The Los Angeles Post

LA County Library Unveils Full Schedule and Onsite Experiences for Inaugural Next Chapter Writers’ Summit

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Adam Silvera, Jacqueline Woodson, and Justin Torres Headline a Day of Panels, Workshops, Activations, and Exciting Giveaways

West Hollywood, CA – LA County Library’s first-ever Next Chapter Writers’ Summit will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 10 am to 6:30 pm at West Hollywood Library, West Hollywood Park, and the West Hollywood Aquatic Center. The free summit celebrates storytelling, belonging, and diverse voices with a full day of panels, workshops, resources for creators, and community connection.

This year’s theme, Celebrating LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC Voices, highlights the importance of inclusive perspectives in literature at a time when the freedom to read is increasingly challenged. The summit features highly anticipated author talks alongside a robust schedule of programming designed to inspire readers, writers, and publishing professionals.

Main Stage Highlights

Special Experiences

  • Power Hour: Fuel Up and Relax — At 3 pm, guests who check in at a panel or library tables starting at 1 pm will receive a free boxed lunch to enjoy during the afternoon sessions.
  • Giveaways Throughout the Day — Attendees will have a chance to win a Kindle, wellness gift baskets, gift cards, signed books from featured authors, and THREE exclusive Labubu collectibles just for teens.
  • Teen Perks — Teens who register for Jen Wang’s Graphic Novel Workshop will receive art supplies to keep, plus a pizza lunch while watching Adam Silvera’s author talk.
  • Activation Wall — Throughout the day, guests can contribute to an interactive wall by sharing their thoughts on stories that need to be heard, creating a collective reflection on the importance of diverse voices.

Event Schedule

  • 10 am – 10:45 am
    Under the Bookfluence: How BookTok Shapes Our Shelves — Alexandria Juarez, Taylor Capozzola
    From Pitch to Print: Insider Tips from Publishing Pros — Eddie Gamarra, Jordan Hamessley, Erinn Pascal, Melanie Figueroa
  • 11:15 am – 12 pm
    Making Something Out of Nothing: A Literary Fiction Panel — E.P. Tuazon, Esinam Bediako
    It’s Not Easier Than Adult Fiction: A Panel on YA Fiction — Jen Wang, Abdi Nazemian, Livia Blackburne
  • 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
    Library Tools for Creators: Resources for Writers & Book Influencers — LA County Library Staff
    Stories That Draw You In: A Graphic Novel Workshop for Teens — Jen Wang
  • 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
    I Remember It This Way: A Panel on Memoir — Michelle Tea, Julia Lee, Meredith Maran
    They Both Talk on Stage — Adam Silvera, Dr. Skye Patrick
    From Final Draft to Festival: A Screenwriters’ Panel — Christopher Guerrero, Michelle Denise Jackson, Halle Mariner
  • 2:45 pm – 4 pm
    Resources & Music — DJ Moni
    Book Signing — All Authors
  • 3 pm – 3:45 pm
    Knowing the Tropes: A Genre Fiction Panel — Aimee Lim, Edward Underhill
  • 4 pm – 4:30 pm
    Writing Contest Announcement — LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and  LA County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick
  • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
    We Were Always Here: A Conversation with Jacqueline Woodson and Justin Torres — Jacqueline Woodson, Justin Torres, Dr. Skye Patrick
  • 5:45 pm – 6:30 pm
    Celebration & Book Signings — Jacqueline Woodson, Justin Torres

Registration and Information: Visit the Next Chapter Writers’ Summit webpage.