Rancho Mirage Writers Festival 26

Story and Photos by Pat Krause

The 12th Annual Rancho Mirage Writers Fest was held January 28th through the 30th at the Rancho Mirage Public Library and Observatory. It is always held there, and every year, hundreds of avid readers look forward to this amazing event. It sells out year after year.

Authors Erik Larson, Sonia Purnell, Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and author Tim Bouverie ~ photo by Pat Krause

This year, there were over 50 authors and 20 special guest moderators. The group included six Pulitzer Prize winners along with Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Academy Award honorees. Many of these authors have books on the bestseller lists, and all are experts in their fields.

Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, General David H. Petraeus. Pulitzer Prize winner, Bret Stephens, and Edward Luce, ~photos by Pat Krause

Every reader seems to have a favorite author. That’s what makes this festival special — there is something for everyone. Topics ranged from history, news, romance, and politics to health, the future, presidential lives, military stories, crime novels, and even the history of sandwiches. The authors included admirals and generals, journalists, doctors, filmmakers, celebrities, actors, and former elected officials. So many different voices, all in one place.

Kurt Lustgarten, Kirsten M. "Kiwi" Smith, standing are David Kessler and H.W. Brands. ~ photo by Pat Krause

There were five rooms with sessions lasting about 45 minutes each. Moderators helped guide the discussions and bring out questions from the audience. Some sessions allowed open questions, which always made things lively. A 15-minute break gave guests time to get books signed or hurry to another room for the next talk.

These plaques were in the press room-BIG event ~ photo by Pat Krause

There were lots of laughs and lots of answers in every session.

The London Room was reserved for Angel Donors and is one of the larger spaces. Founder Jamie Kabler is usually there to greet guests. At the end of each session, authors came to the signing corner to meet readers, talk about their books, and sign copies. There is usually a long line, but no one seems to mind waiting.

Bret Stephens, Meena Ahamed, and Russell Shorto ~ photo by Pat Krause

Koffi provided free hot coffee, and there were jars of goodies and pastries in the mornings. At noon, everyone enjoyed a free lunch with a choice of sandwiches. Smartly designed water bottles were available all day. Even the valet service was extraordinary.

Karl Rove, Douglas Brinkley, H.W. Brands, and Tim Bouverie ~ photo by Pat Krause

For those who couldn’t get tickets, sessions were livestreamed online at no charge. Tickets for next year go on sale March 2nd, so it’s best to shop early. The festival also offers a free speaker series throughout the year at the library.

Karl Rove and Lt.  General Russel Honore ~ photo by Pat Krause

Books take us to other worlds. They teach us, inspire us, and help us through hard times. They bring joy and open doors we might never see otherwise. That is why this festival is now in its 12th year — and still growing.

For livestreaming and more information, visit [www.rmwritersfest.org](http://www.rmwritersfest.org).