Elizabeth Gilbert. the author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” has delayed publication of her Russian-set novel “The Snow Forest” due to Russia’s war on Ukraine.

(Paul Jeffers / Associated Press)

Along with Independent Bookstore Day in April and The San Diego Union-Tribune’s annual Festival of Books, the upcoming 29th Writer’s Symposium by the Sea is arguably the biggest and best literary event of the year. Beginning Feb. 19, this year’s fest will feature a number of notable names sitting down for interviews at Point Loma Nazarene University and several other venues around the city.

While a few of the authors will be on-hand to promote 2023 releases, such as Paulette Jiles’ historical fiction novel, “Chenneville,” most of the authors will be here to discuss projects they’re currently working on. For example, while best-selling writers Susan Orlean and Nick Hornby don’t have book releases scheduled for 2024, they will be onstage together to discuss “Writing That Inspires,” as well as Hornby’s screenwriting adaptation of Orlean’s 2011 book, “Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend,” about the WWI-era movie star dog. The most anticipated appearance, however, just might be from Elizabeth Gilbert (of “Eat, Pray, Love” fame). She did have a book scheduled to be released in 2024 (“The Snow Forest”), but postponed the release of the novel after some readers took issue with its Russian setting while the country is still at war with Ukraine. Having had a few months to reflect, it will be interesting to hear how she looks back on the backlash.

Feb. 19-23 at Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego. pointloma.edu/2024writers