Our 2021 SASFest was completely virtual, with online events March 11 – 14. You can still watch panel discussions, the Reading Series, plus special events, all from the comfort of home. Click the cover image to flip through our 2021 program! Or click HERE for a downloadable PDF version. See below for viewing information.
About the Festival—now in our 19th 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.
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.
2021 Speakers
Thoughts on the Festival from our attendees
“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 AND SINNERS SHORT FICTION CONTEST / Submissions are open.
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 Martin Hyatt (pictured) who will serve as this year’s judge. More about Martin HERE.
SAINTS AND SINNERS POETRY CONTEST / Submissions are open.
The winner will be selected from submissions of original unpublished poems by LGBTQ+ writers on the general theme of RAIN. This contest would not be possible without support from Scovern Law Firm and printing support from the Commonality Institute. Thanks to Julie Enszer (pictured) who will serve as this year’s judge. More about Julie HERE.
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.
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