By Brian Reich

“Sometimes when people think you are telling a story, you are actually telling the truth,” said Jodi Picoult during her keynote conversation with fellow author Alice Hoffman at the Writers & Readers Festival. This discussion felt like a thesis statement for the entire event, each panel further bringing light to the power and responsibility that all writers have.

The Writers & Readers Festival took place from April 15 to April 17, 2026 and over the three days, participants attended workshops featuring Adelphi professors, alumni and guest speakers discussing all aspects of the creative process. From panels discussing how writing and poetry are themselves revolutionary acts, to the differences in the traditional publishing route and self-publishing, there was always a different and engaging conversation happening. 

Adelphi University’s Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives Louise Geddes (far right) introduces Alice Hoffman (seated right) and Jodi Picoult at the Keynote Conversation on April 16, 2026.

Alice Hoffman spoke about her experiences writing and editing a creative non-fiction essay collection about dogs. Tim Weil discussed his experience making the musical “Rent” in relation to his newest autobiography coming out, and Adelphi’s very own MFA student Ed Mabrey, who is currently the Individual World Poetry Slam champion, along with English professors Emily Lee Luan and Jan-Henry Grey discussed the evolution of their poetry along with the reasons they write.

After each panel discussion, authors signed their books and engaged with audience members. Jodi Picoult (seated) and Alice Hoffman signed copies of their recent publications.

As it has been in the previous two years, the event was a massive success gaining a lot of attention not only from Adelphi students and alumni, but also from high school students across Long Island. Garden City High School senior Isabella Fuertes attended the Writers & Readers Festival with her class. She was an enthusiastic participant. “It was absolutely lovely. This was our second time coming and each year seems to get better. We are so happy to be here,” she said.

Garden City High School senior Isabella Fuertes enjoyed her second year at the festival.

Adelphi leadership positively agrees with Fuertes’s view on the event. Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives Louise Geddes said, “This has been a wonderful event and we are thrilled to see so many writers here talking about their craft including some of our brilliant writers representing Adelphi.”

It seems guaranteed that next year we will be getting a fourth annual Writers & Readers Festival. From conversations about the publishing world to discussions of time in fiction, students can expect insights from more accomplished individuals that will inspire their own writing journey.