NOLA ParaCon, a half-day literary festival featuring one dozen local writers and editors, will occur at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

The festival is free of charge and is open to the public. Registration is not required.

Paranormal romance is a subgenre of romantic fiction and speculative fiction. It includes elements beyond the range of scientific explanation – frequently ghosts, vampires, shapeshifters, werewolves, and time travel - blending together themes from the genres of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Paranormal romances are one of the fastest growing trends in the romance genre.

NOLA Para Con Agenda

9:15 Welcome

9:30 a.m. to 10:15 – The Creature Feature
Authors: Diana Rowland, Dawn Chartier & Gillian Zane
Pick your paranormal and fantasy poison. Let’s talk about the fantastical creatures in your writing. How to create zombies, witches, vampires, and other paranormal creatures in your fiction worlds, adding new elements to their narrative, while avoiding stereotypes.

10:30 a.m. to 11:15 - New Orleans Paranormal Style - It’s More Than Just Another Setting
Authors: Alexandrea Weis, Eva Vanrell, Charlotte Parker and Andy Reynolds
The atmosphere of New Orleans is the perfect setting for your paranormal book. Go beyond the tourist locales and Cajun accents - but how much is too much when describing the city that you love?

11:30 p.m. to 12:15 – The Unique Legends and Lore of Southern Louisiana from Ghost Stories to Swamp Monsters
Authors: Alys Arden, Lila Felix, Eden Butler, Historian Jennifer Dyer
Southern Louisiana has a unique paranormal history. Panelists will discuss the legends of our region and the way you can bring them into your writing.

12:30 pm Author Signing
Authors participating in the panels will be available to sign copies of their book and talk with readers about topics discuss.

NOLA ParaCon is sponsored by the Jefferson Parish Library and the Southern Louisiana chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.