EDITOR’S NOTE: Annalise Grueter is a member of the Aspen Writer’s Network and participant in its Summer Words workshops.
Currently, a tribe of people devoted to painting a picture in black and white for the mind’s eye are eagerly discussing their craft in Snowmass Village. This is the 49th anniversary of Aspen Words, and the summer workshops have brought in writers from around the U.S. and several other countries. This annual conference hosts both juried and general workshops run by prominent authors across genres, and facilitates connections with agents and editors.
As Aspen Words has grown, the time is ripe for the literary branch of the Aspen Institute to expand its offerings. Three months from now, Sept. 26-28, the organization is partnering with Book of the Month to present the inaugural Aspen Literary Festival (ALF). The event will bring 40 exceptional authors to the Roaring Fork Valley, and local organizations will partner with the hosts for a variety of literary-related events.
The festival was first announced in late March. The first nine authors to confirm their participation over the long weekend were: Elin Hilderbrand, Michael Lewis, Kevin Kwan, Leigh Bardugo, Bonnie Garmus, V.E. Schwab, Jasmine Guillory, Nathan Hill, and Victor LaValle. Per Aspen Words, these authors, collectively, have sold more than 65 million copies of their books, nine of which have been adapted to film or television.
“We’re setting out to create something fresh, immersive and wildly fun,” said Adrienne Brodeur, executive director of Aspen Words. “Aspen has long been a home for big ideas and creative visionaries. At Aspen Words, we’re bringing that same energy to literature by inviting some of the most exciting voices of our time to our beautiful mountain town at the most perfect time of year. For insiders, outsiders and in-betweeners this will be a weekend to remember.”
Seven more attending authors were announced through April and May. Xochitl Gonzalez, Jane Hamilton, Jess Walter and Patti Callahan Henry are all best-selling novelists. James Frey, who has been called the “bad boy of American literature” by The New York Times, is also attending. His most recent novel, “Next to Heaven,” was published just last week. Prolific multi-genre writer Walter Mosley and journalist Molly Jong-Fast have also confirmed their attendance.
Two leaders from Book of the Month are serving as the festival co-chairs. Executive Chairman John Lippman and Editorial Director Brianna Goodman look forward to ALF’s potential for increasing Aspen’s literary ties and the opportunity for further connection between writers and readers.
“We want the festival to be the literary love child of Sundance and South by Southwest — an event that buzzes with energy, creativity and fun,” said Lippman. “It’s about creating an experience where readers and authors connect and celebrate our literary community in a beautiful environment.”
Aspen Words Senior Program Associate Ivy Chalmers shared more details about the festival with The Sopris Sun, including that the organizers hope to connect literature with other forms of art throughout the weekend. “The Red Brick Arts Center will be the headquarters, so people will be encouraged to interact with the visual artwork.”
Chalmers also mentioned that Aspen Art Museum and Aspen Music Festival and School are also collaborating with Aspen Words to facilitate specific family-friendly events during the festival.
General free registration for the festival opened this month. Many of the author talks will be free for registered participants, hosted in downtown locations including the Aspen Community Church, Pitkin County Library and Galena Plaza.
The Wheeler Opera House will host ticketed events. Tickets for the Wheeler will open to the public on July 10 at $45, with discounts and early purchase available to Aspen Words members. Literary fanatics can purchase a $950 VIP ticket, which includes special seating at the marquee events and access to a private cocktail party with authors. Additional special events for full festival participants will be announced closer to September.
Read more about attending authors and register for the Aspen Literary Festival at www.aspenliteraryfestival.org Aspen Words and Book of the Month will continue to release periodic updates as more authors confirm attendance and collaborative events take shape.