HOMEGROWN: A WRITERS’ EXCHANGE

The State of Mississippi has a rich history of writers who have made significant contributions to the Literary World.

In November 2019, HOMEGROWN was born when the Hancock County Library System presented the first day-long literary arts program in partnership with The Arts Hancock County. Noted author and Delisle, MS native, Jesmyn Ward honored the event with a closing address.

In January 2024, HOMEGROWN returned, presenting 23 authors, six moderated panels, and attracting an audience of 398 people from 8 states.

HOMEGROWN seeks and welcomes partnerships with libraries across the Gulf Coast to produce its annual, regional literary conference that nurtures aspiring and emerging writers and engages Gulf Coast residents & visitors through connections to the literary arts.

We strive to present the most extraordinary & talented authors through the highest caliber literary event in the Coastal Mississippi region, from Slidell (LA) to Mobile (AL).

In 2024, HOMEGROWN was held at the Hancock Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the campus of Hancock High School in Kiln, Mississippi. The state-of-the art facility includes a theater and adjacent classrooms for breakout sessions & workshops.

In 2025, HOMEGROWN will take place on the picturesque Gulf Park Campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in its lovely Fleming Education Center.

John Brdecka, Executive Director, Hancock County Library System

Sarah Crisler-Ruskey, Executive Director, Harrison County Library System

Scott Naugle, Owner of Pass Christian Books

Dr. Rebecca Powell, USM Gulf Park

Johnnie Bernhard, author

Catherine Tibbs, arts administrator & educator

Vickie Feazelle, Hancock County School District

Wendy Allard, Harrison County Library System

Nel Ducomb, founding member, HOMEGROWN (2019)

Leah Holmes, East Hancock/Diamondhead Library (HCLS)

Andrea Moreau, Kiln Library (HCLS)

Kevin Cole, PR/Marketing, Hancock County Library System

HOMEGROWN is a free event, open to the public. Registration in advance of the event date is strongly encouraged. HOMEGROWN is directed to an adult and young adult (YA) audience, and is not intended for families with younger children.

We realize that MARDI GRAS is not for everyone. Through HOMEGROWN, we offer a quality literary alternative — especially for those who desire a brief & refreshing intellectual escape from New Orleans to indulge in the best that Coastal Mississippi has to offer!