About Get Lit!

The seed for Get Lit! was sown in October 1997 during an evening reading hosted by Eastern Washington University Press. Christine Holbert and Scott Poole considered alternatives when what had started as a hopeful event mustered only the reader, three homeless men seeking shelter from the wind and rain outdoors, two open mic participants, and a disappointed board member. "What if...", they asked, envisioning a popular festival of readings. With the help of Christopher Howell, their planning for the first festival sprouted.

Since its start as a simple weekend of readings in the autumn of 1998, Get Lit! has blossomed into a premier literary festival that celebrates all genres of great writing. Now held every April, the festival entertains and informs the regional community with nationally and internationally renowned authors and poets while it also increases awareness of the exceptional literary talent living and writing in the greater Inland Northwest.

Get Lit! presenters have included Dave Barry, Lynda Barry, Mary Clearman Blew, Robert Bly, James Crumley, Chris Crutcher, Rita Dove, Debra Magpie Earling, Laurie Garrett, David Guterson, bell hooks, Denis Johnson, Garrison Keillor, William Kittredge, Yusef Komuyakaa, Patrick McManus, Robert Munsch, Nancy Pearl, Harvey Pekar, Jack Prelutsky, Marilynne Robinson, Salman Rushdie, David Sedaris, Alexander McCall Smith, Quincy Troupe, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Sarah Vowell, and Jess Walter.

The festival features keynote presentations followed by Q&A sessions and book signings, writing workshops, literary panels, poetry slams for children and teens, author visits to schools throughout the region, and much more. Get Lit! engages thousands of readers, writers, teachers and book lovers of all ages in its annual celebration of literature.

Get Lit! invites your participation and thanks you for your support.

Get Lit! is organized by Eastern Washington University Press,
  a part of EWU's Division of International and Educational Outreach.