Writers and Readers conference set for Saturday | Arts & Culture

The Sixth Annual Celebration of Writers and Readers is a "great event for lovers of literature," says Organizer Olivia Pass. It  will be held on Feb. 25 from 8:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Hemingbough Conference Center.

The event features four regional authors talking about their journeys into writing and their latest works. The authors are:

Valerie Martin, Orange Prize for Literature for Property; other works are The Confessions of Edward Day and Mary Reilly. (made into a movie starring Julia Roberts)

Rodger Kamanetz, poet and non-fiction writer and author of 10 books; internationally acclaimed for The Jew in the Lotus; other works are Burnt Books and The History of Last Nights Dream, Terra Infima plus five books of poetry.

Mona Lisa Savoy, PhD., poet, collected poems in Red Beans and Ricely Yours

Tom Aswell, journalist and music historian, Louisiana Rocks: The True Genesis of Rock and Roll.

"The event is electric," Pass says. "And it inspires and encourages those who want to write, but are afraid."

It will also include coffee, lunch, dessert and a wine reception as well as a panel discussion and question and answer session.

The Celebration of Writers and Readers is sponsored Friends of the West Feliciana Library. Some of the authors read from their materials, but most tell us about their own journeys into writing - how they came to this craft and art and what keeps them going.  It is a very personal day for them and for those of us in the audience. 

The cost is $35. Tickets must be purchased before the event at the West Feliciana Library on Ferdinand Street or by calling 635-3364. Seating can be reserved for groups of eight or more.