KNYSNA (February 12, 2015) – The 6th annual Knysna Literary Festival, presented by Pam Golding Properties Knysna from 18-22 March, has a full line-up of events intended to showcase and inspire local talent, whether they are established authors or young learners with an interest in the written word.

Festival founder Ling Dobson says the festival is focused on developing Knysna’s literary future with programme highlights like the Children’s Theatre, the Young Writer’s Awards, motivational creative writing workshops, panel discussions and creative presentations hosted by local authors. Over the years, local authors like Ivo Vegter, Lynn Le Roux, James Fouche, Duncan De Waal, Steve Reeder, Pixie Emslie, Tanyan Snyman and more have all been involved in the festival. This year, well-known Knysna local Santie Pretorius – author of “Fat Genes to Skinny Jeans” – will be the at the book lounge, where her book will also be available for purchase and signing.

Dobson explains, “Every year the programme changes. This is our unique dynamic, which allows us to work with many established authors, especially local authors and others who are topical and ‘trending’ in the public’s mind. In everything that we do, we focus on inspiring learners of all ages – from the youngest, to matric, those in college and beyond. We work with local non-profits and schools to arrange transportation to the Children’s Theatre, which every year is packed to capacity. Our Young Writers’ Competition for children aged 6 to matric, has grown from 15 entries to over 200 entries from Knysna learners, including Sedgefield and Karatara and Plettenberg Bay. The look in their eyes as they experience the joy of the literature makes it all worthwhile.”

Dobson says the creative writing workshops and small-group author mingles are perhaps some of the most exciting opportunities for developing talent to benefit directly from the festival.

“These are a great example of how the Knysna Literary Festival can influence developing talent. Becoming more and more popular and even selling out, this year we have doubled the offering.”

Two Creative Writing Workshops will be hosted by motivational speaker and creative guru Graeme Butchart on 20 March. The workshop will focus on how to harness creative energy, and the tools that aspiring writers can learn to help them hone their skills. There is also a small-group mingle with award-winning novelist Jo-Anne Richards on 21 March.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.webtickets.co.za, in-person at the Pam Golding Properties Knysna office located at 5 Gray Street in Knysna, or via EFT. Prices vary by event. For more information call 044 382 5574, email info@knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za, or visit www.knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za.

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