
Don't miss a minute of our 20th Anniversary celebration March 24 - 26, 2023.
Join us in the French Quarter at the beautiful Hotel Monteleone for author readings, panel discussions, master classes, and social gatherings.
Save $40 if you register NOW at the limited time low price of only $110.
Don't hesitate to treat yourself to a beautiful room at the literary landmark HOTEL MONTELEONE, our host hotel.
We're excited to continue our partnership with them, and they have a block of rooms with a special rate for our attendees. You can book online or call 504-523-3341.
Be sure to tell them you're with the Tennessee Williams Festival block.


About the Festival—now in our 20th year!
The Saints and Sinners Literary Festival was founded in 2003 as a new initiative designed as an innovative way to reach the community with information about HIV/AIDS, particularly disseminating prevention messages via the writers, thinkers and spokes-people of the LGBTQ+ community. It was also formed to bring the LGBTQ+ literary community together to celebrate the literary arts.
A program of the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, SASFest has grown into an internationally-recognized event that brings together a who’s who of LGBTQ+ publishers, writers and readers from throughout the United States and beyond. The Festival, held over 3 days each spring at the Hotel Monteleone in the New Orleans French Quarter, features panel discussions and master classes around literary topics that provide a forum for authors, editors and publishers to talk about their work for the benefit of emerging writers and the enjoyment of fans of LGBTQ+ literature.
Thoughts on the Festival
“Saints & Sinners is hands down one of the best places to go to revive a writer’s spirit. Imagine a gathering in which you can lean into conversations with some of the best writers and editors and publishers in the country, all of them speaking frankly and passionately about the books, stories and people they love and hate and want most to record in some indelible way. Imagine a community that tells you truthfully what is happening with writing and publishing in the world you most want to reach. Imagine the flirting, the arguing, the teasing and praising and exchanging of not just vital information, but the whole spirit of queer arts and creation. Then imagine it all taking place on the sultry streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter. That’s Saints & Sinners—the best wellspring of inspiration and enthusiasm you are going to find. Go there.”
The Festival has grown into an internationally-recognized event that brings together a who’s who of LGBTQ+ publishers, writers and readers from throughout the United States and beyond. The Festival, held over 3 days each spring at the Hotel Monteleone in the New Orleans French Quarter, features panel discussions and master classes around literary topics that provide a forum for authors, editors and publishers to talk about their work for the benefit of emerging writers and the enjoyment of fans of LGBTQ+ literature.
—Dorothy Allison, National Book Award finalist for Bastard Out of Carolina, and author of the critically acclaimed novel Cavedweller
SAINTS & SINNERS SHORT FICTION CONTEST CLOSED NOV. 1
Thanks to everyone who submitted to our short fiction contest. The winner will be selected from submissions of original, unpublished short stories between 3,000 and 7,000 words with LGBT content on the broad theme of “Saints and Sinners.” This contest would not be possible without a generous grant from The John Burton Harter Foundation. Thanks to Michael Nava (pictured) who will serve as this year’s judge. More about Michael HERE.
CONTEST RE-OPENS MAY 1, 2023.
SAINTS & SINNERS POETRY CONTEST CLOSED NOV. 1
Thanks to everyone who submitted to our poetry contest. The winner will be selected from submissions of original unpublished poems by LGBTQ+ writers on the general theme of FAMILY. This contest would not be possible without support from Scovern Law Firm. Thanks to Emanuel Xavier (pictured) who will serve as this year’s judge. More about Emanuel HERE.
CONTEST RE-OPENS MAY1, 2023.
2023 Speakers - Coming Soon!
Thanks to our Sponsors

LDOA

NOTCF

Scovern Law

GNOF LGBT FUND

Times-Picayune

Heim Foundation

Communify

Avita

Hotel Monteleone

Sinister Wisdom

Tubby & Coo's

Rebel Satori

BK House

Rattling Good Yarns

Midlo

Chelsea Stations

Beautiful Dreamer
BUY SAINTS & SINNERS SHORT FICTION & POETRY ANTHOLOGIES







Contact Us
Saints & Sinners Literary Festival
Paul J. Willis, Director
A Project of the Tennessee Williams/
New Orleans Literary Festival
938 Lafayette St., Suite 514
New Orleans, LA 70113
504.581.1144
Follow SASFest on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @sasfest
SASFest is a program of the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival.
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