Page 3 - Program 2018

We are pleased to bring you another year of exciting and thought-provoking programming. This year’s theme is
Gloriana Britannia! Please join us in welcoming ten respected authors and special guests from across the pond.
They include a renowned food critic who will talk about his favorite British comfort food and a distinguished
historian and former Oxford professor who will share some of her favorite historical figures. Of course any
celebration of Britain must include the royal family and so we open this year’s festival with Sally Bedell Smith in
conversation with Patt Morrison on The Royals.
You will notice that we are featuring a lot more conversations this year. Many of the pairings are obvious while others less so. We hope
these will result in some unexpected and robust dialogues!
We continue to offer a mix of fiction, biography, history and current events. This year’s 45 writers can claim Pulitzer Prizes, National
Book Awards, MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellowships, People’s Choice Awards and an Oscar. In addition, we have a distinguished line
up of 21 moderators and special guests—quite a few who call the Coachella Valley home.
Our goal is to present something of interest every hour in every room whether it is one of your favorite writers or someone entirely Deborah Dejah
unfamiliar to you. Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said, “Knowledge is when you learn something new every day.” Enjoy!
DIRECTOR OF
PROGRAMMING
Deborah Dejah
Director of Programming

It is my honor to be the Executive Producer of the 2018 Rancho Mirage Writer’s Festival. Now, back to business: In five short years the
Festival is all grown up, global in reach, and so full of readers and writers that my job has become steering this giant ship full of knowledge.
Since 2014, the Library has adapted to the Festival and vice versa. Our home is your home each day. Last year we even attracted the attention
of C-SPAN, which aired our programming on their network. Meeting throughout the year, we are driven to improve the festival for our
readers, angels, and writers. Every detail matters and giving you a fantastic experience is our mission:

• We are good listeners, please tell us how you like each session and the overall Festival.
• We have increased the time between sessions to give you an opportunity to navigate your way through five Library venues under one roof.
• We have limited the number of attendees at the festival, to help avoid congestion.
• We have secured discounts from local restaurants, so that you have an option at the end of each day to gather with friends over dinner to
discuss books and authors.
• We have 85 sessions for you to choose from, all packed with learning opportunities in a broad range of topics.
• We want you to meet the authors and, if you like, to purchase their books.

From complimentary valet parking when you arrive, a staff of courteous and friendly volunteers to guide you, comfortable seating in all five
rooms, and a wonderful mid-day lunch, we want you comfortable and focused on author talks. (Please be sure to fill out the comment cards
that are available.)
Debbie Green
I personally want to thank the Angels, Readers, and Writers for your participation and I look forward to greeting you each day. One favor,
please thank our volunteer staff when you see them….they all work hard to make the festival a success and better every year. EXECUTIVE
PRODUCER
Thank you so much for your support and please enjoy the 2018 Rancho Mirage Writer’s Festival!
Debbie Green
Executive Producer
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