Writer’s Symposium by the Sea is an annual event that brings interviews with innovative creators, life stories, examples of great writing, and evocative conversation to PLNU that inspire readers and writers alike. Past guests have included Ray Bradbury, Anne Lamott, Philip Yancey, Dave Eggers, Amy Tan, Bill McKibben, Donald Miller, George Plimpton, and many more.
The evening interviews, conducted by symposium founder Dr. Dean Nelson, feature lively conversations about the stories behind the author’s stories. As a member of the audience, you will get to eavesdrop on these exchanges and perhaps even interact with the writer during a Q&A session. Specialized afternoon workshops, conducted by published writers, provide tips and insight into the writing process. You are invited to join us and listen in on what some of today’s cutting-edge writers have to say!
2021 Writer's Symposium by the Sea
In light of limitations to events due to COVID safety requirements, we are making changes to this year's Writer's Symposium.
Our plan for Spring 2021 is to coordinate Symposium events on the PLNU campus that will be available for streaming or viewing online. We are working on these logistics and we will send an update once details are confirmed.
Click here for details about the 2021 events.
POSTPONED TO 2022
We are excited to announce that David Brooks, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and Cornel West have agreed to postpone their interviews until 2022.
For updated information on all Symposium events, please sign up on our mailing list.
We are working to finalize the details for our next symposium. Check back in a month or so for a more complete listing and sign up on our mailing list for updates!
If you missed the 25th Annual Writer's Symposium with Sonia Nazario, Pico Iyer, and Alice Walker, you can now watch the interviews online here: www.ucsd.tv/writers/
Want to read a student's response to the interview with Alice Walker? Click here
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Join the Mailing List
Please join the mailing list for the Writer's Symposium now to stay updated on this year's event!
Become a Friend of the Writer's Symposium!
To maintain the symposium's high-quality programming, we need your help to meet our yearly goal of $50,000 in donations. Please consider partnering with Writer's Symposium by the Sea by giving a tax-deductible donation. Every gift counts, no matter the size. Friends may give a one-time donation or an ongoing monthly gift.
For more information about donating to the Writer's Symposium, please contact giving@pointloma.edu or click here to make your donation today!
Thank you for your support.
Videos of Past Events
Watch past Writer's Symposium interviews online, including conversations with Anne Lamott, Eugene Peterson, Anchee Min, Bill McKibben, and many more.
Images of Past Symposiums
