Author Diane Marie Brown captivated audiences at the 42nd Annual Literary Women Festival of Authors with her debut novel, "Black Candle Women." Hosted at the Long Beach Convention Center, the gathering spotlighted Brown's notable accomplishment as she delved into her writing journey and the motivations behind her book.

Brown unearthed her love for writing during her youth, weaving imaginative tales for her loved ones during her academic years. Yet, the notion of penning a book never crossed her mind.

Described as a captivating tale of family, heartache, and a deadly curse with a magical element, "Black Candle Women" unfolds in the settings of Long Beach and New Orleans. The curse traces its origins to a Voodoo sorceress in the 1950s, threatening the lives of the individuals whom the female characters in the narrative come to love.

Buzz Magazine described the book as a captivating and emotionally gripping story that keeps readers engaged until the end. A Publisher Weekly review stated that the story provides a detailed look at voodoo practices. However, it falls short of fully developing its main characters, making them seem one-dimensional. Yet, for those who enjoy family dramas with a magical twist, this book offers a unique and refreshing take on the genre.

Inspiring Tales and Triumph

On March 9, Brown captivated a large audience of 800 women at the Literary Women Festival. Brown's captivating tales of her writing journey, including the release of her debut book at 50, held attendees spellbound throughout the event. Her presentation was characterized by delightful humor, endearing her to the audience and making her speech a standout moment of the festival.

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During her speech, Brown shared her writing journey, remembering her early dreams, challenges, and family's support. Despite managing a career in public health and family responsibilities, she stayed dedicated to writing. Her perseverance paid off when her book was published by a renowned publishing house, a significant achievement in her writing journey. 

Brown dedicated the book to her parents, acknowledging their crucial support in fostering her creativity. The festival also highlighted new writers and young poets, showing its commitment to nurturing fresh talent in literature.

Brown was among seven esteemed authors invited from across the country to speak at the eagerly awaited Literary Women event. Other renowned authors shared insights into their creative processes and showcased their latest works.

Celebrating Female Authors and Literary Excellence

Established in 1982 by Harriet Williams, a Long Beach School Board member, the festival has blossomed into a highly coveted literary event in the region. Williams' concern over the underrepresentation of female authors on reading lists led her to collaborate with her friend, Virginia Laddey, in bringing female writers from across the nation to Long Beach. Since then, the festival has gained traction, spotlighting female writers' diverse voices and talents.

The festival aims to highlight the outstanding works of contemporary female authors for a diverse audience of avid readers. It also seeks to encourage and support emerging writers, emphasizing the importance of literature for future generations.

This year's event chair, Anne Emigh, emphasized the festival's role in bolstering female authors and contributing to the growing representation of women in the literary landscape. At its conception, only 10 percent of American published authors were women. Now, women comprise over 50 percent of American authors. Emigh believed the festival played a pivotal role in this positive transformation.

The success of this year's festival underscored its enduring impact and ongoing commitment to championing female authors. As anticipation builds for the next festival in 2025, attendees can anticipate another memorable gathering celebrating the influence and resonance of women's voices in literature.

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