It was a sultry evening on June 29, when forty-odd adults, surrounded by fans, faced down a panel of three published authors, an established editor, and one venerable moderator. The assembled audience was treated to an illuminating and frank discussion about the writing and publishing processes, a peek into the universe of the successful auteur. Each panelist came at us from a slightly different direction: Armistead Maupin first tasted success by further developing a serial he’d been writing for the Chronicle; Ayelet Waldman started out in criminal law, and then mysteries; Peter Orner wrote his first novel over the course of twelve years, filling in the gaps with short stories. Thus, the stories and experiences from each author were original and valuable.

The second half of the program focused on getting one’s work published. Here, Tara Weaver, an aspiring novelist herself, provided vats of useful insight from her perspective as an editor. We heard about the roles an agent can play, the hazards of self-publishing, and what exactly to submit when you’re shopping your brilliant manuscript around. The agenda moved seamlessly into questions from the audience, answered gracefully by our patient committee.

The panel was brilliantly and jovially kept by Oscar Villalon, book editor for the San Francisco Chronicle. The crowd left sated, with full bellies of comfort and advice for their own literary aspirations.

Adult seminars are offered monthly on a variety of topics centered around writing and publishing. All proceeds support 826 Valencia projects.