Inaugural Sonoma Valley Authors Festival headed to town

This spring, more than two dozen writers, journalists, scientists, physicians, poets and thought leaders will arrive in town for the launch of an ambitious new literary event.

The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival will make its debut the weekend of May 4 to 6 at the Lodge at Sonoma. There are 550 three-day passes available for the festival; passes are $750; visit svaf.info.

The inspiration for the festival was born when, on a whim, David and Ginny Freeman attended the Sun Valley Writers Festival four years ago.

'We loved the stimulation, the diversity of speakers, those we knew and those unknown to us,' said David. 'We're at the point where we aren't interested in a vacation drinking margaritas on the beach. We loved the idea of vacation with a purpose.'

In the two years that followed, the couple attended other author festivals, including the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival and the Pebble Beach Author & Ideas Festival.

The Freemans had been longtime San Franciscans, spending weekends in Sonoma – but aftering retiring to the Valley in 2015 they liked the idea of contributing something to the town.

'Sonoma really didn't need another wine or food event, and we thought that this could be a really good fit here,' said David.

Ginny knew Book Passage founder Elaine Petrocelli, who eagerly signed on as their partner. Petrocelli knows authors. She brings more than 900 writers every year for appearances at her three Bay Area bookstores.

'Elaine gave us credibility and she has a lot of contacts,' said David. 'The authors know her and love her.' Petaluma-based literary agent Steven Barkley was also a great source of information and an ally as their plans took shape.

David is perhaps most excited about the festival's Students Day – a full-day 'mini-festival' celebration of literacy that will include interactive and educational lectures, panels and conversations with 11 authors and speakers. Approximately 2,700 students from Sonoma Valley High School, Adele Harrison and Altimira middle schools, Hanna Boys Center and Sonoma Academy will participate free of charge.

Thanks to a partnership with the Bay Area "college success" nonprofit 10,000 Degrees, local donations, and support from Sonoma Valley High English department co-chair Janet Hansen and interim school district Superintendent Chuck Young, every student at SVHS, both middle schools, Hanna and Sonoma Academy will attend Students Day and all of the kids will get at least one signed book.

'High school is hard – kids feel isolated and that their problems are unique and insurmountable,' said David about the importance of Students Day. 'We have speakers who have come from difficult backgrounds who we think will move and inspire these kids.'

Email Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.