We’ve been through a few storied years, nationally, globally, scientifically. As we forge forward writing in a new, complexly shifting age, how do we approach subjects with new eyes? How do we keep ourselves afloat and find purpose in our writing against a constantly changing world narrative? Could certain narratives, (such as the zombie apocalypse/every man for himself scenario) be dangerous to societal thinking? Is it the responsibility of the author to create stories with all these ideas in mind?

To discuss these questions, we’re gathering science fiction and speculative fiction authors who’ve written utopian and dystopian stories. Host Kate Maruyama will lead a roundtable discussion with award-winning authors, including Cecil Castellucci, Matthew Kressel, PJ Manney, Nisi Shawl, and Sherri L. Smith.

The event is free and you can watch via YouTube Live on the WeHo Arts channel. Learn more at www.weho.org/wehoreads/

WeHo Reads is a literary series presented by the City of West Hollywood. More information and events at www.weho.org/wehoreads. BookSwell, a literary events and media company dedicated to lifting up writers from historically excluded communities, is producing the WeHo Reads 2023 season. Additional support is provided by UCLA Extension Writers’ Program and Poets & Writers as well as media partnerships with Bookshop.org, Book Soup, and Los Angeles Review of Books.