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Hi, and welcome to this episode of The Bookshop Podcast!

Step into the vibrant literary heart of Mexico with the San Miguel Writers Conference, where cultural exchange and creative inspiration meet in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Susan Page, founder and president, alongside executive director Jodi Pincus, unveil the magic behind this extraordinary gathering that transforms writers and readers alike.

This unique tricultural and bilingual event bridges the literary communities of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, creating rich connections across borders. Set against the backdrop of San Miguel de Allende—consistently voted the world's #1 city by Conde Nast Traveler—participants immerse themselves in perfectly preserved 18th-century Spanish colonial architecture while engaging with world-class authors and honing their craft.

The 2026 conference boasts an exceptional lineup of global voices: Ethiopian-American physician-author Abraham Verghese, Canadian novelist Emily St. John Mandel, Nigerian literary star Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Indigenous Mexican intellectual Yesnaya Elena Aguilar-Hill, Argentinian author Andrés Neuman, and Chinese-American writer R.F. Kuang. Beyond the keynotes, the conference offers 80 workshops across multiple genres, opportunities to pitch literary agents, discussion circles on timely topics like AI and cultural appropriation, and a dedicated "Pleasures of Reading" track for literary enthusiasts.

What truly distinguishes this gathering is its holistic approach to the literary experience—combining rigorous craft development with cultural immersion and community building. Workshops unfold in beautiful gardens, open mics create space for emerging voices, and wellness activities provide balance. Meanwhile, the conference maintains deep connections to local communities through teen writing programs and literary outreach to underserved rural areas.

Whether you're a serious writer seeking to refine your craft, a reader hungry for literary inspiration, or someone drawn to the magical energy of San Miguel, the conference offers flexible registration options to create your perfect experience. Mark your calendar for February 11-15, 2026, and join a global community of literary minds in one of the world's most enchanting destinations.

San Miguel Writers’ Conference

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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In this episode, I chat with Barbara Boyle about her memoir, Pinch Me.

After decades crafting commercials and campaigns for global giants like Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson, Barbara was drawn to a completely different path. Her story begins with a magical honeymoon visit to the Piedmont region of Italy, where, gazing over terracotta rooftops with morning coffee in hand, she felt an undeniable pull: "I need to live here." That feeling—equal parts recognition and revelation—set in motion a complete life transformation.

With warmth and candor, Barbara shares the unexpected parallels between her advertising background and memoir writing, where economy of language proved invaluable. She brings us along as she and her husband purchase and renovate their dream home, describing with reverence how the centuries-old stones seem to whisper stories of previous generations. "This house has an anima, a soul," their builder told them—a sentiment that perfectly captures the profound connection Barbara feels to her adopted homeland.

But this isn't simply a rose-colored relocation story. Just as Barbara was settling into her idyllic Italian life, a breast cancer diagnosis forced the couple to temporarily return to California for treatment. Her clear-eyed perspective on facing mortality while pursuing dreams adds remarkable depth to her narrative: "It is odd when all of your worst fears become real. It is not so bad." This resilience—facing challenges with grace while never losing sight of what matters—makes her story universally resonant.

Ready to be transported to the rolling hills of Piedmont? Listen now and discover how home isn't necessarily where we begin but where our soul recognizes itself—sometimes in the most unexpected places. If you enjoy Barbara's story, please share it with others who might be dreaming of their own bold life changes.

Barbara Boyle

Pinch Me, Barbara Boyle

Dancing on my Own Two Feet, Jenn Todling

Spare, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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In this episode, I chat with Lucy Yu, founder and owner of Yu & Me Books. Trained as a chemical engineer, her life took an unexpected turn during the pandemic when grief from losing a close friend led to deep reflection about her purpose. "I'm here on earth to do art and foster love," she realized, and from this epiphany, You and Me Books was born—the first female Asian American-owned bookstore in New York City's historic Manhattan Chinatown.

Yu's vision of creating a genuine community space resonated deeply in a time when people were starved for connection. The bookstore became more than just a place to buy books—it transformed into a sanctuary where diverse voices are celebrated and where customers feel so at home they comfortably take naps in the chairs.

The journey hasn't been without heartbreak. In July 2023, a devastating fire ravaged the bookstore, forcing Yu to watch helplessly as her dream literally went up in smoke. But what followed was nothing short of miraculous. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $360,000 from 6,000 individual donors, fellow bookstore owners offered their spaces, and community members rallied with practical and emotional support. This outpouring of love affirmed Yu's belief that "chasing love and art will never let you down."

You and Me Books stands today as a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the vital role that independent bookstores play as third spaces where people can gather, connect, and belong. Lucy's story reminds us that books aren't just products—they're vessels for connection that show us we're never alone in our experiences.

Yu & Me Books

Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder, Gabor Maté

Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex Ptsd with Internal Family Systems, Frank Anderson

Asymmetry, A Novel, Lisa Halliday

Grief Is the Thing with Feathers, Max Porter

Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America’s Civil Rights Revolution, Peniel E. Joseph

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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