About Us
Mission Statement
To recognize the literary accomplishments of diverse women authors, to advance community awareness of locally authored literature and to raise money for a community non-profit.
History
The Pasadena Festival of Women Authors was the brainchild of Elsie Sadler and Susan Long, both Pasadena residents. They knew that the passion and enthusiasm among book clubs and book lovers could be harnessed to create a great event and to do good things for Pasadena. They were also aware of the very successful book event held each year in Long Beach. In consultation with Peggy Buchanan, then Executive Director of the Pasadena Senior Center, they felt that a city with the stature of Pasadena should host its own literary event. It also seemed appropriate that the Pasadena Senior Center be the venue for the event and a worthy organization to absorb the profits. The three then set out to recruit a committee of enthusiastic volunteers and launched the first event in 2009.
The Pasadena Festival of Women Authors has several guidelines for the selection of authors. Since women make up the majority of book purchasers and book club members, the event focuses on women authors and, in addition, diverse and well-published local Southern California authors.
The event is designed to be an intimate setting in which authors and readers can interact with each other. Books are sold throughout the event, authors are available for book signing and a light lunch is served.
Many people make the event more enjoyable by coming with their book club or a group of book loving friends. Whether they come with a group or on their own, the PFWA is a fun and stimulating time.
The PFWA made donations to the Pasadena Senior Center of $15,000 in 2009 and $20,000 in 2010 and $24,400 in 2011.
Our Moderator
We are pleased again to have Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey moderate our festival and entertain questions from our guests. Elizabeth is the author of A Woman of Independent Means and several other best selling novels. Along with being a loving mother and grandmother, she is a community activist and currently working on a new book.
Authors
2009
Colleen Dunn Bates
Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey
Denise Hamilton
Erika Schikel
Gail Tsukiyama
Pamela Samuels Young |
2010
Reyna Grande
Claire LaZebnik
Nicole Mones
Marisa Silver |
2011
Naomi Hirahara
Attica Locke
Maile Meloy
Marianne Wiggins
Visit our 2011 Home Page |
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The Event Beneficiary
The 2012 Pasadena Festival of Women Authors will benefit the Pasadena Senior Center.
Link to The Pasadena Senior Center |
