SWAMPSCOTT — The public library and ReachArts will host the first-ever Red Rock Literary Festival this fall.
The event, which will be held in the first weekend of November, will include two half-days of panels and workshops, a keynote speech by a local author and a Saturday night reception including live performances of literary characters in costume.
“There are dozens of editors, writers and graphic designers living in Swampscott,” said Laura Smith, a member of ReachArts helping to organize the festival. “What we’re hoping to do is bring people together and set the stage for people who want to write with the goal of being published.”
A Sunday morning keynote talk will be given by Swampscott resident Ian Thomsen, an award-winning sports writer who covers the NBA for Sports Illustrated. Thomsen is the author of “The Soul of Basketball: The Epic Showdown between Lebron, Kobe, Doc and Dirk that Saved the NBA,” which came out in 2018.
Smith said that ReachArts has already received dozens of responses from writers who wish to participate, and is optimistic that the event will be well-attended.
She said that while nearby communities like Salem and Marblehead have similar events already, ReachArts saw an opening in this community. They made the decision to name the festival “Red Rock” to make sure that they also included writers and artists from Lynn and Nahant, instead of limiting their reach to just to Swampscott.
“It will really make a big difference in the literary community,” Smith said.
The event has been funded through a grant from the Swampscott Cultural Council.
ReachArts is also currently preparing for its first Garden Art Walk, which is scheduled for Sunday, July 11, with a rain date of July 18. Attendees at the free event will be able to enjoy local gardens and take in artistic works, in addition to painting demonstrations and other family-friendly activities.
Writers and others who are interested in participating at the Red Rock Literary Festival panels or workshops can get more information by emailing [email protected].
