An exciting day is ahead for area residents, especially writers, aspiring writers, teachers and full-time students. The Mississippi Writers Guild, an outstanding statewide organization, is sponsoring a day of workshops with excellent presenters.

The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Natchez Arts Association center at 409 Franklin St. The “Day of Writing Workshops” is designed to provide high-level instruction and guidance to writers and aspiring writers across a broad spectrum of genres. All presenters have outstanding credentials in their respective fields, as well as experience in delivering workshops. The day is presented in partnership with the Art Association, the Mississippi Humanities Council and the Mississippi Arts Commission.

Cost is only $30 (or $10 for an individual workshop), except for the Personal Experience Writing workshop which is free to the public. There is no charge for full-time students. Teachers may earn 5.5 CEU hours for attending the workshops. CEU fee is $10 for the day.

Individuals also will have a chance to learn about the guild and even join. There will be refreshments, door prizes, handouts and much more.

No pre-registration is required; walk-ins welcome.

Here is our line-up:

4 8:30 – 9 a.m. registration and welcome.

4 9 – 10 a.m.: Personal experience writing by Richelle Putnam. Putnam has been published in many print and online publications in adult and children’s literature, including The Copperfield Review, Writers Journal, Cup of Comfort inspirational books, Common Ties, The Institute of Children’s iterature, boy’s quest, Appleseeds and Hopscotch Magazine. She received formal education in creative writing from the Open College for the Arts Advanced Writing Program, Writers Digest and three Institutes of Children’s Literature programs. There is no charge to attend this program.

41:10-11:10 a.m. Poetry with Dr. Jerry Domatob. Domatob is professor of Mass Communications and Speech at Alcorn State University. He is a self-published poet who has lectured widely on all facets of poetry and the spoken word. He is known as an extraordinary and inspiring speaker, as well as a highly crafted writer. He has a Ph.D in Mass Communication from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism Bring some poetry to share.

411:15-12:15 song writing with Tommy Polk. Professional Song Writer, Polk has credits on gold and platinum records including releases by Martina McBride, Diamond Rio, Jessica Andrews, Tammy Cochran, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Crystal Gayle, Amanda Wilkinson and others in the country genre. In the southern soul and blues genre as a songwriter there have been releases by Bobby “Blue” Bland, Johnnie Taylor, Shirley Brown, Irma Thomas and Joe Louis Walker among others. ASCAP and BMI award citations for nationally popular chart topping songs.

412:15 – 1:15 Lunch on your own

41:15 – 2:15 Short story Writing with Judy Wiggins. Wiggins is retired Humanities coordinator and instructor of creative writing, at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Natchez Campus). She has extensive knowledge in all facets of writing, lecturing, and writing. She is President, Vice President, Conference Coordinator for Mississippi Community College Creative Writing Association; and Author of In the Heart of Ponder Country, a cookbook, and co-editor of The River: The Natchez Poetry Anthology. Bring your short stories or ideas to share.

42:15 – 3 p.m. Self-Publishing with G. Mark LaFrancis. LaFrancis is a self-published author of seven books, and has guided more than 200 individuals in how to self-publish successfully. An award-winning journalist, retired instructor at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Natchez Campus), film maker, he has in-depth knowledge of editing, writing, graphics, production and more. LaFrancis is the president of the Mississippi Writers Guild. This program continues 3:20 p.m. through 4 p.m.

43 p.m. Grants for Artists with Connie Souto Learman. Arts-Based Community Development Director for the Mississippi Arts Commission. Learn about grants for all types of artists. Anyone may attend free of charge.

 

G. Mark LaFrancis is a Natchez author and president of the Mississippi Writers Guild.