Writers invited to speak at festivals don’t only want to be heard; they want to listen too — and I can’t remember being as spoiled for choice in terms of talks and panels as I was at Rancho Mirage this year. In every way, it was a wonderfully stimulating three days. And great fun too!

It strikes me that you now have the most starry and invigorating list of writers I’ve ever seen gathered in one place — politicians, pundits, travelers, historians and wonderful actors. You also have far and away the most distinguished audience members, so experienced and engaged and sharp. But what you also offer us is definitely the most well-organized, thoughtful, seamless — and glamorous and elegant — celebration of words and ideas any of us is ever likely to encounter. I’ve been traveling to literary festivals for thirty years now, and often to ones in this country that look similar to this, but I’ve never found one to match yours for entertainment, stimulation, sophistication and comfort

Rancho Mirage is a Writers Festival unlike any other the world over. Not just because everybody smiles — authors, readers, technicians, helpers and organisers — but because it is so stimulating, forcing everyone to reflect on the role of history in the world today. New ideas, thoughts and stories were buzzing around the whole time. It’s a triumph of organisation and sorcery and I loved every minute.

The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is brilliantly organized and executed — satisfying in every way, stimulating, pleasurable and enlightening. The best one I’ve ever attended

The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival sparkles, a rare treat for the authors and readers alike. From start to finish it is a movable feast of ideas and people, enriched by some of the nation’s finest minds and writers. Rarely has the written word been celebrated with such justice or verve as here, in sunny California. It is fast becoming an event without peer.

RMWF is an important cultural event and probably the best run writers festival in the country today. It has quickly become a ‘must attend’ for the top authors of fiction and nonfiction.

Intimate and magical, Rancho Mirage is the best place to meet America’s most dazzling writers. Find “Rancho Mirage Writers Festival” under the Oxford English Dictionary listings for “inspiration” and “friendship.”

This is the swankiest writers festival ever.

Mike and I are still basking in the glow of the best writers festival anywhere in the world. You two have wrought a miracle in the desert.

The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival was an inspiring exchange of ideas on the important cultural and political issues in our society from an impressive and diverse array of individuals. I was moved by the perspective brought by many writers who I don’t intersect with in political circles and felt lucky to be included.