San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival
Wednesday, February 12 – Sunday, February 16, 2025
We are elated to welcome you to the 2025 San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival, marking our momentous 20th anniversary!
From Fiction to Reality: Has Our Dystopian Future Arrived?
A Conversation with Margaret Atwood and Martin Fletcher
Special Bilingual Event, Fundraiser, and Award Presentation
As a special early fundraiser for the San Miguel Writers’ Conference 20th anniversary Student Scholarship Program, join us for an exclusive evening honoring Margaret Atwood, celebrated author of The Handmaid’s Tale here in San Miguel in person.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2025 | 5:00-7:00 PM | FORO EL OBRAJE
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 | 6:30-8:00 PM
John Irving
A legend in his own time, John Irving is the author of sixteen celebrated novels including The World According to Garp, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Cider House Rules, and Widow for One Year. He is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada.
In English with simultaneous translation to Spanish.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 | 6:30-8:00 PM
Percival Everett
We are thrilled to announce that Percival Everett’s novel, James, (the Huckleberry Finn story told from the point of view of the enslaved “Jim”), has been short listed for both the 2024 National Book Award and the 2024 Booker Prize. Percival Everett is author of more than thirty books, and is a Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Southern California.
In English with simultaneous translation to Spanish.
Photo by: Michael Avedon
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 | 6:30-8:00 PM
Jorge F. Hernández
Jorge F. Hernandez is a prolific short story writer, essayist, novelist, columnist, professor, magazine editor, and radio show host. Until recently, he worked at the Institute of the Culture of Mexico in Madrid.
In Spanish with simultaneous translation to English. Please bring an ID to borrow a headset.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 | 6:30-8:00 PM
Ruth Reichl
Former Editor of Gourmet Magazine, chef Ruth Reichl was the food critic for both the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times. She has written cookbooks, memoirs, novels, and has won the James Beard Foundation Award six times.
In English with simultaneous translation to Spanish.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 | 6:30-8:00 PM
Kaveh Akbar
Kaveh Akbar’s debut novel Martyr! is on the short list for the 2024 National Book Award. The novel created such a sensation that reviewers ran out of words. “Nothing short of miraculous,” said the NYTimes. “Martyr! is so much its own creation that comparisons don’t help,” said NPR. Akbar is a multi-award-winning poet, Poetry Editor of The Nation magazine, and Professor at the University of Iowa.
In English with simultaneous translation to Spanish.
Photo by: Hieu Minh Nguyen
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 | 2:15-3:30 PM
John Vaillant
John Vaillant’s current bestseller, Fire Weather, about the rapidly changing relationship between fire and humankind, is a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award and is named a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, TIME, NPR, Slate, and Smithsonian. He is the author of five non-fiction books and a novel about Mexican immigrants.
In English with simultaneous translation to Spanish.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 | 2:15-3:30 PM
Jennifer Clement
Jennifer Clement’s five novels, two memoirs, and several poetry collections have received numerous awards and been translated into thirty-eight languages. One novel was an Oprah Book Club selection and another was made into a movie. She was the first woman President of PEN International.
In English with simultaneous translation to Spanish.
Photo by: Pasqual Borceli
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 | 2:15-3:30 PM
Giller Spotlight
Once again, we are proud to provide the stage for the Giller Prize winner.
In English with simultaneous translation to Spanish.
CONFERENCE PACKAGES
ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS
Student/Teacher Discount 15% off (until packages run out—limited supply)
“The Works” Package
Complete Immersion- 8 Keynotes
- 2 Panels
- 7 Workshops
- 6 Hours of Intensives
- 1 Round Table with a Keynote Speaker
- Fiesta
- Wellness Offerings
- Coffee/Pastry Bars
- Happy Hours
- Opening Reception
- Closing Reception
À la Carte
Individual events are available in the à la carte menu.“The Basic” Package
For a Full Conference experience without the intensives, select “The Basic” Package and add the 7, 5, or 3 Workshop Bundle or the well-priced Pleasures of Reading Bundle from the À la Carte menu..- 8 Keynotes
- 2 Panels
- Fiesta
- Wellness Offerings
- Coffee/Pastry Bars
- Happy Hours
- Opening Reception
- Closing Reception
Patron Opportunities
For up-front seating, the Patron Hospitality Suite all week, free tickets, the Patron Dinner with keynote speakers, and more, consider becoming a Patron.PANELS
Literary Agent panel
Wednesday, February 12 | 2:15–3:30 p.m.
What’s Next for the Publishing Industry?
In this panel, five seasoned literary agents will discuss all the ways they have seen the publishing industry change since they got into the business, and will speculate on coming trends and tendencies, including the rise of audiobooks, the use of AI, new publishing models, and the shifting landscape of book promotion.
Keynote Panel
Sunday, February 16 | 4:00–5:30 p.m.
It is rare in the literary world for so many famous authors to appear together in one event. In this lively panel, all of our illustrious keynote speakers will engage in discussions in a Q & A format. Questions from attendees will be gathered during the week, and the authors will be encouraged to engage in discussions with each other as well. This event is open to the public, offering those who don’t attend individual keynote addresses the opportunity to meet these distinguished writers.
Pleasures of Reading Series
For Lovers of Books and Reading
While writers are busy in workshops learning how to create dialogue or write a book proposal, you avid readers are invited to enjoy your very own series of presentations designed especially for lovers of books and literature.
FIESTA
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of San Miguel with our Mexican Fiesta! Enjoy a lively street food extravaganza featuring traditional flavors, savor tequila tastings, and dance to traditional music. Witness captivating traditional dances that celebrate Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. This unforgettable evening promises a party like no other, filled with authentic experiences that embody the essence of San Miguel.
SCHEDULE
TESTIMONIALS
What attendees have said about the San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival
LOCATION
Hotel Real de Minas
Camino Viejo al Panteón # 1, Colonia San Antonio
(aka corner of Ancha de San Antonio & Stirling Dickinson)
37700 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, México
“If Dante had had the San Miguel experience, he would have written more about heaven and less about hell.”
— Tom Robbins, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival
Excellence
We have put San Miguel on the literary map of the world with an international reputation for excellence.
Destination
We have established San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as a leading destination for literary and cultural tourism.
Authors
We bring world-famous authors to San Miguel in an intimate setting.
Integration
As a fully bilingual event, we encourage the Mexican and foreign communities to experience genuine integration.
Tri-Cultural
We bring together the literary communities of three countries — Mexico, the US and Canada — to exchange literary styles and stories.
Teens
We provide more than 100 local teenagers opportunities to be inspired by keynote speakers, teachers, and writing workshops.
