred journalist and author of the cult book Coyotes and Town Dogs: Earth First! and the Environmental Movement, met Lang while covering the trial of Earth First! co-founder Dave Foreman in 1990. The two immediately hit it off and have been friends ever since. Zakin will interview Lang about how her work reflects her deep roots in the California desert, as well as the many Western literary figures who have been her friends, including legendary book editor Carol Houck Smith, and authors Charles Bowden and John Nichols.
2:45 PM | EXPLORING THE DIVERSE APPEAL OF ROMANCE FICTION AMONG MODERN AUDIENCES. Join Jayce Carter and Ariella Moon, two distinct voices in the world of romance fiction, as they delve into the unique allure of the genre for younger generations. Jayce, known for her contemporary and paranormal romances featuring strong-willed women and the red-flag men who love them, contrasts with Ariella, whose shamanic experiences inspire magical tales of medieval Scotland and contemporary paranormal adventures. Together, they will explore what draws new audiences to their differing styles and how romance fiction continues to captivate across different worlds and narratives.
4:00 PM | BOOKS AND BEATS. Join veteran journalist and music industry publicist Cary Baker, author of Down on the Corner, for an insightful discussion on the growing popularity of music-themed books. Cary will be joined by Peter Jesperson, author of Euphoric Recall, detailing his fifty-plus years working in music, Laurie Kaye, writer and producer known for her memoir Confessions of a Rock ’n’ Roll Name-Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon’s Last Interview, and Jim Ruland, author of Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise & Fall of SST Records, and Jaan Uhelszki, co-author of MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock's Most Revolutionary Band. Together, they'll explore how music and literature intersect, sharing stories and experiences that highlight the deep connection between the two. The session will be introduced by Nalini “Ash” Maharaj, owner of the legendary Harmony Motel, where U2 stayed while recording their iconic Joshua Tree album.
5:30 PM | WRITING CRIME FICTION. This session delves into the intriguing relationship between the Mojave Desert and crime fiction, exploring why this arid landscape serves as a compelling backdrop for so many suspenseful tales. Moderated by Brian Townsley, author of The Consortium and holder of a Master of Professional Writing degree from USC, this discussion will highlight the unique elements of the desert that inspire writers. The session will feature critically acclaimed crime fiction writers Nolan Knight, JD O’Brien, Nevada McPherson, Andrew Miller, and Mike Vail, who will share their insights into crafting narratives that capture the tension and intrigue of desert set.