The Picayune Writers Group is presenting its eighth annual Writers Symposium Sept. 24 at Margaret Reed Crosby Library and invites writers or anyone interested in writing to attend.
This year’s theme is “Priming the Pump, Getting the Words to Flow,” which Secretary of the Picayune Writers Group Jamie McDonald said “should resonate with all writers.”
“The thought behind the theme is that as a writer, you have to look for inspiration in so many places. This is what the symposium is all about, finding inspiration in everyday things,” McDonald said.
During the symposium, multiple speakers from the entire Gulf Coast region will be sharing some of their own literature while tying the theme into their presentations. Featured speakers will be from a variety of genres, including children’s books, music lyrics, inspirational writing, poetry, memoirs and much more.
One of the speakers is J. L. Mulvihill, who writes fantasy, steampunk, horror, thrillers, poetry and essays inspired by her life and the twisted world around her, McDonald said.
“We are totally excited for this year’s lineup,” McDonald said. “I’ve been to many different symposiums before, but this one is really special. It is so much fun and enticing.”
McDonald visited her first Picayune Writers Group symposium last year.
“I was new to the area and didn’t know anyone,” McDonald said. “I walked into a Dollar General and saw the Picayune Item’s article about this symposium and immediately planned to attend. I went and got so much inspiration to write and then shortly after became the secretary of the group.”
Toward the end of the symposium, time will be dedicated for local writers to share short excerpts from their favorite personal work with the group.
The event begins with a free continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and then the speakers will present their programs until 4 p.m. A complimentary lunch will also be provided for participants.
Also, there will be a gift basket raffle for those interested. The Picayune Writers Group is open to any interested party. The group meets every Tuesday, with an exception of the first Tuesday of every month, at the Bank Plus on Goodyear Boulevard at 6 p.m. in the meeting room.