A unique historical narrative about Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center in Venice, California told by those who know it best - poets and writers.

The Writing Life: 55 Years at Beyond Baroque is a unique historical narrative about Beyond Baroque, told by those who know it best. Much more than commemorative, the book serves as a creativity handbook appealing to anyone with an interest in becoming a writer. This anthology of personal pieces, poems, and prompts touches on aspects of craft, community, publishing, and performance includes contributions from U.S. Presidential Inaugural Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, Beyond Baroque Poet-in-Residence Will Alexander, former California Poet Laureate Dana Gioia, Amy Gerstler, Amy Uyematsu, J. Ryan Stradal, Janet Fitch, and many more.

"The Venice-based Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center is the oldest poetry venue in Los Angeles. It's been so influential that both the punk band X and Amanda Gorman can brag that they started there, though about 30 years apart. Founded by George Drury Smith in 1968, Beyond Baroque emerged from the 1950s Venice Beat movement to evolve into one of America's premier literary arts venues. This book is a history of the space with contributions from over 50 scribes while honoring literary giants like Wanda Coleman and Scott Wannberg. Peter J. Harris declares that Beyond Baroque is "sacred ground on which we can ponder." reviewed by Mike Sonksen for L.A. Taco.

Edited by Liz Camfiord, Laurel Ann Bogen, Karen Kevorkian, Rex Weiner, Mariano Zaro, Gail Wronsky.

Literary Nonfiction. Poetry.