Happy 10th anniversary, Rancho Mirage Writers Festival
The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is an annual event that celebrates literature and authors, featuring a wide range of notable writers from various genres. This year, the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary!
The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival was founded in 2014 by Jamie Kabler, a retired businessperson and philanthropist who is also being honored as our “distinguished citizen of the year” at the chamber’s annual awards dinner in late February. The festival is held in Rancho Mirage, at the award-winning Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory.
In 2014 there were 20 authors, 32 sessions, six angel sponsorships and 400 attendees. This year, the festival has grown to 75 authors, 72 sessions, 300 angel sponsorships and 1,200 attendees.
Since the inception of the festival, they have welcomed over 300 authors from around the world. These authors included: Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy Award winners, Emmy Award winners, Audie Award winners, National Book Award winners, Bronze Star Medal recipients, Pritzker Architecture Prize Winner, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, Hollywood Star Walk of Fame recipients, MacArthur Foundation Fellowships, James Beard Award winners, The Booker Prize winners and more.
The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival has made efforts to feature a diverse range of authors representing different genres, backgrounds and experiences.
Genre Diversity: The festival has featured authors from a wide range of literary genres. Including fiction, nonfiction, mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, memoir, biography, poetry and more. By embracing a variety of genres, the festival caters to diverse reading interests.
Cultural and Ethnic Diversity: The festival has hosted authors from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It has included authors of African, African American, Asian, Indigenous American, Latinx, Middle Eastern and European descent, among others. This diversity of voices allows for a broader exploration of different cultural perspectives and experiences.
Gender Diversity: The festival has been inclusive in terms of representation among its authors. It promotes equality and representation from across the LGBTQ+ literary world, with a variety of backgrounds and all genders.
Age Diversity: The festival has welcomed both established, well-known authors and emerging writers. This mix of experienced and emerging voices ensures a blend of wisdom and fresh perspectives in discussions and presentations.
Ideological and Political Diversity: The festival has not shied away from featuring authors with diverse ideological and political viewpoints. This diversity encourages open and inclusive discussions on various topics, promoting dialogue and understanding.
Diversity in Topics and Themes: Authors at the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival have explored a wide range of topics and themes, including but not limited to social justice, history, science, the environment, travel, food and more. This diversity of subject matter ensures that attendees can engage with a broad spectrum of ideas and issues.
International Representation: The festival has invited authors from around the world, allowing attendees to gain insights into different cultures, global perspectives and international literature.
The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival’s commitment to diversity not only enhances the festival experience but also reflects the rich tapestry of voices and stories within the literary world. Including authors from various backgrounds and genres encourages a broader and more inclusive conversation about literature and the pressing issues of our time. Fostering an environment where attendees can explore different viewpoints and expand their understanding of the world through the power of words and storytelling.
Happy anniversary, RMWF!
Katie Stice is president/CEO of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce. Stice lives in Indio, California, with her husband, John, and their two rescue dogs, Grissom and Ranger. She can be reached at Katie.Stice@ranchomirage.org.
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