Book lovers of all ages may immerse themselves in an array of hardcover and paperbacks of all kinds at the 10th annual Dahlonega Literary Festival this weekend in Lumpkin County.

The free annual celebration of books is 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8, and 12:30-2:15 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at various venues around the historic square in Dahlonega. Festival highlights include mini writing and illustration workshops, lunch with authors, author discussion panels and an author meet-and-greet. Panel topics include the role of setting in fiction, incorporating history into fiction, humor in fiction, the element of suspense in fiction, writing non-fiction and writing poetry.

Dahlonega Literary Festival authors include Raymond Atkins, Jackie K. Cooper, Joshilyn Jackson, Terry Kay, Cassandra King, Erika Marks, Charles McNair and Deanna Raybourn. Illustrator Mark Braught will share tips on character drawing and illustrating children’s books. In addition, regional authors may interact with festival attendees and sell their books.

On March 9 after the festival’s conclusion, aspiring writers are invited to join a “write-in” event from 3-6 p.m. at the Starbuck’s coffee shop next the University of North Georgia campus. Participants will also have opportunities to discuss writing issues, offer support and share ideas.

For more information, visit www.literaryfestival.org.