Conference gets in the minds of writers

Once again, the Terrebonne Parish Library System is partnering with Nicholls State University to delve into the secrets of writers, illustrators and publishers.

This year’s 5th annual Jubilee Jambalaya Writer’s Conference and Book Fair is April 5 at 8 p.m. Library spokeswoman Lauren Ledet said last year’s conference drew a huge turnout, more than 200 writers and aspiring writers filled the main library.

“We anticipate big crowds every year,” she said. “This year is special because the writer’s conference is celebrating five years of existence, and so is the Main Library. Five years ago, we first opened the doors to this place. In all, [the library has] a lot to celebrate.”

Aspiring writers or even devoted readers who want to know how authors do what they do can attend the free lecturers, discussions and panels.

“Writers that didn’t submit work by the March deadline can still come and enjoy the conference, take notes and be a part of the action and learn some writing techniques to take home,” Ledet said.

For $35, attendees can register to hear New York Times best-selling author and keynote speaker F. Paul Wilson, known for his science fiction and horror thriller “Repairman Jack” series. The 10th book of the series, “Harbinger,” was released in 2006.

“We are so proud to have Mr. Wilson come to Houma and speak to aspiring writers,” Ledet said. “After speaking with Molly Bolden, the owner of Bent Pages in Houma, Mr. Wilson accepted our invitation. Everyone is so excited and we anxiously await his arrival.”

Bolden met Wilson last September at a writer’s conference.

“When I first met him, I was trying real hard not to be a giddy teenager,” she said. “But I went up to him and told him that I fell in love with him when I read his first book in 1989. I told him that I loved his work, and I look forward to each book coming out.”

More than 50 other talented writers are scheduled to participate, including dramatists John Doucet, Julie Hebert and Alex Sokoloff; Louisiana novelists Moira Crone, Norman German, Ernest Hill and Ken Wells; comedic writers Rebecca Gernon and Hailey North; paranormal novelists Erin McCarthy and Kathy Love; thriller and suspense novelists Robert “Bob” Levison, Heather Graham, Stephen Harris, Deborah LeBlanc and Candis Proctor and many others.

“There will be a lot more poets participating, romance writers and children’s authors,” Ledet said. “There was a high demand for children’s book authors last year. We decided to give the public what they wanted.”

“People really enjoy the book fair because they get to purchase books and have them autographed by the panel,” she said.

For more information, call Lauren Ledet or Amy Whipple at (985) 876-5158.