The Picayune Writers Group would like to invite writers and anyone interested in writing to attend their seventh annual Free Writers Symposium this Saturday.
This year’s theme is a “Free and Creative Voice,” Picayune Writers Group secretary Mary Beth Magee said.
“When the “Charlie Hebdo” attack took place, it made us aware of how important it is to stand up for free speech,” Magee said. “Creativity is important to society and if we want to do so, we must take a stand.”
According to CNN, in January, 12 people were killed at the offices of the Paris-based satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo. The magazine was known for its unadulterated political cartoons, the website states.
There will be five writers who will present aspects of this theme during their session, she said. They are Laura Ewald, Melinda Taliancich Falgoust, Robert Cerio, Michael Beggs and Dana and Darwin Nelson of Double Dee Music.
“Ewald is a local author, editor, puppeteer and ghost writer,” Magee said. “She is talented in a lot of dimensions.”
Falgoust is a children’s author and is the owner of Wagging Tales Press, she said. Cerio is the author of steampunk science fiction and Beggs is a scriptwriter from New Orleans. The Nelsons are a husband and wife songwriting team from Poplarville, she said.
Between presentations and at the end of the program, audience members will have the opportunity to read their work.
There will also be a “parade of prizes” where participants can buy raffle tickets and place them into the basket they want to win, Magee said. The drawing will take place at about 4 p.m.
“We are thrilled with this year’s lineup,” Magee said. “They come from all different aspects addressing the creative voice and how to express it.”
The symposium will be held in Holland Hall at the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library at 900 Goodyear Blvd.
The event begins with a free continental breakfast at 9 a.m. and speakers will present their programs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A complimentary lunch will also be provided, Magee said.
Copies of Picayune Writers Group anthologies will also be available for purchase during the event.
The Picayune Writers Group is open to anyone seeking literary encouragement.
Group members meet every Tuesday at 6 p.m. (except the first Tuesday of the month) in the community room at Bank Plus at 115 Williams Ave. Interested parties may attend five meetings at no charge, Magee said. If they decided to join, dues are $25 per year. On the third Wednesday of the month, the group hosts an open mic at 6 p.m. at Southern Char Steakhouse, located at 210 W. Canal St.
Visit the group’s Facebook page for more information.