The Story Behind the Story: Behind-the-Scenes of Writing & Publishing

Black Bird Bookstore & Cafe (Outer Sunset) Event Link: see venue calendar above ^^ Dig into the nuts and bolts of writing and publishing with Devon Halliday, Brooklyn literary agent turned novelist, as she launches her debut To Stay, To Stay, To Stay. She'll discuss the "the long, meandering path to getting a book in the world" with local author Rebecca Handler, whose second novel In the Round is also forthcoming from indie press McSweeney's. Come for the personal stories (they've both been nominated for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize), stay for the industry lessons. We'll hold plenty of time for audience Q&A. The conversation will be moderated by Christina Pappas of Same Page SF , your home for all things local and literary. *** Devon Halliday is a writer and former literary agent based in Brooklyn. Her stories have appeared in the Pushcart Prize Anthology and have been distinguished in Best American Short Stories. Her criticism appears in Liberties, the Los Angeles Review of Books, and Lit Hub. She writes a popular Substack about publishing, craft, and the writing life. Her debut novel To Stay, To Stay, To Stay (McSweeney's 2026) has been longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. Rebecca Handler is a writer who lives and works in San Francisco. Rebecca’s stories have been published and awarded in several anthologies. Edie Richter is Not Alone, her debut novel, was published by Unnamed Press in March 2021, received a Kirkus Starred Review, and was longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. Her second novel, In the Round, will be published by McSweeney’s in November 2026. Rebecca has been awarded two MacDowell fellowships and is currently at work on a third novel. location provided by event source: "4541 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122" ―――――――――― SF Stuff To Do