The Black Diamond Writers Network is sponsoring a series of lectures and discussions designed to help aspiring writers get started and get published. Interested parties may choose from either March 23, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Dimmick Memorial Library in Jim Thorpe or March 31, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Tamaqua Public Library. Additional dates and places will be announced at a later date.

The group is also sponsoring a writers' conference on April 16, at Genetti's Best Western in Hazleton.For more information, or to register, call either library, 570-325-2131 or 570-668-3059. For more information on the BDWN, call Kathy at 570-645-3059 or log on to

www.blackdiamondwriters.blogspot.com or

www.tamaquapubliclibrary.com.