They're a diverse, self-guided group of 31 individuals, much like characters of an Agatha Christie novel.

They come from Tamaqua, Lehighton and Panther Valley.One is a budding lawyer. Another sharpens her skills as a future novelist. And still another is inspired by the unique reality of an autism spectrum disorder.But they have one thing in common a young, creative mind that wants to express itself and knows no boundaries.The League of Literaries hosted an annual showcase Sunday at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St., where young adults displayed products of their searching, inquisitive minds. The end result was a Super Bowl of creativity."We encourage their creativity and writing abilities," said LOL President Jacob Wenzel, 18, a Tamaqua Area High School senior who organized the group one year ago.The advantage of participation has sparked remarkable growth, such as progress made by Justin Weiksner, 13, a gifted seventh-grade student at Tamaqua Area Middle School. Weiksner is penning a fictional work, "Jussie," a story of a young man's triumph over challenges. Even more, the work provides Weiksner an avenue of expression and resulting enthusiasm as he describes the main character."He's lonely and creative and in his own world. He was a lonely sad child and it doesn't get you far when everyone else is concerned with sports. He forms a resistance group," says Weiksner, displaying his initial booklet. "It's the first in a series."Weiksner, West Penn Township, was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and had struggled, for a time, with social reticence. The LOL group has helped him hurdle barriers, says his mother, Mary Ann Flyzik."When he was younger, he was withdrawn," she says. The group encouraged him to excel.Weiksner also has applied his artistic skills by assisting with set design for the school drama club.Another writer, Krissy Gilbert, 18, of Lake Hauto, joined the group in September.Her specialty is travel poetry. She's visited St. Thomas, San Juan, St. Croix, and other destinations. Gilbert uses her experiences to express uniqueness of exotic places near and far.Her career path will lean heavily on writing and books."I'll probably go to LCCC and Bloomsburg to major in elementary education," she says.All genresGroup members exhibit strengths in various areas and genres.Member Sophia Gursky, 15, said she enjoys writing that's meanginful."I like poems and stories about our lives," said Gursky, displaying a powerful, concise free verse titled "Breathless."Working the front desk were members Talia Lewis, 12, and Kayla Ansbach, 14."I like poetry," said Lewis. Ansbach says she's inspired by media."I write about stuff I see on TV and sometimes I write songs about how I'm feeling."All seem to enjoy fiction, but the group's fare is eclectic.Some, such as the talented Hannah Betz, 15, of Tamaqua, are intrigued by many different areas of expression."I like science fiction, fantasies and super heroes," she says. For the showcase, Betz displayed her original "Excerpts from Memoirs of a Super Hero."But serious-minded Betz is ready to tackle the largest challenges of real life as well. She keeps up with controversial issues and the plight of human rights."I'd like to be a lawyer or journalist," she reveals.Many LOL participants are multitalented.For instance, Betz, a ninth- grader, is a musician who plays flute and trombone with the TAHS Raider Marching Band.Flyzik encourages other parents and children to become involved because rapport among participants can be therapeutic."This is so fantastic," she says. "They're creative and bright and welcoming. It's refreshing to see young people being so positive with one another."Wenzel said members raised funds for the club by sponsoring a dunk tank during Tamaqua Heritage Festival, along with a bobbing for apples gimmick and conducting raffles.Who knows, the group might spawn the next Stephen King, John O'Hara, Maya Angelou or J.K. Rowling.But the first step is to join, they say.Membership is open to anyone in grades six through 12.The League of Literaries meets every Tuesday at the arts center, says Wenzel, and you don't need an engraved invitation. Those interested can simply pop in."They can just show up about 6 or 6:10 p.m."