Readers and writers have the opportunity to celebrate and grow in the written word through the Hammond Regional Art Center literary conference.

Anyone with an interest in literary works is welcome to attend and listen to well-known authors. The conference will take place March 15 in multiple downtown Hammond venues.

“The festival is an amazing showcase for the talent in our area,” said Katie Wainwright,festival co-chair alongside Bonnie Thibodaux. “The festival started with the idea that there were so many authors nearby, that the town of Hammond and the Hammond Regional Arts Center could showcase their talents.”

There are 25 authors who will share their knowledge and insight with the community.  Many of these authors are graduates of Southeastern, including Donna Gay Anderson in drama, David Armand in fiction, Rebecca Hensley in social media, Alison Pelegrin in poetry and Tim Gautreaux in fiction. The conference will include a variety of genres ranging from drama to detective fiction.

Speaking on genre fiction, author Robin Wells will join O’Neil DeNoux to speak about their different genres and how they intertwine. 

“The title of our talk is ‘Mystery and Romance: Strange Bedfellows,” said Wells.  “We’ll each talk about our genres, as well as the role of mystery in romance and the role of romance in mystery novels.”  

Attendees can enjoy the seminars, learn from the speakers and make connections and friends.

“It’s always fun to meet other writers,” said Wells. “When I went to my first writers’ meeting many years ago, I felt as if I’d finally found ‘my peeps.’  Literary festivals and writing conferences offer great opportunities for writers to learn more about both their craft and the business of writing.  They’re also great networking events; I met both my agent and my first editor at writers’ conferences.” 

The conference offers more than seminars.  A writing contest entitled “So You Think You Can Write” was made part of the day, encouraging sixth graders and up to submit a piece of work.  The contestants were encouraged to create a storyline that connects to one of 10 great American artist images.  The art comes from different periods in American history.

Cash prizes will be given to 1st through 3rd place in poetry, essay and short story.

“[The purpose is] to showcase the authors. To inspire young people to write. To encourage our citizens to read,” said Wainwright.  “A literate population is a plus to our town.”

Workshops will go on throughout the day and all are welcome to attend.  The price of a ticket for an all day pass is $35.  The pass includes all seminars and a closing reception at the Hammond Regional Arts Center.

For more information, search hammondarts.org/literary-festival.