Creative writing can often be overlooked in small towns such as Rome, but the Rome Area Writers group is doing something about it by hosting the Writers Forum on March 23.

Bryant Steele, Rome Area Writers president, said the forum is geared toward area residents who would like to write but don’t know how to begin. It will offer the opportunity to learn about creating writing as well as publishing.

“Anyone whose life doesn’t revolve around the stupid premise of reality television knows that Rome has a fountain of learning opportunities,” Steele said. “Still, I dare say this event is different from anything before it. This event will have it’s own distinction. Every participant will walk away with at least one new idea.”

The Writers Forum will feature discussions from published authors including Carmen Acevedo Butcher, author of “The Cloud of Unknowing: A New Translation” who will discuss writing, revising, editing and publishing. Jo S. Kittinger, who wrote The House on Dirty,” will give a presentation on juvenile books.

Award-winning author Raymond Atkins, author of “Front Porch Prophet” will discuss character development.

“I lean more toward character driven plot development in my writing style” Atkins said. “In the Forum, I will use the characters from my newly-released novel, ‘Camp Redemption,’ as examples. I will deal with some of the most effective techniques for creating believable, sympathetic characters.”

Brian Corrigan, whom Steele referred to as the forum’s “prize catch,” and author of “The Poet of Loch Ness,” will present a topic titled “Shape of Words, a Master Class in Novel Writing.”

“One aspect that I always focus upon is the business of writing,” Corrigan said. “For the Rome program I will touch on the subject of writing a book that sells.”

The Writers Forum takes place March 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cotton Block Hall. For more information and to register visit online at romeareawriters.com/.