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Fresno Writers Summit 2026

Fresno State’s Creative Writing Alumni Chapter presents the fourth annual Fresno Writers Summit, celebrating new books by Fresno State alumni authors. The event host is author Brynn Saito, coordinator of the university’s Master of Fine Arts program.

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 • 1 to 8 p.m.

Location: Smittcamp Alumni House (2625 Matoian Way, Fresno, CA 93740)

Fee: $10 general admission • Free for Fresno State students (with promo code)

Schedule:

1 to 2 p.m. – Session 1: Creative Writing Prize Showcase
Featuring readings by award-winning student writers Yeiri Farias, Celeste Jones, Phoua Lee, Sharon K. McClain, Leslie Kay Quintana, and Indigo Terán. With introductions by student writer Briana Garcia.

2:45 to 4:15 p.m. – Session 2
Featuring readings by alumni authors Sam Pereira, Olivia Muñoz, and Jack Chavoor. Book signing to follow.

4:15 to 6 p.m.– Break 
Dinner on your own.

6:30 to 8:00 p.m. – Session 3: Larry Levis Tribute
Featuring a reading and talk by alumni author David St. John, editor of the book Swirl & Vortex: Collected Poems of Larry Levis. With additional readings from recent winners of the Larry Levis Memorial Prize: alumni Emily Peacock and Dawn Parker, and student Jacob Selway. Book signing to follow.

Event Flyer
Author Bios
Student Showcase Bios

Proceeds from this year's summit will benefit the chapter's Larry Levis Memorial Scholarship. If you'd like to contribute to the scholarship now, visit our secure giving page.

SPONSORS

  • Creative Writing Alumni Chapter
  • Fresno Poets’ Association reading series
  • Armenian Studies Program
  • Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

All attendees are encouraged to wear a mask when indoors.

All attendees must register in advance or at the venue. Doors will open 30 minutes before each panel session. Proceeds benefit future creative writing alumni events and student scholarships.

Free parking in Lots P1 and P2 at the Shaw and Maple entrance, adjacent to University High School and the Smittcamp Alumni House. (Campus map)

There will be no livestream available. The event will be recorded for future broadcast on the Fresno State MFA YouTube channel, and links will be shared with attendees.

All participants are welcome. For disability related accommodations or access information, please contact Jefferson Beavers at jbeavers@mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.278.1569. Requests should be made at least one week in advance of the event.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Jefferson Beavers (559.278.1569 / jbeavers@mail.fresnostate.edu)

Yia Lee (lis1218@mail.fresnostate.edu) 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

Founded in 2016, the Creative Writing Alumni Chapter creates on-ground and online gathering spaces for alumni and community friends of the university’s Creative Writing Program. The all-volunteer organizing committee, as part of the Fresno State Alumni Association, aims to serve multiple generations of Fresno writers near and far, including Fresno State alumni with MFA, M.A., and B.A. degrees in creative writing and English.

The 2026-27 alumni committee members are: Jefferson Beavers, Melinda Medeiros, Karissa Ellison, Yia Lee, Michael Maniquiz, Briana Garcia, Angela Chaidez Vincent, Caleigh Camara, sami h. tripp, and Will Freeney.