Benicia Literary Arts is seeking volunteers

Welcome! What we do:
  • Read, edit, and work with authors on their manuscripts
  • Publish works of literary merit
  • Hold events that inform and educate writers
  • Sponsor ongoing writing groups who help each other
  • Sponsor workshops on writing, publishing, social media
We started a blog! We invite you to join the conversation on the blog page. 

Subscribe to Benicia Literary Arts Mailing List

* indicates required

Shut Up and Write!


Please join Benicia Literary Arts for an evening of focused writing time at the Benicia Library. All genres and experience levels are encouraged, and don't worry, no one will see what you've written! This is about getting your writing done and meeting other local writers.


We'll begin at 6:30 by leading a quick round of introductions, then start quiet writing time at 6:45. At 8:15, we'll wrap up and take some more time to get to know each other, share challenges and successes as writers, etc. Again, there will be no obligation to share your work! Feel free to take breaks as needed throughout the event.


Location: Benicia Library - Doña Benicia Room
Dates: TBA

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

 Joan Gelfand, the first writer and poet we published has received a 2024 NYC Big Book Award in New Adult Nonfiction for Outside Voices, A memoir of the Berkeley Revolution. Joan will be interviewed by Lois Requist about her prize-winning book at Bookshop Benicia on January 5, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. 

Benicia Literary Arts' Holiday party will be on December 14

Celebrate the Holiday Season with Benicia Literary Arts


A holiday celebration on Saturday, December 14th from 3-5 pm at Estey Realty, 216 First Street in Benicia is open to members and anyone who would like to raise a glass to the year in literature and honor some who have led the organization. The event is free to members and $10 for guests. Members please register on Eventbrite (below), payment for non-members will be collected at the door (cash preferred).


Leaders of the organization will give short readings. Past presidents, Johanna Ely, Jim White, and Lois Requist will read along with Mary Eichbauer, Editor-in-Chief who has played a central role in publishing for many years. Requist also was a cofounder of the literary group.


Books published by Benicia Literary Arts and local authors will be on display and available for purchase. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Door prizes will be awarded. It’s a good time to acquaint yourself with some of the literary folks in town. Looking forward to seeing you there!


“GOING THE DISTANCE—LONG ROAD AHEAD”
brings together writings that offer strength, hope, and solidarity in this time of systemic racism, economic hardship, climate crisis, and threats to democracy. This column of poetry and short prose is published twice weekly in the Benicia Herald, distributed through two googlegroups, and posted at Going The Distance. Due to space limitations, prose pieces of fewer than 800 characters, or poems of fewer than 40 lines, with a maximum of 40 characters per line, work best.

Send your writing to msgast45@gmail.com

CALLING ALL POETRY LOVERS!

Come see this art show by John Tullis starting WEDNESDAY, 12/11, through FRIDAY, 12/20 at the Benicia Library Art Gallery and be inspired to write a poem to any art piece. On SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 AT 2 PM, come read or listen to the works generated by this marriage of art and words! All welcome - a Benicia Poet Laureate program.


Katrina Monroe

Benicia Poet Laureate