Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its original publication in The Point’s third issue on Nov. 5 with an interview and further details about the event’s attendance.
Mitch Albom returned to Point Loma Nazarene University’s Writer’s Symposium by the Sea last week, just eight months after his first visit in February. He talked with students in a Q&A hosted by Holland Prior, PLNU professor of rhetoric and composition, in Latter Hall, then later joined Dean Nelson, the director of the Writer’s Symposium, for a presentation and interview.
As a volunteer, I saw how frantically Ashley Montaño, the coordinator of the Writer’s Symposium, worked to get everyone seated in Crill Hall. Montaño said Nelson would want everyone to be allowed in, even if they didn’t have a ticket. She tried to make space by moving guests like Yara Williams, a Point Loma local and attendee, toward the middle of the rows.
“It was so packed that at one point, the MC said, ‘There’s a lot of ticket holders who cannot find a seat. Can everyone stand up and fill the center to make space?’ Williams said. “So my row stood up, and the lady next to us scooted inward.”
But even after almost all of the 378 seats in Crill Hall were taken, many PLNU students crashed the event — the wings, aisles, doorways and walls became squatting, sitting, and standing spaces. The other volunteers and I lined the sides and back of the room with flimsy folding chairs, as every square inch was packed tight with eager listeners.
Over 274 ticketed guests attended, including PLNU donors, 25 OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute members, students from four San Diego high schools, 40 PLNU students, 64 PLNU faculty and staff and a journalist from SD Jewish World.
After Albom’s presentation last spring, many PLNU students, faculty and community members said they were thrilled to see him speak again for his new novel “Twice.” Over 200 copies of “Twice” were signed and sold.
“Twice” tells the story of a man who could do everything twice — but he had to live with the consequences of his redo. The main character gets into a relationship and decides to risk it for a second chance at getting something better.
Albom shared the stories behind his book’s message and how his life experiences gave him the wisdom to write about death, love and hope. He used an anecdote about his house to convey the enduring nature of his 37-year-long marriage. The Albom family has lived in their home in Detroit, Mich., for 33 years, and has renovated every wall except for one — in the kitchen, covered in framed photos of moments throughout their marriage.
“I’m sure there are times when my wife isn’t crazy about me, and once in a blue moon, I’m not crazy about her. But we’re crazy about the wall. We stare at it, this is what we’ve built,” Albom said during his presentation.
This story helped me visualize what I imagine to be the beautiful wall and the strength of their marriage, showing how real love is slow burning, built up over many years, and if either Albom or his wife had the redoing power of the character in “Twice,” things would be completely different.
Albom discussed his writing process for “Twice” during the Q&A attended by 40 students and professors.
Albom advised the current writing students to treat writing like a job. It requires daily discipline and consistency more than anything else. He shared that his best work is poured out from 7-10 a.m., right after he wakes up.
“My mind is a big white page,” Albom said during the Q&A.
Alalisa Ramirez, a third-year English major, said the Q&A was inspiring.
“I found it really valuable hearing the thoughts and what the writing process is like from someone who has been in this industry for a long time,” Ramirez said. “Mitch Albom has many words of wisdom for aspiring writers that give me hope and reassurance in my future as a growing writer.”
As I was taking notes during the Q&A, I noticed many other students, including Ramirez, doing the same. Students asked Albom how he created a strong narrative voice, punchy dialogue and purposeful characters in “Twice” and his six other fiction novels, out of his 12 published books.
Albom has sold 42 million copies of his books worldwide. Nelson said he was honored that Albom asked to return, and Albom said he did so for the curious students.
“I enjoyed coming to PLNU last year, and talking to all the curious students,” Albom told The Point. “It really stuck with me, which is rare for events like this. This year, it was a different group of students, but just as curious, and I hope I’m invited back for more inspiration.”
Tickets for the 2026 Writer’s Symposium are on sale with a discounted price for PLNU students, faculty and staff. Discount codes will be sent to PLNU in an email or can be requested at the email, WritersSymposium@pointloma.edu.
Adee Tulcan