Name: Writing from Photographs with Sonja Livingston | Gates Library
Start: 2026-10-12
End: 2026-10-12

Rochester, NY, is the third-largest metropolitan area in New York State, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. With a proud sports tradition, Rochester is home to iconic teams like the Rochester Red Wings (MiLB), Rochester Americans (AHL), Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), and Flower City Union (NPSL). Our vibrant sports culture thrives across all levels, from youth clubs and high schools to elite collegiate programs, creating a strong, year-round foundation for athletic excellence.

The Rochester NY Sports Commission champions Monroe County through the power of sports tourism. By attracting championships, invitationals, and tournaments across a wide range of disciplines, we help fuel the region’s economy and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Each year, Rochester welcomes a growing roster of sporting events, showcasing our top-tier facilities, supportive community, and dedication to teamwork on and off the field.

We invite event organizers, rights holders, and sports professionals to discover why Rochester and Monroe County are ideal destinations for your next competition or tournament. Let’s play in Rochester!

Visit Rochester

What can photographs tell us about our lives today, the traditions of our past, and the world we want to create? Which stories, emotions, details, secrets, and meanings lie just outside frame of the photograph?

Whether you’re creating memoir, poetry, family history, or a scrapbook—using photographs to inspire or accompany your work can add much-needed texture, focus, and intimacy. This session will offer tips and writing prompts to help get you started. You’ll have time to discuss your work in a supportive environment and come away with fresh ideas and drafts to refine or expand into longer projects. Bring 3-5 photographs (phone or hard copy) that intrigue, inspire, or hold great meaning for you.

This workshop is presented as part of our [Rochester Reads 25th Anniversary](https://writersandbooks.org/rochester-reads/) programming. Participants in this workshop will learn from Sonja Livingston, author of our 2026 Rochester Reads selection, *Ghostbread*.

**Sonja Livingston** is the author of four books of creative nonfiction, including the award- winning memoir Ghostbread, which has been adopted for classroom use around the country. Her work appears in The Kenyon Review, Ploughshares, Salon, and elsewhere. Honors include a NYFA Fellowship, an Iowa Review Award, an Arts & Letters Prize, a VanderMey Nonfiction Prize, and an AWP Book Prize. Sonja is an associate professor in the MFA Program at Virginia Commonwealth University and teaches in the Postgraduate Program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Writing from Photographs with Sonja Livingston | Gates Library

Looking for a comfortable and convenient stay in Rochester, NY? Look no further than Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Greece! Our spacious suites feature fully-equipped kitchens, living areas, and free Wi-Fi, making them perfect for extended stays or business trips. Enjoy our free breakfast and fitness center, and take advantage of our convenient location near shopping, dining, and local attractions. Book your stay today at Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Greece! 

Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Greece

Nestled in the vibrant heart of the Chili neighborhood, just moments from Rochester Airport, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham offers a seamless blend of comfort and convenience for travelers seeking a memorable stay in Rochester, NY. This inviting hotel prides itself on delivering an exceptional experience through its thoughtfully designed rooms, equipped with plush bedding, modern amenities, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a restful night for business and leisure travelers alike. Begin your day with a smile, thanks to our complimentary breakfast, setting you up perfectly for exploring the wonders of Rochester or a productive day of meetings. With a location that puts the best of the city within easy reach, including local dining, shopping, and entertainment options, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chili/Rochester Airport promises a stay that's not just comfortable, but also enriched with the genuine warmth and hospitality Wyndham hotels are known for. 

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chili/Rochester Airport

Welcome to Fairfield Inn Rochester Airport, your home away from home in the heart of Rochester, NY! Our modern and cozy hotel is just minutes away from Rochester International Airport, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. With comfortable guest rooms, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center, you'll have everything you need for a pleasant stay. Plus, we're conveniently located near popular attractions like the Strong National Museum of Play and the University of Rochester. Book your stay at Fairfield Inn Rochester Airport today and experience a comfortable and memorable trip to upstate New York! 

Fairfield Inn Rochester Airport

Experience comfort and convenience at its finest at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rochester West/Greece. Our hotel boasts modern and spacious guest rooms, complete with free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Start your day right with our complimentary hot breakfast, offering a variety of delicious and healthy options. Our hotel also features an indoor pool and fitness center, perfect for staying fit while away from home. Enjoy easy access to popular attractions such as the Rochester International Airport and Rochester Institute of Technology. Book a stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rochester West/Greece for an unforgettable experience. 

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rochester West/Greece

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Residence Inn by Marriott Rochester West/Greece. Nestled in a serene location at 500 Paddy Creek Cir, Rochester, NY, our hotel is an ideal retreat for both short-term and extended stays. Our spacious, pet-friendly suites are designed with your relaxation in mind, featuring fully-equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and separate living areas to make you feel right at home.

Jumpstart your day with our complimentary hot breakfast, serving a variety of healthy and hearty options. Stay active with our fitness center, indoor pool, and sports court, or unwind at our evening socials, offering a chance to socialize and relax. Located just minutes from downtown Rochester, our hotel offers easy access to the city's top attractions, shopping, and dining.

Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, Residence Inn by Marriott Rochester West/Greece provides everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Experience the warmth and professionalism of our friendly staff, dedicated to making your stay memorable. 

Residence Inn by Marriott Rochester West/Greece

Experience unparalleled comfort and convenience at the Rochester Airport Marriott, strategically located at 1890 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY. A mere stone's throw from the airport, this destination encapsulates the essence of effortless travel and warm hospitality. Our rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed with your needs in mind, featuring plush bedding, high-speed internet, and sophisticated amenities to ensure a stay that is both productive and relaxing. Delight in locally-sourced cuisine at our on-site restaurant, or unwind with a cocktail in the inviting lounge. Stay active with our fitness center, or take a dip in the indoor pool, embracing a sense of rejuvenation. For those blending work with travel, our versatile meeting spaces are equipped with the latest technology, making business engagements seamless. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, the Rochester Airport Marriott offers a personalized and memorable stay, right in the heart of Rochester. 

Rochester Airport Marriott

Discover comfort and convenience at Holiday Inn Express Rochester - Greece, an IHG Hotel, ideally located at 1635 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, our hotel ensures a memorable stay with a host of thoughtful amenities. Kick start your day with our Express Start Breakfast, offering a variety of hot and cold options to energize your morning. Enjoy restful nights in our contemporary rooms, equipped with free high-speed Internet and comfortable bedding, ensuring a peaceful sleep. Stay fit with access to our well-equipped fitness center or accomplish tasks at our business center. Positioned conveniently in Greece, Rochester, our hotel provides easy access to local attractions, shopping, and dining, making it perfect for exploring the city. Experience the blend of dependable service and quality at Holiday Inn Express Rochester - Greece, where we make every stay an enjoyable one. 

Holiday Inn Express Rochester - Greece, an IHG Hotel

Discover the essence of comfort and convenience at Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester/Greece. Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Rochester, NY, at 400 Center Place Drive, this premier hotel destination invites both leisure and business travelers to experience a stay marked by unparalleled hospitality and home-like ambiance. Each spacious suite in our collection is thoughtfully designed to offer the ultimate in comfort, featuring fully equipped kitchens, cozy living areas, and serene sleeping quarters. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast to start your day on a high note and unwind in the evening with our sociable receptions. Positioned ideally, guests have easy access to the vibrant attractions and business hubs of Rochester, ensuring your stay is both enjoyable and convenient. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester/Greece is your home away from home, where memories await. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester/Greece

Discover a blend of comfort and convenience at Hampton Inn by Hilton Rochester/Greece, nestled in the vibrant suburb of Greece, Rochester, NY. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, our prime location offers easy access to downtown Rochester, premier shopping destinations, and the scenic shores of Lake Ontario. Start your day with our signature complimentary hot breakfast, and enjoy modern amenities including free high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully equipped fitness center, and a refreshing indoor pool. Each of our spacious, well-appointed guest rooms features a cozy Hampton bed, ergonomic workspace, and a flat-screen TV to make your stay as comfortable as possible. With our friendly, attentive staff dedicated to providing exceptional service, the Hampton Inn by Hilton Rochester/Greece is your ideal home away from home. Experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for a memorable stay. 

Hampton Inn by Hilton Rochester/Greece

Welcome to Staybridge Suites Rochester University, an IHG Hotel located near the bustling city center of Rochester, NY. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our extended-stay hotel is the perfect choice for your stay. Enjoy spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas, fully-equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. Explore nearby attractions such as the Strong National Museum of Play, Blue Cross Arena, and the University of Rochester. Book your stay at Staybridge Suites Rochester University today and experience the convenience and comfort of a top-rated hotel. 

Writing from Photographs with Sonja Livingston | Gates Library

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