November is National Novel Writing Month, and what better time is there to hold a literary festival than when the art is being recognized?

The eighth annual Dahlonega Literary Festival and Publishing Conference will be taking place in Dahlonega this weekend.

The festival happens every year during the second weekend of November, drawing authors, publishers and readers alike. Set in downtown Dahlonega, the festival continues to grow and become more entertaining as the years go on.

This year's festival coincides with New Directions Conference at North Georgia College & State University. While the two are connected, separate registration is required for each.

According to the event's website, the festival began in 2004 to celebrate books, writers, literacy, storytelling and literary performance art.

Events at the festival will include workshops and seminars, panel discussions, book signings and social events. Activities for children like book readings and storytelling are also scheduled.

Nineteen authors from various genres headline this year's festival, including Terry Kay, Sidney Sheldon, Joshilyn Jackson and Deanna Raybourn. Up-and-coming authors will be featured as well.

Events will take place in and around downtown Dahlonega beginning at 3 p.m. Nov. 11. The festival continues with various activities beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. At 12:30 p.m. Nov. 13, keynote speaker Kay will address attendees, and events will conclude that afternoon.

The Dahlonega Literary festival is free and open to the public. Special events will include lunch with the authors at restaurants around Dahlonega's downtown square. Literary vendors and artist booths will be set up in Hancock Park throughout the weekend.

The New Directions Conference will be held in conjunction with the Dahlonega Literary Festival in Dahlonega, with venues on the NGCSU campus and on the Dahlonega square.

New Directions will begin with registration at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 and continue through Friday evening. Registration is $40 per day; NGCSU students can attend for free with student ID. Optional fees associated with special events.

For more information on the Dahlonega Literary Festival, including a full calendar of events, visit www.literaryfestival.org.