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.

BOTANICAL LITERATURE WILL TAKE CENTER STAGE.

Discover the essence of botanical literature in a captivating live session led by author, artist and professor Trinie Dalton. Explore beyond plant identification to delve into ethnobotany and sociohistorical narratives. Panelists will showcase Mojave-based botanical literature, highlighting its cross-disciplinary appeal. Join us to uncover the rich interplay between humans and plants in a dynamic, image-rich genre. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in discussions on graphic design and collaborative bookmaking.

TRIBUTE TO U2 AND ANTON CORBIJN

The Twentynine Palms book festival proudly commemorates the historic passage of U2 through the Mojave Desert in 1987, when they recorded their iconic album "Joshua Tree," which sold 25 million copies. Sponsored by the Harmony Motel, celebrating its 20th year, where the legendary band stayed, the tribute pays homage to this momentous occasion. The celebration will feature a special book section at Desert General, focusing on U2 and Anton Corbijn, the renowned photographer who documented the group's epic journey across the Mojave Desert.

DESERT LITERARY SHOWCASE

Partnering with the Desert Writers Guild and the Writers of the Purple Sage, the festival will deploy efforts to promote independent authors in the Mojave Desert and their books. Regrouped under the Desert Literary Showcase banner, these authors will take center stage during pre-festival parties at Corner 62 in Twentynine Palms on May 17 and September 13, featuring readings and book signings. During the festival itself, authors will have access to an umbrella display area at the book fair and to various exposure opportunities.

REMEMBERING ROUTE 66

Guest authors will share insights into Route 66's history during the 1920s to 50s during one of the festival’s live sessions. It's a chance to explore the iconic highway's past. Adding local relevance to the conversation, it is also an opportunity to take a day trip after the festival to visit a short stretch of Historic Route 66, now known as National Trails Highway, just north of Twentynine Palms, that leads to the towns of Ludlow, Klondike, Bagdad, Amboy, Essex, Fenner and Goffs.