Schedule Of Events

11 a.m. : Welcoming Remarks - J.D. Leza, Dr. Andrea Elizondo

We kick of the 10th Annual People's Literary Festival with opening remarks from Festival Chair J.D. Leza along with Del Mar College's own Andrea Elizondo.

Location : Del Mar College Library, 101 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

11:15 a.m Session 1 : Keynote Kickoff – Debut Novelist Reading and Discussion - Detective Fiction : Holy City

Scott Obenesser (Corpus Christi, TX), Henry Wise (Virginia)
Detective Fiction is a historically popular genre that represents literature's unique connection to shifting audiences, media, and artistic convention. The genre's mark on the last century is immense, ranging from expanding national literacy via pulp media to adaptations in Hollywood file. More importantly, Detective Fiction has long sought to complicate reductive images of justice, represent the underrepresented, and underscore the human desire for truth. In a continuing effort to bring exciting new writers to the Del Mar student body and community, novelist Henry Wise will read from and discuss his debut novel Holy City, published by Grove Atlantic in June 2024 and professional creative writing process. Holy City explores the weight of life and tragedy in rural America, particularly forgotten communities where the nation's labor, racial, and ecological histories are intrinsically tied to justice and public service. Holy City's themes are relevant to students in English, Journalism, Liberal Arts, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Economics, and Anthropology. This presentation is funded in part by Del Mar College's Cultural Programs Fund.

Location : Del Mar College Library, 101 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

12:45 p.m Session 2 : How to Get Published Panel: Cultural & Community Leadership Editing Magazines, Journals and Books

J.D. Leza (Banquete, TX)

Editing Magazines, Journals and Books explores the art, science and process of selecting and editing articles, literature, poetry, art and ads for publication, as well as the choices, challenges and process a newly published author used to select and work with agents, editors and publishers.  Participants will learn about what led these cultural and community leaders to their fields, what criteria and steps their publications and publishers use, the evolution of their industries and what the future looks like from their positions, and tips for aspiring authors, editors and publishers. This presentation is funded in part by Del Mar College's Cultural Programs Fund.

Location : Del Mar College Library, 101 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

12:45 p.m.Session 3 : Professional Development Workshop The Writing Process

Rebecca Alvarado (Corpus Christi, TX)

Location : Del Mar College Library, 101 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

2 p.m Session 4 : How to Get Published: Self-Publishing The Lived Human Experience in Self-Publishing

Bryan Jones (Corpus Christi, TX)

The Lived Human Experience in Self-Publishing explores the decision to self-publish and the steps necessary to secure rights of intellectual property involved in several self-published works ranging from autobiographical, poetry, collaborative, and self-help. In an effort to encourage, inspire, and educate on the journey of self-publishing, Say Something host Bryan Jones will be introducing three Corpus Christi, TX resident black authors to speak on their upbringing and the paths that drew them to the literary mediums they've published.

Location : Del Mar College Library, 101 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

2 p.m Session 5 :  Professional Development Workshop Research and Resources for Writing

Jennifer Jimenz-Perez (Corpus Christi, TX)

Location : Del Mar College Library, 101 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

7 p.m Session 9 : Corpus Christi Poet Laureate Panel Robin Carstensen (Corpus Christi, TX)

2023-2024 Outgoing Poet Laureate Dr. Robin Carstensen, will introduce the incoming 2025-2026 Corpus Christi Poet Laureate. There will be City & County Proclamations, an award ceremony, reading & discussion, and the new Poet Laureate's vision presentation.

Location : All Saints' Episcopal Church, 3026 S. Staples Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

8 p.m Session 10 : Robb and Vanesa Jackson Award Ceremony for High School Poets

Robin Carstensen (Corpus Christi, TX), Matrex Kilgore (Austin, TX), Kylie Cooper (Corpus Christi, TX)

This contest, honoring the life of Robb Jackson, who was a Regents Professor of English at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, awards exceptional high school poets, who will read their winning poems.

Location : All Saints' Episcopal Church, 3026 S. Staples Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

9:30 p.m Remarks : Closing Remarks

Alan Berecka (Sinton, TX), Sarah Lenz, and Rev. Jonathan Wickham

Location : All Saints' Episcopal Church, 3026 S. Staples Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78404