StoryFest is a multi-day, genre-spanning literary festival, now in its eighth year. It is a celebration of the story in all its forms, and storytellers from across all media. Those attending will hear award-winning and debut authors talk about their work and books they have coming out this fall.
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Sponsored by the Lance Lundberg Family Foundation
StoryFest kicks off as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with author and Oscar-nominated filmmaker (for his documentary Sugarcane) Julian Brave NoiseCat. NoiseCat’s highly anticipated memoir, We Survived the Night, releases nationwide October 14, and we’ll have copies one night early to celebrate the launch! NoiseCat will be in conversation Ramin Ganeshram, executive director of the Westport Museum for History and Culture, and introduced by writer and professor Valerie Seiling Jacobs.
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StoryFest kicks off its main event weekend by showcasing storytelling through film and music, starting with a screening of the documentary, Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues. That will be followed by a performance from The James Montgomery Blues Band featuring SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman, showcasing songs from the film.
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StoryFest’s busiest day features a full slate of panel discussions, author talks, and signings, plus a live edition of Jennifer Baker's Minorities in Publishing podcast. More than 30 authors will be in attendance, including first-time in-person guests Charlie Jane Anders (All the Birds in the Sky), Christina Baker Kline (Orphan Train), and Cadwell Turnbull (No Gods, No Monsters); returning favorites Rachel Harrison (Black Sheep) and Lorien Lawrence (Fright Watch); plus many, many more!
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ENTRY IS FREE WITH A FESTIVAL DAY PASS!
How do writers transform personal history, their own and others, into compelling stories? Explore how writers mine the truth and histories of their own lives and the lives of others to create stories as bold as life itself. With Nabil Ayers, Mariah Fredericks, Koren Shadmi, and Bonnie Tsui. Moderator: Sonya Huber.
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Librarian and horror expert and critic Becky Siegel Spratford gathers some of the most celebrated contemporary horror writers to discuss why they love the genre. With Clay McLeod Chapman, Rachel Harrison, Cassandra Khaw, and Hailey Piper.
MCCALL ROOM
CLASS SIZE CAP: 25
AGES: MIDDLE SCHOOL +
In this 90-minute session, screenwriter and film director Claire Ayoub will speak with attendees about their favorite films and then break those films down into a clear understanding of the hero’s journey. This session will discuss how to build a three-dimensional hero with clear wants and fears, as well as how to create challenges for that hero to go against and grow by the end of the film — including how to build a most excellent villain. Great for all ages, especially middle school and up. (Parents are invited to join the fun to tell their own stories)
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ENTRY IS FREE WITH A FESTIVAL DAY PASS!
Stories of youth are stories of transformation. Hear how children’s and YA writers explore the heartbreak, hopes, hilarities, and horrors of growing up. With Charlie Jane Anders, Derrick Barnes, Lorien Lawrence, Hailey Piper, and Dan Poblocki. Moderator: Charnaie Gordon.
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ENTRY IS FREE WITH A FESTIVAL DAY PASS!
What happens when writers cross boundaries — cultural, structural, or imaginative. This panel explores fiction that resists categorization, expands perspectives, and reminds us of the limitless power of storytelling. With Martin Cahill, Jordan Castro, Gabi Coatsworth, Nalini Jones, Joan Silber, and Cadwell Turnbull. Moderator: Heather Frimmer.
BROOKS PLACE
ENTRY IS FREE WITH A FESTIVAL A DAY PASS!
Publishing professionals and dynamic authors Lauren Morrow (Little Movements) and Amber Oliver (When the Music Hits) join host Jennifer Baker for a fun and engaging conversation about their electrifying debut novels — both of which reflect characters experiencing the darker side of ambition — as well as the realities of balancing a writing life while working full-time in the publishing industry.
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ENTRY IS FREE WITH A FESTIVAL DAY PASS!
From trailblazers to everyday heroines, literature has long offered a space to reimagine women’s roles and voices. In this discussion, authors explore the craft of writing complex female characters who reflect resilience, vulnerability, and the full range of human experience. With Sharbari Ahmed, Christina Baker Kline, Anne Burt, Brigitte Dale, Kirsten Miller, and Sarah Stewart Taylor. Moderator: Liz Matthews.
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Horror’s preeminent editor and StoryFest favorite Ellen Datlow sits down with writers from her new anthology, Night and Day, with one side featuring stories about what haunts the night while the other side showcases the terrors that can exist in the light of day. With Clay McLeod Chapman, Brian Evenson, and Rachel Harrison.
MCCALL ROOM
CLASS SIZE CAP: 30
AGES: ALL AGES; ADULTS ENCOURAGED!
Would you like to get crafty? Select a favorite book to bedazzle with gems, glitter, and other embellishments. Although it may not be possible to bedazzle an entire book in an hour, you will be provided with instruction to start you on your path! We simply ask that you select a book with a cover that is appropriate for bedazzling. Simpler designs with bold text or minimal details work best (think Emily Henry–style covers). You may bring an extra book option, and we will help you with your selection. De-stress, unwind, and enjoy a little fun, creative time designed for relaxation and rejuvenation!
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StoryFest favorite Clay McLeod Chapman closes out StoryFest Saturday with a special live edition of his Verso Studios podcast Fearmongers, live on the main stage featuring special guests, readings, spooky shenanigans, and even a surprise or two.
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Award-winning producer and Shondaland visionary Shonda Rhimes returns to The Westport Library to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her New York Times best-selling memoir, Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person. NBC anchor Craig Melvin (Today) will be moderating the conversation, and Rhimes will be joined by special guests and share the new moments that shaped her life over the past 10 years. Tickets include a signed copy of the 10th anniversary edition of Year of Yes, which features updates and exclusive new chapters. This event is presented in partnership with RJ Julia Booksellers.
VERSO UNIVERSITY | BROOKS PLACE
Thursdays, October 9, 16 & 23
Learn to tell visual stories with acclaimed photographer Arthur Nager. Develop your photographic vision and create a compelling portfolio, book, or exhibition with this three-part course from Verso University, The Westport Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative.
SHEFFER GALLERY
On Display: October 8 through December 15
Curator and photographer Arthur Nager worked with Carole Erger-Fass, exhibit curator of The Westport Library, and members of the Westport Public Art Collections to identify photographs that demonstrated diverse creative and technological approaches to the medium. The work on display includes portraits, landscape studies, historical, documentary, and abstract imagery in black and white and color.
