Occidental Center for the Arts Literary Series presents Glen Ellen author Elisa Stancil Levine and Sonoma County Poet Laureate, Maya Khosla at the five-year anniversary of the 2017 Fires.

Reading from their recent works, This or Something Better, A Memoir of Resilience by Elisa Stancil Levine, and All the Fires of Wind and Light by Maya Khosla, these authors explore grief, desire, hope and strength in the wake of the firestorm. Elisa’s book takes an unflinching look at early trauma and its effects, having become hugely successful as a world-renowned decorative artist until the firestorm on her mountain caused her to face lifelong issues with trust. And Maya, Sonoma County’s Poet Laureate, started distilling through her poetry the collective grief that followed, culminating in her recent collection.  They both discuss embracing the unknown and the powerful signals found in blackened wild lands that embark on the initial stages of rejuvenation after a firestorm. Their readings and conversation about coping with fear and change, and the broader impacts of fire, beyond our human experience will lead to an open discussion with the audience.

Free admission and all donations gratefully accepted. Book sales & signing to follow. Wine, beer, refreshments for sale. OCA: 3850 Doris Murphy Way, Occidental, CA. OCA’s facilities are accessible to people with disabilities. For more info: occidentalcenterforthearts.org or 707-874-9392.

Elisa Stancil Levine

Elisa Stancil Levine was born in Northern California and grew up beside the American River, the site of the California gold rush. She left high school at sixteen and as a young mother earned an AA degree, remodeled sixteen houses, and wrote for Sacramento Magazine. Her successful decorative art company, Stancil Studios, has won numerous awards and is now owned by her son, James. Elisa and her husband spend hours immersed in nature on Sonoma Mountain, hiking, horseback riding, and running in the forest. This or Something Better is her second book. She lives in Sonoma, CA.

Maya Khosla

Maya Khosla is a wildlife biologist and writer. She has documented forests, fire scientists and firefighters talking about ways to be wise about wildfire. Maya’s work has taken her across coastal India, Kenya, and the United States. Her work takes her to wilderness areas, to the page and to the screen. As is Poet Laureate Emerita of Sonoma County (2018–2020), she is directing Shelter in Poetry films for students and families.