We asked the participants a few questions following the event. 

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What was it like participating in one of the first digital international literary festivals?

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Evan Fallenberg: 

For me it's the best of bad options. I missed the build-up, the camaraderie with my fellow panelists and other writers and the organizers, missed the audience, the audience! - a void; I am always very aware of what they are enjoying and can be expanded upon or when to speed the conversation up - and I missed beautiful Mishkenot Sha'ananim itself, which invariably gives me a feeling of serenity and a sense that I am part of something longstanding and glorious.

 

Ayelet Tsabari:

I loved being a part of it! While I missed being in Mishkenot - I attended the festival last year and I loved the festival's international atmosphere - I was thrilled to hear they decided to move it to a digital format. I think it's a brilliant solution. Digital events are inclusive in so many ways and I am grateful for them.

 

Matti Friedman: 

One of the great things about writing is meeting readers and other authors in person. We spend a lot of time at home on the computer as it is. So let's just say -- it will be nice when the real thing becomes feasible again. 

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What was your favorite part? 

 

Evan Fallenberg: 

Matti and Ayelet; they are both delightful and engaging.

 

Ayelet Tsabari: 

Being able to wear yoga pants and socks at a literary event. 

 

Matti Friedman:

I like seeing other people's houses in the background.

 

What are you working on now?

 

Evan Fallenberg:

A novel, a screenplay and a play, none of which has anything to do with the others. 

 

Ayelet Tsabari: 

I'm working on a novel but it's too early to speak about it. I said too much about it during the event already! I'd rather not repeat it.

 

Matti Friedman:

A project about an interesting cultural moment in the Yom Kippur War.