Writers of all levels had a chance to gain from the experiences of other writers Friday at the Kentucky Writers Conference.

The Southern Kentucky Book Fest event featured twelve authors, about half of whom were from Kentucky, according to Kristie Lowry, Literary Outreach Coordinator with WKU Libraries.

Lowry said the cost—or lack thereof—for the attendees is a big selling point for this writers’ conference.

“The writers conference is free, and that’s pretty rare for writers conferences,” she said. “These are good quality authors who are giving the secrets of the craft to you for free.”

Carolyn Wall was one of those authors. She said it was important for her to help new writers make a start.

“Because they have things to say,” she said. “Everybody has things to say, and I would hate to see anybody be willing to let that out and not do it.”

 Angela Anderson came to the conference from Berea.

“It’s really helpful, I think, to hear another writer’s process,” she said.

Anderson still classifies herself as a novice, and said she not only got information out of the conference’s sessions, but inspiration as well.

“I’ve been here before and I always get a lot of really good information, and it’s a good opportunity to get to meet some of the authors who are here,” she said. “And it’s just an inspirational place to be if you’re a writer.”