On Writing & Life with Danielle Trussoni
San Miguel is Calling, Writers! ✨
Dear Friends,
If you know me at all, you know that I'm someone who loves to live abroad. I've lived in France and Japan, just to name a few. For the past few years, I've lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where I adopted Conundrum, who appeared in my novels The Puzzle Master and The Puzzle Box.
I’m writing with some exciting news from one of my favorite places on earth: San Miguel de Allende. As part of the San Miguel Writers' Conference & Literary Festival team, I’m thrilled to share what’s ahead for 2026—and I promise, it’s going to be unforgettable.
From February 11–15, 2026, writers and readers from around the world will gather in this magical city (voted the #1 city in the world by Travel & Leisure) for five days of world-class authors, transformative workshops, and the kind of literary magic that stays with you long after you return home.
And this August 1st, our brand-new website goes live, unveiling the stellar lineup of keynote speakers joining us next February. I can’t help but share a glimpse of what’s ahead:
✨ Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone and The Covenant of Water
✨ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose books and TED Talks have transformed conversations about identity and feminism worldwide
✨ Rebecca F. Kuang, literary powerhouse behind The Poppy War trilogy, Babel, and Yellowface
✨ Emily St. John Mandel, beloved for Station Eleven and Sea of Tranquility
✨ Andrés Neuman, acclaimed Spanish-language author of Traveler of the Century and Fracture
✨ Yásnaya Elena Aguilar Gil, brilliant Mixe linguist and author of Ää: Manifiestos por la diversidad lingüística
These are just the beginning of what promises to be a week unlike any other—one filled with transformative workshops, unforgettable keynotes, and a community of readers and writers who share your love for words.
Right now, there’s an Early Bird Discount available through September 1st. If you’ve been dreaming about an experience that feeds your creativity and surrounds you with brilliant minds and kindred spirits, this is your sign to join us. Register here ➡️
And if you’re a writer with a story that’s waiting to be heard, the 2026 SMWC Writing Contest is officially OPEN. This is your chance to win a full-access “The Works” package (a $1,650 value) to one of the most celebrated literary festivals on earth.
Three categories are open for submissions:
📖 Fiction – Judged by Jean Kwok
📝 Creative Nonfiction/Memoir – Judged by Jennifer Clement
📜 Poetry – Judged by Wendy Videlock
Key dates:
📆 Submissions open: July 15 / August 1, 2025
📆 Deadline: September 15, 2025
🏆 Winners announced: November 15, 2025
The winners will not only receive a full-access pass to the 2026 Conference—including workshops, intensives, keynotes, and receptions—but will also have the chance to read their winning work on stage in San Miguel.
This is your moment. Your words could carry you all the way to Mexico, to a festival unlike any other. Submit today, and let your story open the door to something extraordinary.
See you in San Miguel,
Danielle ✨