I started Books & Barns because I wanted attend literary events that did not activate my social anxiety/PTSD, I wanted them to be close to where I live (Camp Meeker, Sonoma County), and I wanted spaces that valued intimacy. I'm deeply interested in community building and find myself struggling with social media's credos of 'more is better', echo-chambers, and 'it's not happening unless you are recording it.' I brought on my co-organizer Allegra Willson last season. We work together to cultivate a literary community that showcases rural writers reading in rural spaces for a community of folks who are hungry for writing that pushes past the pastoral and apple pie aesthetic (although we are fond of apples, pie, sheep, and the like).

Typically, our events are held in rural spaces such a barns, river edges, farms, and butterfly sanctuaries. We bring iconic writers and poets such as D.A. Powell, Jacques Rancourt, Manjula Martin, and Eirinie Carson to audiences who would not usually have access to them (or at least would have to drive to SF), and not only that, we do so with a bit of mystery. Audience members register for our events without knowing where the location will be, and they are emailed directions the night prior. Some of our events are no-talking events; imagine a group of people filtering into a barn with only the sound of thrush singing. We ask participants not to take photos and to turn their phones off if possible, harkening back to a time when we were more present to ourselves and the people around us. Events are carefully curated to feel like experiences, intimate and welcoming, magical and accessible.

As you can imagine, we love word-of-mouth outreach. We have an IG account where we post events, and from there, people share them with people who might be interested. Last summer, we invested in a few posters and flyers. Our events are completely free, and so far, every single one has been filled to capacity.