HOMEGROWN: A Writers' Exchange

Join us for a full day of creativity & inspiration at the lovely state-of-the-art Hancock Performing Arts Center (Kiln, MS). This second annual writers' event is back -- bigger & better than before! An exclusive and extraordinary opportunity for you to experience HOMEGROWN: A WRITERS' EXCHANGE, which will include jam-packed informational sessions, workshops, and live panels with more than 20 of some of the most talented and highly acclaimed authors & writers in the south.  This event is free and open to the public and includes specially planned sessions for a young adult (YA) student population. Plan to spend the entire day with wide-ranging topical sessions full of inspiration & creativity as these authors share their craft and passion with you.

For Writers:  Get the "inside scoop" and insight on the publishing industry and how to increase your chances for publication.  Author and literary expert Johnnie Bernhard will be your guide for navigating the industry.

For Readers:  See & hear some of your favorite authors discuss their books, what inspires them, and their writing process. Then buy their books and get them signed! Hear live on-stage IN CONVERSATION session with Mississippi Public Broadcasting TV host Marshall Ramsey (“Mississippi Stories”) and rising star author Michael Farris Smith (books: SALVAGE THIS WORLD: and, DESPERATION ROAD).  In addition, select from six timely and topical Authors’ Panels, or sample and attend them all!

For Everyone:  A very special panel of award-winning chefs, cookbook authors, & foodies featuring, "THE ART OF THE COOKBOOK," moderated by the Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB), Think Radio’s co-host Carol Puckett Palmer of the popular DEEP SOUTH DINING program.  

For Foodies:  Want to delve even deeper?  Experience an actual demonstration of expert pickling and learn about the fermentation process used for Koji and Miso production.

What to Expect:  Enjoy the lovely rural theater & campus setting for this Saturday, January 27, 2024 event, and experience "how to" presentations and engaging thought-provoking discussions. Meet like-minded individuals and discover new perspectives. 

PLUS, very special opportunities to participate in a "Pitch Session" with regional publishers and literary agents.   Available - by appointment - for aspiring writers and anyone with an unread manuscript or idea for a book that's not yet been realized!    (RSVP required.)

For more details and a full listing of participating authors and sessions to be included, visit our website.

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