LOS ANGELES, CA—The 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 at the University of Southern California campus, featured VIP Author Donna Voss showcasing her book Gone Surfing! at the MainSpring Books booth. The event, one of the nation's largest literary gatherings, attracted thousands of readers, families, educators, and authors for a weekend dedicated to storytelling and creative discovery.
Gone Surfing! takes readers on an adventurous journey through iconic surfing locations worldwide. What began as a series of watercolor paintings inspired by ocean waves gradually evolved into a narrative celebrating exploration, curiosity, and the beauty of experiencing new places and cultures. Donna developed the story by imagining the people, landscapes, and experiences connected to each destination, blending visual inspiration with storytelling to encourage readers to dream beyond their immediate surroundings.
During an interview at the festival, Donna discussed how painting became a therapeutic and imaginative experience, allowing ideas to develop naturally into a story. She shared her passion for inspiring young people to think creatively, pursue big ideas, and recognize their ability to make meaningful contributions to the world. The book's broader message is that creativity can serve as a bridge to learning, exploration, and personal growth.
The appearance provided readers an opportunity to connect with an author who believes in the transformative power of imagination. For more information about Gone Surfing!, visit Amazon or Barnes & Noble. An author interview is available on YouTube.
