Sedalia Writers' Conference

The fourth annual Sedalia Writers' Conference will be held April 16-17, featuring novelist Kathy Grissom of Forest and three other presenters on various aspects of the writing life.

Grissom's first book, "The Kitchen House," was published last month by Simon & Schuster, and she will be a participant in the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville.

Lynchburg resident Paula Jean West, a specialist in eco-travel and "spiritual travel" has a worldwide audience for her blogs. She will discuss blogging as a diversion and also as a potential business.

Amy Allen is the owner and director of the Lynchburg-based Ruth Consulting Group. The author of eight books, she was the public relations director for the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts before going into business for herself. She will discuss public relations as an occupation.

Darrell Laurant has been a journalist for three decades and a freelance writer for almost that long. The local columnist for The News & Advance in Lynchburg, he has also written more than 200 magazine and Website articles and is the founder and director of The Writers' Bridge (www.thewritersbridge.com), an international freelance writers' organization.

The conference will begin with a reception on Friday, April 16 from 7-9 and continue on Saturday (9-4). Lunch is included in the cost, which is $25 at the door and $20 in advance. For more information, contact Darrell Laurant at writersbridge@hotmaillcom or at 434-525-4811 or 434-385-5544.