Cleveland's Inkubator writing conference returns with fiery call to action

• It will coincide with the start of Cleveland Book Fest.

The big picture: The theme, drawn from Cleveland native Celeste Ng's novel "Our Missing Hearts," is a response to a climate of rising censorship and authoritarianism.

• Literary Cleveland says writers are called to "burn bright" by defending democracy, free expression, and storytelling.

By the numbers: The 2025 schedule includes 46 programs totaling 75 hours of free workshops, panels, and literary events.

• More than 3,000 people attended last year.

Zoom in: The virtual conference opens with panels featuring acclaimed authors, including:

• Nonfiction writer Eve L. Ewing and National Book Award winner Imani Perry.
• Poet Franny Choi and Lambda Literary Award winner Danez Smith.

• Celeste Ng will deliver the keynote address Sept. 13 about literature's role in times of crisis.

At CPL, attendees can hone their craft in workshops on fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and genre writing; explore careers in the literary arts; and drop by special events, including a Friday night mixer and open mic.

Zoom out: Inkubator kicks off this year's expanded Cleveland Book Fest, which includes the region's other major literary events: the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards (Sept. 19-20) and the Great Lakes African American Writers Conference (Sept. 26-27).

🗓️ Inkubator registration opens Aug. 1 at litcleveland.org.