Why are Credentialed Writers Mad About Beckett's?

When I hosted my first Mars Review event at Beckett’s in July, 2022, the electricity would not come on. I figured that was alright. We would do it by candlelight if need be. Maybe that would be better, actually. It was a sticky summer day, and I was more worried about the heat than about the dark. The other concern was how many people would show up. Like an anxious lover, a Beckett’s event organizer always worried his efforts to drum up enthusiasm were much too much or much too little. As usual Beckett became frenetic and focused as we approached showtime. As usual I was a bit, let’s say, relaxed about details. We were the perfect team. The electricity came back on. It was sweltering inside, but in a hot girl summer sort of way and not in a keeling over in the street sort of way. There was a dramatic monologue from George Olesky. There was a dance performance by Cassidy Grady with piano accompaniment by Matt Gasda. All had a good time. No Whiting Award-winners or PEN America members were harmed during the curation of this event