This year, the festival celebrates its 15th anniversary, although the shouting contest isn t that old. It was a huge hit, and we just packed Le Petit for the finals, says LouAnn Morehouse, executive director of the festival, of the first contest in the mid-90s. Fifteen years and countless book signings after the first event, the festival is one of the premier literary events in the South, and possibly the country. Trying to do this festival justice in 1,100 words is like trying to put your arms around water. Writers panels lend depth to reading.
Panels allow writers to discuss their craft and to field ideas from audience members.
The panels also tackle subjects such as music, humor and romance in literature. Other panels lean more toward audience members who want to write, and they may enjoy listening to experts explain the details of working with an agent or finally getting published. Some are folks who just like a good book. Some are folks who just like New Orleans. Morehouse says festival management has made an effort to ensure that the weekend is attractive to the general public.