Panelists: Felice Picano, Michael Thomas Ford, Tom Mendicino, and Carrie Smith.
Moderator: Tammy Lynne Stoner.

We may rejoice at the return of Will and Grace, but does that really mean gay culture is where we want it to be in the national consciousness? Are our literary writers getting the respectful attention they deserve? As we find markets in genre fiction of all sorts from young adult to lesbian horror novels, are we just adapting the culture to already existing literary norms, or are we expanding its reach? Once, a book like Heather Has Two Mommieswas a radical breakthrough; now, would it be simply fitting into another market? What are our  cultural innovations? Four writers of both literary and genre fiction discuss their ideas of gay culture and where it's headed in the wide open vistas of the internet and self-publishing as well as in the traditional literary marketplace and in performance. What are our standards for success and fine writing?  How do writers balance desires for excellence with reaching a large audience, and of course, making a living? Of course, we need writing across the spectrum, from great literature to pure entertainment, from history to graphic novels.

2017 Saints+Sinners Literary Festival
Hotel Monteleone, Royal Salon C