On Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the West Hollywood Library, the WeHo Writers Summit 2025 — also known as the Next Chapter Writers’ Summit — brought together writers, readers, and literary professionals from across Los Angeles County for a powerful daylong celebration of books, storytelling, and belonging.
The event brought together writers, readers, and literary professionals from across Los Angeles County for a powerful, daylong celebration of books, storytelling, and belonging this past. Held as a free event, this year’s summit focused on uplifting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices—authors whose lived experiences and perspectives are shaping a richer, more inclusive literary world. The theme struck a timely chord, as the American Library Association reports a record 2,452 book titles were banned or challenged in 2024, many centering on race, equity, and LGBTQIA+ themes.
A highlight of the day was a compelling conversation between National Book Award winners Jacqueline Woodson (Brown Girl Dreaming) and former West Hollywood resident Justin Torres (Blackouts). The two explored how the traditional hero’s journey plays out in everyday life, especially through stories rooted in identity and change.
LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath addressed the crowd, emphasizing the vital importance of the freedom to read: “Every book, every theme, every story, every word has a place in books and in the hands and minds of people in LA County and across America,” she said.
West Hollywood Councilmembers Danny Hang and John Erickson were on hand to present County honors to this year’s standout literary voices:
Adult Fiction: Carol Chan, What It Tastes Like
Teen Fiction: Elsie Cannon, Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Haunted House
Adult Poetry: Ashley Lanuza, Exit on Verdugo
Teen Fiction: Betty Chen, How a Chinese Mother Moves
The summit once again proved that storytelling is not only a celebration of imagination, but also an act of resistance, resilience, and connection.
Good grief.
And there it is. 🤡