Symposium By The Sea is back

The Writer’s Symposium By The Sea is underway at Point Loma Nazarene University this week. 

If you’re unfamiliar with the event, the university hosts a group of writers on campus to talk about their craft and work. It’s led by journalism director Dean Nelson. Nelson interviews each attendee in the Brown Chapel. 

I’ve had the opportunity to attend almost every year while I was attending PLNU and would always leave the evening talks inspired to read and write more. 

A memorable one for me was William Finnegan in 2023, author of surf memoir “Barbarian Days.” I had the chance to have a one-on-one interview with him before his talk, and alongside some good stories, he also gave me some great life and writing advice. It was an important milestone in my own writing career that wouldn’t have been possible without this event. 

This year’s lineup includes Jamaica Kincaid on Feb. 26 and George Saunders on Feb. 27. Journalist Judy Woodruff kicked it off yesterday.

I’m most excited about George Saunders. I read his short story collection, “The Tenth of December,” last year and was really perplexed by his style. It takes some getting used to, but his writing is a very personal stream of consciousness prose that explores societal decay, loneliness and the human spirit. 

I highly encourage you to check out all the events. They are more than worth it. You can buy tickets here.