Pasadena Screenwriter Reads From Debut Novel at Ebell of LA

Luke Goebel, co-writer of 'Causeway' and 'Eileen,' joins two other Red Hen Press authors for a literary event.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in red and white, conceptually representing the energy and creativity of a literary event featuring diverse authors.An independent literary event in Los Angeles celebrates diverse voices and the power of storytelling.Los Angeles Today

Luke Goebel, a Pasadena-based screenwriter who co-wrote the films 'Causeway' and 'Eileen,' will read from his debut novel 'Kill Dick' at an event hosted by independent publisher Red Hen Press at The Ebell of Los Angeles on April 13. Goebel will be joined by poets Brendan Constantine and Rebecca Chace, who will also present their latest works.

Why it matters

This event highlights the role of independent presses like Red Hen in providing a platform for diverse literary voices that may not fit the commercial mold of larger publishing conglomerates. It also showcases the vibrant literary community in Los Angeles, where established screenwriters like Goebel are finding success in the novel form.

The details

Goebel's novel 'Kill Dick' follows a 19-year-old NYU dropout drawn into a string of murders linked to a secret society across Los Angeles. Poet Brendan Constantine will present his fifth collection 'The Opposites Game,' which includes a poem adapted into a TED-Ed animated film. Novelist Rebecca Chace will read from her third book 'Talking to the Wolf,' scheduled for publication by Red Hen in May.

  • The event will take place on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Goebel's novel 'Kill Dick' will be published on April 14, 2026.

The players

Luke Goebel

A Pasadena-based screenwriter who co-wrote the films 'Causeway' and 'Eileen.'

Brendan Constantine

A Los Angeles-based poet who will present his fifth collection 'The Opposites Game,' which includes a poem adapted into a TED-Ed animated film.

Rebecca Chace

A novelist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Yale Review, and Lit Hub, and who will read from her third book 'Talking to the Wolf,' scheduled for publication by Red Hen in May.

Kate Gale

The co-founder and longtime director of independent publisher Red Hen Press, who will moderate the event.

Red Hen Press

The nonprofit literary house on Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena that is publishing Goebel's debut novel and hosting the event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The world of large, conglomerate publishing squeezes everything through a very commercial process and cuts a lot of what needs to be said by people who need to say it.”

— Luke Goebel, Screenwriter

“There were no MFA programs, bookstores were closing, publishing houses were closing. L.A. as a literary city just felt very fragile to me.”

— Kate Gale, Co-founder and Director, Red Hen Press

“Kate Gale is an incredible force in terms of bringing people together.”

— Luke Goebel, Screenwriter

What’s next

Goebel's novel 'Kill Dick' will be published the day after the event, on April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

This event showcases how independent presses like Red Hen are providing a vital platform for diverse literary voices that may not fit the commercial mold of larger publishing houses, helping to sustain a vibrant literary community in Los Angeles.