For 18 years literature has come to life in Natchez.

And what better place? Our quaint surroundings are novelesque without the pen and paper of the world’s finest authors. Toss in a literary mind and Natchez can quickly become home to masterpieces.

So when the doors to the annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration kick open today the folks inside will be right at home.

We’re glad they are here. Any festival that has lasted 18 years is likely a successful one.

For Natchez, this celebration means distinguished speakers, interested listeners and an education for us all.

Today through Sunday our city will be alive with stories from the past and lessons for the future. This year’s celebration will begin the yearlong preparation for next year’s event, which will honor Richard Wright.

September 2008 will mark 100 years since Wright was born near Roxie, and the literary world will be celebrating. But Natchez has the right idea — his life started here, so we’ll start the party early.

Most of this week’s events will be at the Natchez Convention Center and most are free of charge, so take a break from work or school and head on over to see what you can learn and whom you can meet.