The Picayune Writers Group held its third annual Writer’s Symposium in the Holland Hall Cultural Room in Crosby Library on September 24th.

This year’s theme was “The joy of the experience of writing;” the event was well attended by members from New Orleans, Pearl River and Covington, La. as well as the Gulf Coast.

The group was addressed by Dr. Phillip Levin, who has been successfully published by both traditional publishing houses as well as self publishing houses. An emergency room physician, Levin has proven that there is always time to follow your true heart’s desire.

Levin was followed by local veterinarian and author of five novels, Dr. Wynan Stewart who spoke about the joy of writing while simultaneously continuing on his chosen career path.

Author and professional storyteller, Ms. Chocolate, spoke about the journey from New Orleans, La. to Picayune post- Katrina.

Judy Songy followed with Native American poetry and bamboo flute playing.

Rebecca Drouilhet shared her love of Haiku which is a form of poetry which originated in Japan.

The last speaker at the podium was Wuanita Talley, one of the founding members of the Picayune Writers Group. Talley published her first book in 2010, at the age of 90 and is currently in her fifth printing of the book.

Participants stayed afterwards to share some of their own work and experiences. This brought an end to the another successful effort by the Picayune Writers Group to share the artistic pleasure of the written word.