Community
We foster a vibrant community that embodies these values:
San Miguel Global Literary Institute
Building A Global Literary Community
The San Miguel Global Literary Institute was founded to create a space where writers from around the world could gather, learn, create, and connect in one of Mexico's most culturally rich cities.
Our Vision
Uniting the World Through Stories
Our Mission
To connect writers, readers, and storytellers across language, culture, and genre.
Our Values
Connection
We prioritize making genuine personal and professional connections.
Joy
We infuse fun and enthusiasm into everything we do.
Learning
We nurture a culture of growth and innovation and honor different ways of working.
Sense of Place
We honor the rich heritage, warmth, and artistic spirit of San Miguel de Allende.
Welcoming
Everyone belongs here! Diverse voices are celebrated, and dialogue is encouraged.
Our Origin Story
How We Began
When Susan Page moved to San Miguel in 2004, she knew of its reputation as a Mecca for writers and she was surprised to find no venue for author readings or gatherings of writers. She placed a small article in the local newspaper announcing a gathering of writers interested in sharing their work and building community. Everyone was excited when twenty-eight people appeared for the meeting on April 26, 2004. The San Miguel Literary Sala was born!
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Almost immediately, the Sala began presenting two authors to San Miguel audiences each month. These events drew enthusiastic audiences of 75 to 125 people each time and continued until the pandemic. The group also started a small bookstore presenting only local authors. It still thrives today, as a part of the Tienda at the Biblioteca. We also have our very own bookstore, Aurora Books, where we sell best sellers, keynote books, local Sala Member books, and more.
A year or so after the Sala began, member Jody Feagan made her now historic statement: "This is a world-class destination. We should have a writers' conference here."
Jody and Susan set about making it happen. They had a personal connection with John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, who agreed to keynote the conference. They were pleased when twenty-six burgeoning writers signed up for the first annual event.
Each year the Writers' Conference and its reputation for excellence grew. It hit a tipping point in 2010, when registration leaped from 78 registrants the previous year to 207 full Conference attendees! That year our keynote speaker was Barbara Kingsolver, and that was also the year that Michael Coon invented our now legendary Fiesta.
About the Conference
When we founded the San Miguel Writers’ Conference in 2006, we could not conceive that within a few years, it would become “one of a handful of must-attend writers’ conferences in the literary world.” Our first conference drew twenty-six local San Miguel residents. Twenty plus years later, some 2,000 unique individuals attend the Conference.
Over the past twenty years, more than 5,000 writers have enjoyed world-class workshops, and we have filled more than 40,000 seats for keynote presentations by just over one hundred keynote speakers.
What Makes Us Unique
- We are both a Writers’ Conference with world-class faculty and a Literary Festival featuring famous and distinguished authors — designed to excite both readers and writers.
- We are bilingual and multi-cultural, bringing together the literary communities of Mexico, Canada, the U.S., and beyond.
- Our town is a World Heritage Site — an entire city of restored eighteenth-century buildings and a Mecca for artists and writers from around the world.
Our Founder: Susan Page
Susan Page conducted relationship workshops internationally for twenty-two years before moving to San Miguel de Allende in 2004. She is the author of six books including the international bestseller, If I’m So Wonderful, Why Am I Still Single, which was translated into twenty-two languages and is currently celebrating its twenty-sixth year in print.
Her international speaking and media career, including three appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, has taken her to twenty-six states, Canada, Korea, Australia, Singapore, and Mexico. Almost as soon as she arrived in San Miguel in 2004, she founded the San Miguel Literary Sala, and the very next year, the San Miguel International Writers’ Conference.
Conference History
First Conference · Keynote: John Berendt
Keynote Speakers: Joy Harris, Tony Cohan, Victoria Rock
Keynote Speakers: Rebecca Walker, Sena Jeter Naslund, Laura Fraser, Norm Foster
Keynote Speakers: Erica Jong, Todd Gitlin, Terry Hill
Keynote Speakers: Barbara Kingsolver, Judyth Hill, Chuck Adams, Rosemary Stimola, Nathan Bransford, Judith Barrington, Debra Ehrhardt
Keynote Speakers: Sandra Cisneros, Alex Espinoza, Mónica Lavín, Elinor Lipman, Kristen Nelson, Jonathan Santlofer, Jack Fry
Keynote Speakers: Margaret Atwood, Naomi Wolf, Joy Harjo, Elena Poniatowska, Sharon Robinson, Merilyn Simonds, Michael Schuessler, Kristen Iversen, Araceli Ardon
Keynote Speakers: Cheryl Strayed, Luis Alberto Urrea, Lawrence Hill, Juan Villoro, ZZ Packer, Donna Masini, Mary Morris
Keynote Speakers: Calvin Trillin, Yann Martel, Laura Esquivel, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, David Whyte, Kathi Diamant, Ellen Bass
Keynote Speakers: Gloria Steinem, Alice Walker, Tracy Chevalier, Scott Turow, Angeles Mastretta, Richard Blanco, Jane Urquhart
Keynote Speakers: Joyce Carol Oates, Scott Simon, Gail Sheehy, John Perkins, Juan Villoro, Luis Urrea, Lisa See, Kirk Ellis, Elizabeth Hay
Keynote Speakers: Judy Collins, Naomi Klein, Billy Collins, Mary Karr, David Ebershoff, Lisa Moore, Pedro Ángel Palou, Robert Moor
Keynote Speakers: Wally Lamb, Jane Friedman, Rita Dove, John Vaillant, Jorge Volpi, Joseph Boyden
Keynote Speakers: Paul Theroux, Sandra Gulland, Jennifer Clement, Cristina Rivera Garza, Adam Gopnik, Susan Orlean
Keynote Speakers: Madeleine Thien, Rosa Beltrán, Tommy Orange, Juan Felipe Herrera, Colum McCann, Delia Owens
(Virtual) · Keynote Speakers: Adam Hochschild, A’Lelia Bundles, Richard Blanco, Diana Gabaldon, Emma Donoghue, Geraldine Brooks, Isabel Allende, Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Margaret Atwood, Isabel Wilkerson, and more
Keynote Speakers: Janelle Brown, Brenda Lozano, Benjamin Lorr, Suzette Mayr, Linda Spalding, Jean Kwok
Keynote Speakers: Molly Ringwald, Guillermo Arriaga, Christina Baker Kline, CS Richardson, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Chris Pavone
Keynote Speakers: Jorge F. Hernández, Ruth Reichl, Kaveh Akbar, John Vaillant, Jennifer Clement, John Irving, Percival Everett
Keynote Speakers: Abraham Verghese, Maira Kalman, R.F. Kuang, Yásnaya Elena Aguilar Gil, Andrés Neuman, Emily St. John Mandel, Souvankham Thammavongsa, Margaret Atwood
Amor Towles, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Michelle Good, Martha Bátiz, Xavier Velasco, Kiran Desai, Roxane Gay, 2026 Giller Prize Winner
About Our Logo
Artist / Designer: Martí Riba
A settlement originally named "Izcuinapan" (Náhuatl for Dog's River) by the native indigenous people, San Miguel was founded near a spring of water called "El Chorro." The crystalline waters were discovered by the thirsty, working dogs of Fray Bernardo de Cossin during his expedition. This new-found spring supplied the growing city with water for many years and is still the site of flowing waters for washing.
Our logo is based on this beautiful legend about San Miguel's founding. A dog drawn in prehispanic style is shown drinking the water from El Chorro; this water gave rise to one of the most stunning places on Earth. The dog represents an ancient animal that turns water, wisdom and inspiration into beautiful words, phrases and books. The symbol unites San Miguel with the celebration of the written word that has taken place here for centuries.
Meet Our Team
Board of Directors: USA & Mexico
Mark Prior
Chair | USA
Susan Koen
Secretary | USA
Dorit Arazi
Treasurer | USA
Jaina Sanga
Board Member | USA
Susan Page
President | Mexico
Camila Sánchez
Secretary | Mexico
Diana Guerra
Treasurer | Mexico
Team
Alicia Falango
Events & Operations Director
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE WRITERS' CONFERENCE? The chance to design spaces and activities that enhance the exchange of ideas among the literary community is incredibly thrilling. WHAT EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? With over two decade of experience as an event producer, I bring a unique blend of design expertise and a commitment to creating immersive experiences that engage all the senses, ensuring every event is memorable and impactful. My skills in conceptualizing and executing multi-sensory environments have consistently resulted in highly successful and unforgettable events. FAVORITE QUOTE: “It is what it is”… I use it way to often to not respect and love it.
Armida Zepeda GM
Spanish Program General Director
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE WRITERS' CONFERENCE? I am excited to facilitate five days of Fiction and Poetry between writers and readers in San Miguel de Allende. As a culture promoter, I know the literary scene in Mexico, which allows me to interact with literary professionals whom I am thrilled to invite to the festival. WHAT EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? Collaborating with people from other countries and cultures, each with different skills, leads to new proposals, original ideas, and above all, friendships during the months of preparation and creation of the programs and events. Teamwork is essential to achieving the goal: that attendees enjoy an unforgettable literary experience. FAVORITE QUOTE: “In the end, the fundamental question of philosophy (like that of psychoanalysis) coincides with that of the detective novel: who is the guilty one?” — Umberto Eco.
Ben Widdicombe
Editorial Director
Camila Sánchez
Public Relations
Danielle Trussoni
English Program Director
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE WRITERS' CONFERENCE? Bringing writers and readers from across North America (and the world!) to San Miguel to celebrate writing and literature is thrilling. WHAT EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? I am a New York Times and Internationally bestselling novelist who is deeply involved in the world of writing. I am also a critic. I was a book columnist forThe New York Times and was the chair jurist of the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. My skills as a working writer help me see the conference from a writer’s perspective, and to create programs that are both deeply meaningful and enjoyable. FAVORITE QUOTE: The past is prologue.
Diana Guerra
Registrar & Finance Director
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE WRITERS' CONFERENCE? I am very excited to be part of the Writers’ Conference to discover a new creative universe. WHAT EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? I am a catalyst of social innovation projects. My strengths in communication allow me to help organizations to crystallize a vision focused on social impact connecting with local communities. FAVORITE QUOTE: “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” — RUMI
Dorit Arazi
Treasurer
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE WRITERS' CONFERENCE? Being part of an international community of interesting people who love to read and write, as well as the opportunity to meet and learn from distinguished writers across various genres. I love hosting such interesting people in my hometown of San Miguel! WHAT EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? Having worked as an English teacher for 30 years (and being a bookworm myself), I have a great love and understanding of literature. I was also treasurer at my school, which gave me the experience to become treasurer for the SMWC. After being an integral part of the SMWC executive for the past almost 20 years, I now have a deeper knowledge and understanding of our attendees and what they are looking to get out of the conference – and always do my best to help exceed their expectations. FAVORITE QUOTE: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
Jeanne Mills
Faculty Director
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE WRITERS' CONFERENCE? I’m happy to be part of such long-standing excellence and integrity. WHAT EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? I have worked as the Faculty Coordinator for many years. It’s a joy to share the delights of San Miguel de Allende with visiting faculty. FAVORITE QUOTE: “You were once wild. Don’t let them tame you.” — Isadora Duncan
Jodi Pincus
Executive Director
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE WRITERS' CONFERENCE? The opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of writers and readers, learn from industry experts and literary talents, and inspire new collaborations and ideas in the dynamic, creative, and innovative environment of beautiful San Miguel de Allende. WHAT EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? With a passion for learning, insatiable curiosity, a collaborative leadership style, and over two decades of executive-level expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, financial management, and community-driven initiatives, I’m eager to leverage my skills to help the conference reach new heights. FAVORITE QUOTE: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela
Judyth Hill
Special Programs Director
Laila Gutiérrez
Communication & Technical Director
Born in Mexico City to an American mother and Mexican father, brought up in a totally bicultural environment. Moved to San Miguel de Allende six years ago and have loved every minute of it. I have a background in communications and have worked as a costume designer for Mexican telenovelas, movies and short films. Made my transition into digital marketing when I launched the first eShop fashion store in Mexico for a Mexican women’s clothing brand, having also setup their social media strategy and productions of all photo campaigns. Co-owner of a digital marketing agency for 6 years until I moved to San Miguel and started my own business reaching out to local businesses.
Mary Molinaro
Bookstore & Sala Member Director
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE WRITERS' CONFERENCE? The Writers’ Conference provides a rare opportunity for writing enthusiasts and book lovers to unite and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere filled with remarkable individuals. WHAT EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? As both a librarian and an ardent reader, I contribute not only my organizational skills but also a profound passion for literature to the Conference. My deep reverence for authors fuels my eagerness to wholeheartedly support this remarkable event. FAVORITE QUOTE: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." — Mahatma Gandhi
Patricia García
Creative & Technical Services Director
Renee DiMuzio
Executive Assistant
Rosi Zorilla
Teen Program Director
Susan Page
Founder
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE WRITERS' CONFERENCE? The Writers’ Conference has put San Miguel on the Literary Map of the world and brings $3,000,000 usd into the economy of San Miguel in one week (big picture excitement). Plus, I love the experience itself: high-level thrills combined with intimate connections. It is an enchanting week. WHAT EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? As a best-selling author, speaker and entrepreneur, with years immersed in the non-profit world, I bring book-world experience and organizational skills. I bring a passion for warm, positive, supportive human connections. I organized my Brownie Troop in the third grade and have been starting organizations ever since, including the San Miguel Literary Sala (and Writers’ Conference) twenty years ago. FAVORITE QUOTES: “For most of history, anonymous was a woman.” — Virginia Wolff | “Once the dust of Mexico settles on your heart, you will have no rest in any other land.” — Anita Brenner: Idols Behind Altars
Susana Pagano
Spanish Program Assistant Director
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE WRITERS' CONFERENCE? What excites me most about the San Miguel Writers’ Conference is the opportunity to meet interesting people and connect with national and internationally renowned writers. I thoroughly enjoy learning about literary avant-gardes and discovering how new technologies can be integrated into the world of literature. WHAT EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? What I can contribute to the Festival is my 30 years of experience as a narrative writer and screenwriter, along with my perspective from the fine arts, as I am also a visual artist. I believe this combination of skills and perspectives can enrich the discussions and activities at the Festival. FAVORITE QUOTE: “I waited thirty years for you to come back, Susana. I waited to have it all. Not just something, but everything that could be obtained so that we would have no desires left, only yours, the desire for you…” — from “Pedro Páramo” by Juan Rulfo.
Tania Paillot
Conference Artist & Graphic Designer
Bridge Builders Committee
Jamie Hemken
Chair
Daniela Franco
Jodi Pincus
Karla Parra
Renee DiMuzio
Rozella Kennedy
Tayler Friar
Advisory Board
Alex MacLeod
Anna Knutson Geller
Anne Marie Jackson
Beverly Nelson
Débora Chu
Duncan Tonatiuh Smith Hernández
Elizabeth Moranz
Ellen Sharp
Gael Sherman
Horacio García Rojas
Jamie Hemken
Jorge Coro
Josh Chernikoff
Judith Gille
Judith Jenya
Karla Parra
Kim Malcolm
Liliana Avilés
Luis Camarera
Luis Miguel Yamín
María Finley
Merilyn Simonds
Óscar Plazola
Ricardo Talavera Muñoz
Rosaleen Bertolino
Rosi Zorilla
Rozella Kennedy
Sally Avigdor Grezemkovsky
Tayler Friar
Tony Cohan
Wayne Grady
Yolanda Lacarieri
COMMUNITY
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