Each year, esteemed writers come to San Diego for the annual Writer’s Symposium by the Sea at Point Loma Nazarene University.

This year features Jesmyn Ward, Mitch Albom and Sandra Cisneros, who is celebrating 40 years since her first novel, "The House on Mango Street," began captivating readers across the globe.

Cisneros joined Midday Edition Thursday to talk about the legacy of "The House on Mango Street" and the inspiration behind her writing.

Also, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good have landed in San Diego for the national tour of "Wicked," which comes hot off the heels of the 2024 film adaptation. KPBS Penner Fellow Elaine Alfaro went backstage to meet one of the actresses bringing Elphaba to life.

And finally, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews a new musical, "3 Summers of Lincoln," which takes audiences through three pivotal meetings between the president and famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

Guests:

• Sandra Cisneros, novelist
• Daniel J. Watts, co-lyricist and co-choreographer, "3 Summers of Lincoln"