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Forum from the Archives: Celebrating 40 Years of West Coast Literature with Zyzzyva

Jul 8, 2025
Oscar Villalon, editor of Zyzzyva, discusses the magazine's pivotal role in showcasing West Coast writers. Daniel Handler, known as Lemony Snicket, shares insights on the importance of community in literature. Ingrid Rojas Contreras reflects on the Bay Area's unique literary tapestry and its supportive scene. They explore the intersection of literature and film, emphasizing personal connections in storytelling. The trio also celebrates Zyzzyva's 40-year legacy and discusses the challenges and triumphs of nurturing new literary voices.
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INSIGHT

Zyzzyva’s Founding Mission

  • Zyzzyva was founded to provide a literary platform for West Coast writers during the pre-internet era.
  • Despite technological changes, local literary journals remain crucial as cultural and community flags.
INSIGHT

Collegiality Defines Bay Area Lit

  • The Bay Area literary scene is marked by collegiality and minimal competition compared to New York.
  • Writers here support each other’s success, focusing on the work rather than sales or advances.
ANECDOTE

Handler’s Bay Area vs New York Anecdote

  • Daniel Handler experienced New York's literary world as hierarchical and exhausting.
  • Returning to Bay Area, he found a generous, non-snobbish community welcoming all writers.
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