Priyanka Kumar, a naturalist, filmmaker, and writer based in Santa Fe, is preparing for the release of her newest nonfiction book, The Grassland Queen, set for November 2026. Kumar, who has attended the Santa Fe International Literary Festival (SFILF) for two years as an invited author, recently participated in a Q&A with SFR to discuss her experiences and views on the literary community.

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Kumar has lived in Santa Fe for many years, witnessing its transformation from a quieter town to a vibrant cultural hub. She reflects on her recent experiences, including a Sunday hike in the national forest where she encountered old friends, and attending a concert featuring Beethoven's Kreutzer Sonata, which Tolstoy famously wrote about. She appreciates Santa Fe’s blend of natural beauty and artistic presence but acknowledges it took time to fully embrace the town's energy.

In 2023, Kumar participated in SFILF shortly after the release of her book Conversations with Birds, where she held a discussion with author Laila Lalami. The warm reception from readers at the event moved her deeply.

Discussing the current literary landscape, Kumar remarks on the chaos of today's world. She feels the arts are more crucial than ever, enabling readers to find meaning and escape even in turbulent times. She notes that while many publishers are struggling financially, readers' interest in books remains essential for the literary community's survival.

Kumar has been invited to host a book talk at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, where she will explore her lifelong practice of being a naturalist. This talk is expected to merge experiential elements with insights from her past works, including the themes in The Grassland Queen. She plans to engage the audience on how they can incorporate naturalist practices into their lives.

At the festival, Kumar will also discuss new ideas from her book The Light Between Apple Trees, particularly the concept of the Microwild, which refers to small natural spaces that support biodiversity. She aims to share the importance of these areas as sanctuaries for both nature and humanity.

Reflecting on her fellow authors, Kumar recalls a previous conversation with Rebecca Solnit at a Zen center that sparked ongoing discussions about their writing journeys. She sees her work aligning with other notable writers at the festival, such as Lauren Groff and poet Arthur Sze, addressing both contemporary life and pressing environmental issues.

Kumar has previously attended several literary festivals, including PEN America and AWP, and finds SFILF to be unique in providing an intimate experience that emphasizes community and connection among authors and attendees.

Kumar will be in conversation with Laura Paskus at SFILF on Saturday, May 16, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. She will also host "A Book Talk In The Garden" on Monday, May 18, from 10:30 AM to noon at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. Tickets are available for $50 or $82, including her book The Light Between Apple Trees.