Writers’ Circle & Leaders Forum
Hummingbird Global
A travelling literary and public policy initiative — bringing together the Writers' Circle to foster a love of books and cultural exchange, and the Leaders Forum to advance humanitarian governance and public engagement.
The Story Behind the Name
Hummingbirds are the smallest of birds, and yet they are the only group of birds that can fly backwards. They hibernate for long periods, and need nectar to survive. When the prism-layer of cells on their feathers diffracts light, this bird metamorphoses into gorgeous colours.
The idea for the Hummingbird Global Writers' Circle was born in December 2016, during a visit with fellow writers to a Tribeca heritage home in New York — the home of Debotri Dhar's PhD supervisor at Rutgers University. Floating the idea of a transnational, travelling literary initiative around a cosy fireplace, she was greeted with enthusiasm by friends and fellow writers gathered there.
"The writer as hummingbird knows that tiny wings are better than none at all, and flies in search of a few drops of nectar, sunlight, soil and a little bit of sky."
— Debotri Dhar
The Writers' Circle
A transnational reading series that brings people together in different parts of the world to foster a love of books, discuss craft and storytelling, and promote cultural exchange and global understanding.
Each gathering is themed — past themes have included Writing Gender, Myth, Work, Homes, Steep Hills, Water, and Love.
Events are intimate by design — the ideal size is around 20 people — held at indie bookstores, nonprofits, university venues, orchards, and other community spaces.
A combination of established and emerging writers is welcomed, as are those who are simply thinking about writing.
Virtual meets have reached audiences of up to 200, including collaborations with the Vermont College of Fine Arts and award-winning authors such as David James Poissant.
Where We Have Travelled
The Circle has held literary gatherings across the United States and has received invitations to visit eleven countries, including India.
New York
Tribeca — the founding gathering, December 2016
Ann Arbor
Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan — theme: Writing Gender
San Francisco
An iconic independent bookstore — theme: Steep Hills
Graeagle, California
Open-air reading in the Sierra Nevada mountains — theme: Steep Hills
Portland, Oregon
Broadway Books, March 2018
Door County, Wisconsin
Write On, Door County — theme: Water
Dallas, Texas
Dallas Fairmont, May 2019
Virtual
Vermont College of Fine Arts, April 2020
Mumbai, India
Literary gathering, October 2023
New Delhi, India
2026
Participants
Participating authors have included Linda Gregerson, David James Poissant, Laura Stanfill, Maya Marshall, Danielle Deulen, John Holman, Parvati Sharma, Dan Berne, Sean Prentiss, Zarin Virji, Sally McPherson, Deborah Reed, Jen Violi, Murzban Shroff, Renee Rutledge, Vijayalakshmi, Laura Hulthen Thomas, Michael Ferro, Lopa Banerjee, and numerous others.
Follow the Circle
The Hummingbird Global Writers' Circle continues to travel, with invitations received from eleven countries. Follow the Circle on Facebook for announcements of upcoming gatherings, themes, and locations.
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