The 2025 New Voices Festival launched in Ithaca with a sold-out evening of brief readings by seven emerging authors at Buffalo Street Books. The event was a testament to the power of student-driven initiatives in the literary world.

Meet the Authors

• Puloma Ghosh
• Jinwoo Chong
• Chris Holmes
• Ananda Lima
• Anna Shechtman
• Hannah Louise Poston
• Jake Brasch

These authors have been making waves in the literary scene, with some already gaining major recognition. For instance, Tess Gunty, a past participant, went on to win the National Book Award just days after her appearance at New Voices.

A Student-Driven Celebration

New Voices was founded in 2012 by Chris Holmes and writing professor Eleanor Henderson, inspired by Michael Chabon’s Wonder Boys. Since its first festival in 2013, the event has built a national reputation for showcasing future literary stars while providing students with hands-on experience organizing a professional festival. The 2025 festival is directed by Holmes and Jacob White, associate professor and chair of writing, with students leading every aspect of planning, hosting, and marketing. The festival is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of student-driven initiatives in the literary world.

A Night to Remember

The evening began with a warm welcome by Chris Holmes, associate professor and chair of Literatures in English. He reminded the crowd that literature can be a form of joyful rebellion, especially in times of rising authoritarianism. The student guides, who had worked tirelessly to prepare the event, introduced each author, setting a warm and engaged tone that filled the bookstore and overflowed into the next room. The evening was filled with brief readings, each one showcasing the unique voice and style of the author. The audience was captivated by the talent and creativity on display, and the atmosphere was electric.

A Community Affair

New Voices has strong connections to local businesses and organizations, including Buffalo Street Books, Odyssey Bookstore, Alley Cat Café, and the Tompkins County Public Library. The festival provides a platform for authors to connect with the local community, and the community is always eager to support readings and events. The festival concludes with a staged reading of Jake Brasch’s play, The Reservoir, directed by Claire Gleitman, dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences. The play, which breaks the fourth wall and moves fluidly between realism and commentary, is set for a world premiere later this year through major theater companies.

Impact and Legacy

The New Voices Festival has had a profound impact on the students who participate in it. Graduates have gone on to work with prestigious literary festivals, publishing houses, and cultural organizations like the Library of Congress. The festival has also provided students with valuable hands-on experience in organizing a professional festival. As Chris Holmes put it, “Every class session is load-bearing.” For students, faculty, and the greater Ithaca community, the New Voices Festival is a proof of concept that literary passion, when given room to grow, can build lasting careers and connections.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in getting involved with the New Voices Festival, there are several ways to do so. You can attend one of the many readings and events throughout the year, or you can volunteer to help with the festival’s planning and marketing. The festival is a great way to meet new people and make connections in the literary world. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to support emerging authors and be a part of a vibrant community.

About the Authors

• Puloma Ghosh
• Jinwoo Chong
• Chris Holmes
• Ananda Lima
• Anna Shechtman
• Hannah Louise Poston
• Jake Brasch

These authors are making waves in the literary scene, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of the New Voices Festival. With its focus on emerging talent and student-driven initiatives, the festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves literature.

“Every class session is load-bearing.” – Chris Holmes

A student-driven literary festival that showcases emerging authors and provides students with hands-on experience organizing a professional festival.

• The New Voices Festival is a celebration of emerging literary talent. • The festival is student-driven, with students leading every aspect of planning, hosting, and marketing. • The festival has strong connections to local businesses and organizations. • The festival has had a profound impact on the students who participate in it. • The festival is a great way to meet new people and make connections in the literary world.

• Puloma Ghosh

• Jinwoo Chong

• Chris Holmes

• Ananda Lima

• Anna Shechtman

• Hannah Louise Poston

• Jake Brasch

• Buffalo Street Books

• Odyssey Bookstore

• Alley Cat Café

• Tompkins County Public Library

• The New Voices Festival

• The Reservoir (play)

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