GOING THE DISTANCE—NOT THERE YET  brings together writings that offer strength, hope, and solidarity in this time of ongoing viral pandemic, embedded racism, economic hardship, climate crisis, and threats to democracy. This column of poetry and short prose is published weekly in the Benicia Herald and is posted at Going The Distance. Due to space limitations, prose pieces of fewer than 350 words, or poems of fewer than 30 lines, with a maximum of 30 characters per line work best. Send your writing to msgast45@gmail.com

Benicia Literary Arts is seeking volunteers

Welcome! What we do:
  • Read, edit, and work with authors on their manuscripts
  • Publish works of literary merit
  • Hold events that inform and educate writers
  • Sponsor ongoing writing groups who help each other
  • Sponsor workshops on writing, publishing, social media
We started a blog! We invite you to join the conversation on the blog page. 










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Shut Up and Write!

Please join Benicia Literary Arts for an evening of focused writing time at the Benicia Library. All genres and experience levels are encouraged, and don't worry, no one will see what you've written! This is about getting your writing done and meeting other local writers.

We'll begin at 6:30 by leading a quick round of introductions, then start quiet writing time at 6:45. At 8:15, we'll wrap up and take some more time to get to know each other, share challenges and successes as writers, etc. Again, there will be no obligation to share your work! Feel free to take breaks as needed throughout the event.

Location: Benicia Library - Doña Benicia Room
Dates: November 25, 2024
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

*There is no meeting on Monday, November 11 as it is a holiday. The next meeting will be Monday, November 25th.






Joan Gelfand, the first writer and poet we published has received a 2024 NYC Big Book Award in New Adult Nonfiction for Outside Voices, A memoir of the Berkeley Revolution.



Benicia Literary Arts' Holiday party will be on December 14






Celebrate the Holiday Season with Benicia Literary Arts

A holiday celebration on Saturday, December 14th from 3-5 pm at Estey Realty, 216 First Street in Benicia is open to members and anyone who would like to raise a glass to the year in literature and honor some who have led the organization. The event is free to members and $10 for guests. Members please register on Eventbrite (below), payment for non-members will be collected at the door (cash preferred).
 
Leaders of the organization will give short readings. Past presidents, Johanna Ely, Jim White, and Lois Requist will read along with Mary Eichbauer, Editor-in-Chief who has played a central role in publishing for many years. Requist also was a cofounder of the literary group.
Books published by Benicia Literary Arts and local authors will be on display and available for purchase. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Door prizes will be awarded. It’s a good time to acquaint yourself with some of the literary folks in town. Looking forward to seeing you there!