THE TWENTYNINE PALMS BOOK FESTIVAL BRINGS BOOK-BASED PROJECTS TO THE SCREEN

Published in SENA NEWS on 06/25/2024

THE ORGANIZERS OF THE EVENT ANNOUNCED THAT FOUR FEATURE FILM PROJECTS, BASED ON BOOKS PRESENTED AT LAST YEAR'S FESTIVAL, ARE NOW IN VARIOUS STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT.

The organizers have announced that four feature film projects, based on books presented at last year's festival, are now in various stages of development. One of them is "Flash Flood," a crime-fiction movie based on screenwriter Daniel Pyne’s debut novel Twentynine Palms. He will see his novel potentially adapted by Brian Townsley. Discussions with Townsley, a prolific noir-genre writer featured on the ‘Distinguished List’ in 2019’s Best American Mystery Stories, are in advanced stages.

Three other projects are based on books by Deanne Stillman are "Desert Reckoning: From the pages of Rolling Stone", the true story of a cop, a hermit, and a manhunt, adapted by Chris Rossi ("Meadowland") and "Mustang: LA Times", the "best book of the year" about a wild horse massacre, adapted by Maggie Greenwald ("The Ballad of Little Jo") and "Twentynine Palms: Gripping cult classic" about a double murder endorsed by Hunter Thompson.

Highlighting what Twentynine Palms offers for film production, the festival launched "Shoot in 29 Palms" last year. This initiative showcases stories from the festival that are ideal for filming in and around Twentynine Palms. The desert town offers unique scenery, diverse landscapes, local production talent, and proximity to LA, making it an excellent filming location.

A selection of books ready for screen adaptation will be showcased at the upcoming Twentynine Palms Book Festival on November 8 and 9. Film, TV, and documentary executives, screenplay writers, and agents interested in fresh ideas will receive the list of books selected beforehand and can meet with authors at the festival.

WELCOMING Dr OOLONG AT THE FESTIVAL

Meet Dr Oolong, the unconventional wordsmith whose life is as diverse as their storytelling. From living on a boat to roaming deserts, their eclectic experiences fuel their work, spanning sci-fi, comedy, and beyond. With a resume including directing plays, working in special effects for major films, and even chauffeuring bands to iconic concerts, Dr Oolong's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Inspired by encounters with the Integratron and Giant Rock, his book, "Bedtime Stories for Robots," is a testament to a life lived outside the lines.

EXPANDED FOCUS ON ROMANCE FICTION AT UPCOMING BOOK FESTIVAL

Romance fiction will take center stage at this year’s book festival, reflecting one of its key pillars. The festival will feature a keynote by a bestselling romance author, anchoring the spotlight on this popular genre. Additionally, the festival will host a workshop led by acclaimed romance novelist Jayce Carter titled "Modern Romance Writing—Not Your Grandma's Romance." A panel discussion will explore the wide spectrum of romance sub-genres, including historical, monster, and paranormal romance, and will highlight stories featuring neurodiverse, queer, and body-diverse characters. The festival aims to challenge stereotypes about romance readers and ensure that every reader feels welcome. This expanded focus on romance fiction underscores the festival's commitment to celebrating diverse voices and stories, making it a must-attend event for all romance enthusiasts.

AFFORDABLE PATHS TO GETTING YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED

Traditional publishers are no longer the sole gatekeepers of the literary world. The rise of self-publishing empowers authors to bypass conventional hurdles and reach readers directly. Here are some top services. Smashwords is a popular ebook publication platform, enabling authors to create free ebooks and distribute them through retailers like Barnes and Noble, Apple iBooks, Sony, and Kobo. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for targeting Amazon is ideal. KDP allows authors to receive up to 70% royalties for ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 in certain territories and 35% royalties for other ebooks. Print-on-demand services (POD), such as Lulu and Blurb, help authors format and design hardcover and softcover books. These can be purchased directly from the providers or other retailers. While not free, POD is excellent for specialty products and limited editions.

147 PRE-REGISTERED FESTIVAL ATTENDEES AS OF 5/27

With more than five months remaining before the Twentynine Palms Book Festival on November 8 and 9, 147 attendees have already registered, out of the 500 expected participants. This early figure includes a diverse mix of reading enthusiasts, established and emerging authors, and a select group of film and documentary development executives. These industry professionals are particularly interested in scouting fresh talent and exploring new adaptation ideas, adding an exciting dimension to the festival. These numbers highlight the growing enthusiasm for what promises to be a vibrant and dynamic celebration of literature and storytelling.

WELCOMING JAYCE CARTER AND ROMANCE FICTION AT THE BOOK FESTIVAL

We are excited to announce that Jayce Carter will be joining us for the upcoming book festival, marking our first step in putting a strong focus on romance fiction. Jayce Carter lives in the Morongo Basin with her husband and two children. Initially planning to take over the world, she soon realized that would require wearing pants, leading her to choose writing as a completely pants-free occupation. Since making this bold decision, she has published over 40 romance novels and has spoken at various conferences and workshops on writing, romance, and productivity. Carter's presence at the festival will bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the romance genre, offering attendees insights into the craft and industry of romance writing. We look forward to her contributions as we enhance our programming with a dedicated focus on romance fiction.

AUTHOR RUTH NOLAN TO CURATE TWO SESSIONS

College of the Desert creative writing professor and desert author Ruth Nolan will curate and moderate two sessions for the 2024 29 Palms Book Festival. She will lead a Native American Roundtable literary reading and discussion featuring Native authors from the California Deserts and Inland Southern California, with authors to be announced. Additionally, she will host a reading showcase featuring creative writing students and faculty from the College of the Desert. Nolan, a prolific scholar of California desert literature who grew up in the Mojave Desert and has lived here for much of her life, has spent the past twenty years bringing extensive and impactful literary and writing workshop programming to the desert region. "I am very excited about the programming of the Twentynine Palms Book Festival and what it brings to our long-underserved high desert communities," says Nolan. "The inaugural 2023 festival was an amazing and potent literary event that brought acclaimed writers and community members together for an inspirational day of books and desert story-sharing. I look forward to helping bring a Native American Roundtable event and a showcase of College of the Desert writers to the 2024 event."

FIRST ISSUE OF 29PBF GAZETTE TO LAUNCH JUNE 12

We are excited to announce the launch of the 29PBF gazette, the official publication of the Twentynine Palms Book Festival. The first issue will be released on Wednesday, June 12, and will serve as a preview for the 2024 book festival. Published three times a year, the gazette not only highlights festival activities but also offers insights into the cultural scene of Twentynine Palms and Wonder Valley. The inaugural issue will feature key festival events, the first confirmed authors, and incentives for out-of-town visitors to explore Twentynine Palms. Distribution includes 5,500 copies in the Desert Star and High Desert Trail, 1,000 copies across local hotels, Airbnbs, storefronts, and information centers, and 500 copies mailed to publishing and entertainment executives. The next issue, set for release on September 25, will be published six weeks before the festival. It will include the full list of invited authors, detailed program information, guest speakers, and sidebar events.

BRIAN DOHERTY, THE AUTHOR OF "DIRTY PICTURES", WILL ATTEND THE FESTIVAL

Discover the untold narrative history of Underground Comix in Brian Doherty's groundbreaking work, "Dirty Pictures." Doherty's book sheds light on a revolutionary movement that redefined American culture in the 1960s, exploring taboo themes of sex, drugs, and societal rebellion. Through vivid storytelling and extensive research, Doherty unveils the lives and legacies of iconic creators offering a comprehensive examination of this transformative art form. "Dirty Pictures" is a must-read for anyone interested in the subversive power of comics and their enduring impact on society.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO PAUL AUSTER

Join us as we honor the memory of Paul Auster, the esteemed author and filmmaker, who passed away on April 30 at the age of 77. During the festival, we will host a special session dedicated to "Smoke." the captivating 1995 film that explores the profound influence of words, crafted by Auster and directed by Wayne Wang.Born into a Jewish family in New Jersey, Auster studied literature at Columbia University in New York, but then spent several years working as a translator in Paris. He was influenced not only by fellow Paris exile Samuel Beckett, but French exponents of the nouveau roman, or “new novel”, such as Alain Robbe-Grillet. Auster’s own fiction, with its labyrinthine twists and turns, eventually became more popular in France than in the United States. His first work, The Invention of Solitude, was published in the US in 1982 and his career took off in the late 1980s.

DISCOVER TWENTYNINE PALMS AND JOSHUA TREE PARK WITH E-BIKES

We're thrilled to team up with HIGH DESERT E BIKE to offer festival attendees an exclusive $10 discount on electric bike rentals from November 7th to 10th. With the festival spanning multiple downtown Twentynine Palms locations, navigating the event will be made effortless. You can also plan half-day tours of the nearby Joshua Tree Park. Use the promocode BOOKFEST10 to book your electric bike. For more information info@highdesertebike.com 

CELEBRATING COMIX

The festival will feature a celebration of 1970s underground comix culture, offering attendees the chance to explore this era through rare books and a panel session dedicated to the 1960s counterculture movement. During the session, attendees will learn about the work of influential artists such as R. Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Trina Robbins, Terry Richards, Spain Rodriguez, Harvey Pekar, and Howard Cruse, among others. These creators challenged societal norms by addressing taboo subjects like sex, drugs, and social commentary, contributing to a new wave of comic book expression. Additionally, the festival will acknowledge the important contributions of the Wimmen's Comix Collective in shaping feminist narratives within the underground scene. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the history of this movement, exploring both its ideological battles and artistic achievements, and highlighting its lasting impact on American culture and artistic expression.  

WELL-KNOWN LOCAL AUTHOR, SUSAN RUKEYSER, WILL ATTEND THE FESTIVAL

Susan Rukeyser is a writer based in Joshua Tree, California, where she has resided since 2017. Originally from Connecticut, she spent a significant period living in the suburban South before finding her true home in the desert. In Joshua Tree, Susan is an active member of the writing community, providing support and encouragement to fellow writers. With a background in the publishing industry, Susan previously served as a Senior Book Buyer for Baker & Taylor, where she worked with some of the most dynamic bestsellers of the time. She also has experience as an editor, having edited weekly small press book reviews at Necessary Fiction for three years. Susan holds a Creative Writing MA from Lancaster University, UK. 

DESERT LITERARY SHOWCASE

The inaugural Desert Literary Showcase, organized in partnership with the Writers of the Purple Sage and the Desert Writers Guild, promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature in the Mojave Desert region. Scheduled for Friday, May 17th, at 5 PM at Corner 62, this event aims to spotlight local and emerging authors while promoting their books to a wider audience. Featuring esteemed authors such as Corina Gillett, Renee Gurley, Rose Baldwin, Mike Vail, and John Sierpenski, the showcase will offer attendees an enriching experience of readings and book signings. In addition to the main event, the Desert Literary Showcase will play a pivotal role in the two-day book fair by hosting a special area dedicated to meet-and-greet sessions and readings with Mojave Desert authors. This initiative underscores the festival's commitment to fostering connections between writers and readers while providing valuable exposure opportunities for talented authors in the region.  

the 29 PALMS BOOK FESTIVAL IS LAUNCHING THE “Off-Program”

Save the date for the upcoming Twentynine Palms Book Festival's Off-Program events, leading up to the main festival.

29 PALMS SILENT BOOK CLUB N°2 | Sunday, May 26th, 11 AM - 1 PM. Experience the second gathering of the 29 Palms Silent Book Club! Join us for a serene reading session with local book enthusiasts. Bring any book, no assigned reading, just BYOBook! This monthly event aims to  connect with fellow book enthusiasts in person, while supporting the Twentynine Palms Book Festival. See you there! Details are available HERE.

WORDS & MUSIC

Join us Sat. May 4th at 3PM, to celebrate the release of the first book by Blue Books, a new publishing imprint. A Journal of the Plague Years is an anthology of writing from the startup magazine of the same name that has attracted some of America’s best writers.

Readings by Steve Erickson, Paul Cullum, Brian Cullman, and Susan Zakin. 

Music by Rosa Pullman and Hunter and The Wick’d.

Free event presented by Blue Books and the Off Program of the 29 Palms Book Festival. Refreshments. Parking available.

Desert General @ Corner 62 - 73552 Twentynine Palms Hwy - Twentynine Palms

DESERT LITERARY SHOWCASE | Friday, May 17th, 4 PM - 7 PM. Explore the rich literary environment of the Mojave Desert, featuring local and published authors. Join us for an inspiring event celebrating diverse voices and compelling stories from our community. In partnership with the Desert Writers Guild and Writers of the Purple Sage, we aim to promote independent authors living in the Mojave Desert, showcasing their works and inviting festival attendees to immerse themselves in the vibrant literary culture of the region.

UFO BOOK PARTY | Saturday, August 10th, 2 PM - 8 PM. Ahead of the Meteor Shower (12/13 August) and in celebration of our festival's focus on UFO literature, join us for a UFO BOOK PARTY! We'll highlight Twentynine Palms' deep connection to UFO culture, culminating in the launch of Chris Campion's upcoming book "Saturation 70," revealing the untold story of Gram Parsons and Anthony Foutz's dystopian science fiction movie shot during Georges Van Tassel's 1969 Space Convention. Browse rare editions and out-of-print books at the event.

CRAFTING YOUR LATE BLOOMER WRITING CAREER.

Join our panel of authors and publishing experts for a concise yet impactful discussion tailored to senior aspiring writers. From finding your unique voice to navigating publishing options, we'll cover essential tips and strategies to kickstart your writing career. Discover how to overcome challenges, build your online presence, and find supportive communities in this empowering session. 

WAR LITeRATURE.

Embark on a thought-provoking journey into the realm of war literature in an intimate festival session. Engage with war authors and veteran soldiers as they dissect what truly defines a remarkable war book. From raw personal narratives to nuanced reflections on the human cost of conflict, discover the depth and complexity of storytelling in wartime. Join us for a poignant exploration of the realities, challenges, and triumphs portrayed in war literature, offering profound insights into the human experience amidst chaos and adversity.

never underestimate the desert.

You’re invited to an immersive journey into the heart of the Mojave Desert’s physical, geological, and cultural wonders. Three engaging sessions, on Saturday 9th, festival attendees will delve into the Mojave’s essence alongside acclaimed writers, architects, academics and artists. From insightful discussions to thought-provoking presentations, each session promises to deepen our understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary desert ecosystem.

FIRST LIST OF AUTHORS.

Get ready for the big reveal on May 7th as we unveil our first list of authors for the upcoming Twentynine Palms Book Festival! Brace yourselves for a diverse mix of established icons, rising stars, and for the first time ever, poets! Stay tuned for the lineup that promises to ignite your imagination and celebrate the magic of storytelling. Save the date and prepare for a literary journey like no other!

BOOKS DON’T NEED CHARGERS

A key segment of the bookfair, The Young Readers Zone, organized in collaboration with Brown Bag Bookshop, promises an immersive experience filled with interactive storytelling and engaging activities tailored for children – and their parents. With a wide spectrum of children's literature available, our objective is to foster a love for reading and inspire young imaginations. Join us in this vibrant space designed to ignite a passion for storytelling and lifelong learning among our youngest festival attendees.