Two dozen Southeastern instructors, Hammond residents and respected professionals came together to discuss murder, sex, neuroticism and other fictional themes in the first Literary Festival hosted by the Hammond Regional Arts Center.
The Literary Festival was held in various locations on Saturday, March 15. Sessions were held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and featured 24 local authors who provided their insights and experiences in the literary world.
Southeastern instructor and novelist David Armand, along with novelist Katie Wainwright, gave a lecture at the beginning of the day entitled “The Art of the Novel.”
“Being an author is a way for me to communicate with a lot of people with whom I would otherwise have no contact,” said Armand. “It’s really a blessing to be able to have an audience of folks who want to listen to what I have to say.”
Armand’s novel “Harlow” was listed alongside Stephen King’s book “Doctor Sleep” as one of the top 10 novels of 2013. “Harlow” told the tale of a young man’s search for his father, whom he had never met. It is the second of his novels to be published, both of his novels laced together with a common thematic thread.
“While both of my novels have dark thematic elements, I would describe them as being ultimately about maintaining hope in the face of despair,” said Armand.
Many forms of writing and publishing mediums were discussed. Donna Gay Anderson, former director of the Columbia Theatre, discussed her creative process in the ongoing development of her first play, “High and Mighty,” in her lecture titled “From Page to Stage.” Rebecca Hensley, sociology professor, discussed the makings of her successful feminist blog, “In Your Face Women,” in the session “Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves!” From poetry to journaling, literary enthusiasts sought insight from every angle.
Those in attendance were given advice for pursuing their careers as authors. Local author Brenna Barzenick, along with Southeastern librarian and author Dayne Sherman, discussed the pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing. Barzenick is a self-published author. Though she spent more money than she made by self-publishing, Barzenick views her experience as a success. She fulfilled her goal of inspiring others with her story as a mother and professional.
“As a busy mom and former physical therapist in a business setting, I found that my writing connected deeply with women also out there in the workplace, or even in the home, raising children,” said Barzenick. “I knew that there was a story to be told. The truth of motherhood, although the story is funny, resonates with people, I think, because it’s not all fun and delightful all the time.”  
For those motivated by sentimental rather than financial goals, Barzenick recommends self-publishing.
“If you have a story in your mind, and you have a voice, you should be heard,” said Barzenick. “I believe that everybody has a story to tell, and I would highly recommend self-publishing to get your message out there.”
Though Sherman has had some success as an author published traditionally, he warns that the industry is “fraught with danger.” For many seeking publication, it takes years to get their foot in the door.
“Be willing to work hard, be willing to edit, edit, edit and fail better,” said Sherman, giving advice to aspiring authors. “Basically, be willing to accept rejection. I had been trying to get one story published for 12 years, and I told one of my friends who’s an English professor about taking 12 years and being rejected, and he said ‘That’s nothing. My best story took 15 years.’ So be willing to wait and just work on trying to write better and do better work.”
At the end of his lecture, Sherman played a humorous song about the easiest way to make money as an author titled “Ban My Book” in which he asked the audience to burn his books at the local courtyard.
Attendees had consistently positive feedback for the festival.
“It’s always beneficial to get the input of knowledgeable people, and I think this is going to end up to be a very big success,” said Davey Brooks, a Southeastern alumni and Hammond resident. “I would encourage people to come out and help it grow.”