Insights from the Tucson Festival of Books: Writing, Creativity, and Connection
For twelve years, I’ve attended the Tucson Festival of Books, and each time, my experience has evolved along with my literary journey. At first, I went to be surrounded by fellow book lovers and hear authors speak, eager for glimpses into their creative process. When I made the career shift to editing, I listened for nuggets of wisdom on craft. When I became a coach, I listened for common creative and mindset pitfalls. And when I wrote my first novel, I reflected on author insights through the lens of my own writing experience.
Lessons from the Author Panels
This year, I attended three panels and a workshop of all women authors. The conversations were raw, vulnerable, funny, and insightful. There are so many incredible women writers pushing boundaries and writing with courage—and there is room for us all. I came away with a whole notebook of insights, but I’ll share a few of the best ones here.
Key insights:
Find a process that works for you. Some writers start at the beginning and others start with an important scene somewhere toward the middle.
The first draft is for you. It can feel inhibiting to think of the reader while drafting. Write the first draft for yourself and then consider the reader’s experience during revision.
Don’t worry about structure on your first draft. Many writers allow the story to take shape organically and then refine the structure during revisions.
Leave room for discovery. Follow your interests and characters.
Themes often come from what writers need to explore. Even if the details differ, the emotional truth will come through.
Complex characters have contradictions and biases that make them feel authentic.
Readers will judge your characters and their decisions. Each reader brings their own perspectives to a book, and that’s okay.
Your voice matters. No matter where you are—from Tucson to a small community in Alaska—your book can attract an agent and resonate with readers.
Do not read your Goodreads reviews! They represent extremes and aren’t indicative of your worth as a writer or the merits of your book.
The Power of Connection
Beyond the panels, some of the most inspiring moments at the festival happen in spontaneous conversations. If you open yourself up, you will meet intriguing people and have conversations you never imagined.
The Creative Energy of a Book Festival
There’s something special about 130,000 readers and writers gathered in one place—something electric that can be felt in the air. One writer I met said he never planned to write a book, but an idea for a historical fiction series came to him while sitting in a session two years ago. Since then, he immersed himself in research—including uncovering pieces of his own family story—and has already written enough for four books. He reminded me of how rewarding it is to follow your interests and write, even when you don’t feel qualified or ready.
Plotters, Pantsers, and the Middle Path
Another writer I met has spent years outlining, sketching characters, and writing backstory—so much so that she is stalled and yet to begin writing. She feels like she’s already written the book. Hearing her story made me reflect on my own writing process. In life, I tend toward planning. But I approached writing my first novel as following a vision rather than a plan, which has led to unexpected joys. She reminded me we all have to find our own way—and that there is great value in the middle path.
A Thirty-Year Book Club and the Power of Community
One of my favorite conversations was with a reader who has been in the same book club for thirty years. Thirty years! Members have come and gone, but the group remains constant. Together, they’ve read books she never would have chosen on her own—fiction, nonfiction, every genre imaginable. Her face lit up as she described how the group has shaped her reading life. This conversation reminded me that, like book festivals, book clubs are about more than just reading—they’re about connection.
Why Book Festivals Matter
Book festivals can be sources of inspiration, learning, creative connection, and a barometer of your growth as a writer—no matter what point you are at in your writing journey.
Have you ever attended a book festival? What’s been your most important takeaway? Have you ever had an unexpected creative breakthrough at one?