Volusia Writers Live
Seven local writers. One charming tea shop. An evening of original stories, poems, and personal reflections.
Join us Thursday, October 15 at 7 PM at Desert Sage — Lorna Owens’ tea and wellness shop in DeLand’s Artisan Alley. Doors open at 6:30; browse the teas, gifts, and authors’ book table before the readings begin. Afterward, linger over a specially selected tea and good conversation.
Come for the readings. Stay for the conversation. Discover a new favorite author.
An Evening of Literature
When weather permits, we’ll gather in Desert Sage’s beautiful courtyard garden. If it rains, we’ll move indoors to the shop’s event space.
Plan to arrive at 6:30, a half hour before the readings begin. Browse Desert Sage’s unique collection of teas, gifts, books, and wellness products. Explore our featured authors’ book table, and visit with fellow readers and writers before the program begins.
At the stroke of seven, every eye turns to the first presenter—and for the next hour, the spotlight belongs to the written word.
Tea and Conversation
After the readings, Lorna will serve a specially selected tea of the evening, inviting everyone to linger a little longer. Share ideas, ask questions, and enjoy the company of people who love literature as much as you do.
Dates
Volusia Writers Live is presented quarterly on the third Thursday of January, April, July, and October.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- 7 pm Thursday, October 15, 2026
- 7 pm Thursday, January 21, 2027
- 7 pm Thursday, April 15, 2027
- 7 pm Thursday, July 15, 2027
Everyone Is Welcome
Whether you write, read, or simply love a good story, you’ll feel right at home.
Come for the readings. Stay for the conversation. Discover a new favorite author.
Suggested Donation at the Door
Your donation helps support local writers and future Volusia Writers programs.
- Literary Enthusiasts: $10
- Students, Seniors, and Supporters: $5
Author Registration
If you’re a member of Volusia Writers, we invite you to register for a spot in our lineup. Share your work with an engaged audience, meet fellow writers, sell your book at the event, and become part of Volusia Writers Live.
You don’t need to live in Volusia County to join Volusia Writers. We welcome all writers who feel a connection to Volusia County.
As a participating writer, you will receive:
- A three-minute reading slot.
- A featured profile in the online event program, available before, during, and after the event.
- Promotion through Volusia Writers’ social media.
- The opportunity to feature one book on the featured authors book table.
- An evening of conversation with readers and fellow writers.
Event Format
- 6:00 p.m. — Volunteers arrive for setup.
- 6:15 p.m. — Participating writers arrive and check in.
- 6:30 p.m. — Doors open to the public.
- 7:00 p.m. — Welcome and opening remarks.
- 7:05 p.m. — First reader.
- 7:45 p.m. — Final reader.
- 7:50 p.m. — Closing remarks.
- 7:55 p.m. — Tea and conversation.
- 8:30 p.m. — Event concludes.
Reading Order
No one knows who will read in what order. Throughout the evening, we’ll draw each presenter’s name at random.
Registration Guidelines
To help create a polished, enjoyable evening for everyone, participating writers agree to the following:
- Arrive 30 minutes before the program begins.
- Read one original work of your own creation. Choose a reading that is appropriate for a general audience.
- Limit your introduction to one sentence.
- Keep your reading within the three-minute limit.
- Encourage fellow readers and audience members.
- Help promote the event by sharing it on social media and inviting friends, family, and fellow writers.
What We Need From Participating Writers
Please submit:
- Your name.
- Email address.
- A short biography of 50 words or fewer.
- The title of the piece you plan to read.
- Your author photo.
- Your author website or social media link.
- A “buy now” link to your Amazon author page and/or online bookshop.
We’ll use this information for the Volusia Writers Live event page and promotional materials.
Readings
As a participating writer, you’ll have three minutes to share a story, poem, or other written work.
To keep the evening lively, please keep your introduction to one sentence. For example: “Tonight I’m reading from Antiques and Apparitions, a cozy mystery with a time-travel twist.”
Then begin.
Feel free to share more about your work during the social hour after the readings.
Featured Authors Book Table
As a participating writer, you may feature one book on the featured authors book table. Please bring:
- Five copies of one featured title.
- To keep checkout simple, we recommend rounded prices whenever possible, such as $10, $15, or $20. Cash is always welcome, and our volunteer will confirm payment before each book is picked up.
Help Promote the Event
Every participating writer helps make Volusia Writers Live a success by inviting readers to join us.
After registration, we’ll send you event graphics and links that are ready to share on social media.
Please plan to promote the event at least six times, including:
- When your reader spot is confirmed.
- One week before the event.
- On the day of the event.
Invite your friends, family, readers, fellow writers, and neighbors.
Volunteer Opportunities
We rely on volunteers to help create welcoming, well-organized events. For current volunteer opportunities, click here.
Thank you for sharing your time, talent, and enthusiasm with us!