The UCLA Extension Writers' Program celebrated its 30th Annual Publication Party on Nov. 6 with an evening of readings, book signings and literary conversation at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
This year's event featured writing from nine UCLA Extension instructors, who read from their recent and upcoming work for an audience of friends, family, and fellow Writers' Program students and staff.
For Charlie Jensen, who has directed the program since 2016, the event underscored the idea that, though writing may be a solitary endeavor, writers themselves are "rooted in community."
"There is comfort in community, purpose in community, power in community. We make space for one another so that complicated times feel less lonely," Jensen said. "At its core, writing is about what it means to be human."
Instructors read from short stories, novels, works of non-fiction and poetry that were by turns dramatic and pulse-pounding and by others dryly comedic. Lou Mathews, who read his short story "Bat Fat," noted the celebratory atmosphere intended to honor writers and their work.
"We get to sell a few books, get some applause and stand here a little bit in the spotlight," said Mathews, who has been involved with the Writers' Program since 1989 and present at every publication party since its inception. "And I love the staff. When you've been around this long, you really appreciate what they do."
The evening's other readers included: David Borofka, reading from his novel "The End of Good Intentions"; Aatif Rashid, reading an excerpt of his short story "The Veiled One"; Mary Jones, reading the short story "Help Will Be Here Soon"; Rick Bursky, reading the poem "The Winter Man"; Robin Finn, reading an excerpt from her non-fiction work on writing "Heart. Soul. Pen."; Valerie Brandy, reading an excerpt from her novel "Trail of Obsession"; Tim Cummings reading the short story "The Gift"; and Nancy Spiller reading her short story "Sunken Dreams."
The event concluded with author signings and book sales sponsored by Small World Books, and a reception that gave writers and readers alike the chance to share their perspectives and discuss everyone's favorite topic: books.
"It felt really important to come together and celebrate diversity of writing and people," said attendee Paul Keeley. "I loved being a part of an event like that."
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About the UCLA Extension Writers' Program: After more than 50 years, the Writers' Program remains one of the most prestigious creative writing and screenwriting continuing education programs in the nation, offering more than 400 courses annually. The program is a home for students with all levels of writing experience, featuring an open admissions policy and a supportive community of instructors, staff and students, to ensure that writers from all walks of life are inspired and guided to do their best work.
