The 42nd-annual Writers Week conference, California’s longest-running free literary event, kicked off the evening of Feb. 4 with a full-house event featuring Margaret Atwood.

Chancellor Kim Wilcox introduced the acclaimed author, known for popular works such as "The Handmaid's Tale" and the "MaddAddam" trilogy, followed by a Q&A between Atwood and professor of creative writing and Writers Week director, Tom Lutz.

Atwood was also presented with this year's Los Angeles Review of Books - UCR Department of Creative Writing Lifetime Achievement Award.

Authors Rachel Cusk and Quincy Troupe also served as this year's keynote speakers, while 19 other authors presented readings and Q&As during the two-week span. View the gallery below to see some of this year's Writers Week highlights.