This past weekend, I went on a literary journey from the comfort of my couch, diving into the incredible content from the 2025 Library of Congress National Book Festival. The festival, which took place in person and online, featured a remarkable lineup of authors discussing their recent works. While I couldn’t be there in person, I spent my weekend watching many of the fascinating interviews.
Most of the authors I watched wrote nonfiction, and their conversations were as diverse as their subjects. I learned about the turn-of-the-century Martian craze, the complexities of homelessness, lesser known aspects of the death penalty, the world’s tuberculosis crisis, and the urgent challenges of climate change. I also got new insights into the life and work of Mark Twain and even picked up some tips on how to write scary stories for young audiences.
Coming away from the festival, my mind is buzzing. My TBR (to-be-read) pile has grown significantly, and I’ve gained an abundance of new knowledge from these experts. But more than that, I have a profound appreciation for the dedication and passion of these authors and their commitment to telling important stories. Watching them talk about their work has given me fresh motivation and inspiration for my own writing projects.
The Benefits of Attending Literary Festivals
Whether you’re a devoted reader or an aspiring writer, literary festivals like the National Book Festival offer immense value. Here are some key reasons to put it on your calendar for the future.
- Discover New Authors and Genres: Festivals are a fantastic way to find new voices and explore topics you might not have considered before. You can move beyond your usual reading habits and uncover a new favorite author or subject.
- Gain a Deeper Understanding of a Book: Hearing an author discuss their work provides invaluable context. You can learn about their research process, what motivated them to write the book, and the deeper meanings behind the stories. It’s like a behind-the-scenes tour of the book itself.
- Get Inspired and Motivated: For writers, these events are a wellspring of inspiration. Listening to published authors talk about their journeys, challenges, and successes can reignite your passion and give you the push you need to get back to your own work.
- Connect with the Literary Community: While attending in person is a great way to meet other book lovers, even watching online connects you to a larger community of readers and writers who share your interests. It’s a great reminder that you’re part of something bigger.
The Library of Congress National Book Festival videos are available free online, so you can still watch many of the events. Why not take a look and see what inspires you?