Image courtesy of Tahoe Literary Festival

TAHOE CITY, CA (MPG) - Author and co-founder of the Tahoe Literary Festival, Priya Hutner, is hosting two public literary events in Tahoe City. Events include Author Conversation and Creative Writing Workshop as part of her 2026 book tour for her memoir “Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss and Liberation” (Simon & Schuster) about her life in a cult with a charismatic guru from Brooklyn and what it took to escape.  

At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, Hutner joins South Lake Tahoe author, Bridey Thelen-Heidel and Shannon Nering from Kauai for “Author Conversation: Psychedelics, Consciousness and Writing to Heal” at Tahoe Wine Collective. The authors offer a thought-provoking discussion about memoir, consciousness, psychedelics and writing as a tool for healing.

Shannon Nering, author of “The Mother Vine,” dismantled her career when she walked away from her life as a television host. Priya Hutner, author of “Chasing Nirvana,” escaped a cult led by a charismatic female guru from Brooklyn. Bridey Thelen-Heidel, author of “Bright Eyes,” freed herself from an abusive relationship with her mother. The authors discuss writing as a path to transformation, the courage required to reinvent oneself, and how ayahuasca helped two authors heal. 

At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, Hutner will lead “Writing as a Path to Self-Discovery,” a creative writing workshop at The Yoga Room in Tahoe City. The immersive workshop integrates writing, breathwork and meditation, and invites participants to explore writing as a tool for creativity, and self-discovery through guided prompts and generative exercises. No prior writing experience is required. 

Event Details

“Author Conversation: Psychedelics, Consciousness and Writing to Heal” will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 at Tahoe Wine Collective, 760 N Lake Blvd., Tahoe City.

“Writing as a Path to Self-Discovery Workshop” will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at The Yoga Room, 475 N Lake Blvd., Suite 251, Tahoe City. For more information, call 530-580-8778.

About the Author

Priya Hutner, author, teacher and co-founder of the Tahoe Literary Festival and Truckee Literary Crawl. She is the arts and culture editor for The Tahoe Guide. Her work has been featured in the Tahoe Guide, Moonshine Ink, Muse Magazine, Monday Night Poetry Anthology and several other publications. She is a public speaker, hosts several book events throughout the year and leads workshops that integrate creative writing, breathwork, and meditation. In addition to her literary work, she is the owner of The Seasoned Sage Catering Company. Her work centers on community engagement, supporting emerging authors, storytelling and creating deeper authentic human connection. Her memoir, “Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss, and Liberation,” chronicles her time in a spiritual cult led by a charismatic female guru from Brooklyn and explores the complexities of belief, cults, family allegiance, spiritual entrapment, and personal awakening. Follow Hutner on Instagram @priyahutner or find her at priyahutner.com.