Author John Hailman to speak at Faulkner Competition luncheon

John Hailman, a writer and former assistant U.S. Attorney, will speak Friday, September 23rd, at the luncheon for the 2016 William Faulkner Literary Competition.

Hailman is a published author whose books include, From Midnight to Guntown (2013), Return to Guntown (2015) and  Thomas Jefferson on Wine (2009).

The “Guntown” books include stories about people and cases Hailman encountered during his 33 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi. Thomas Jefferson on Wine is a biography focused on the third president’s career as a connoisseur and collector of wine.

The luncheon will be at noon Friday at the First United Methodist Church on East Bankhead Street in New Albany. Deadline to purchase tickets is noon Tuesday, September 20. Tickets are available at the Union County Development Association (662-534-4354) or the Union County Heritage Museum (662-538-0014).

The William Faulkner Literary Competition, an annual event, awards about $5,000 in prizes for novels, original short stories, one-act plays, poetry and student short stories.

The literary competition is normally held in conjunction with the Tallahatchie Riverfest. However, the Riverfest’s musical entertainment, arts events, etc., will not be held until October 7 and 8.