Maine favorite Paul Doiron, famed for the 15 mystery novels featuring game warden Mike Bowditch, will lead off Word, the Blue Hill literary arts festival, in a conversation with Lincolnville’s Elizabeth Hand, whose bestselling novels include the psychological thrillers about photographer Cass Neary.

The two will discuss the challenges and rewards of writing crime fiction set in Maine on Friday, October 24, at 7 p.m. in the Blue Hill Congregational Church.

Word takes place in various Blue Hill locations the weekend of October 23-26.

The former editor-in-chief of Down East, Doiron is an outdoorsman and naturalist who knows the Maine woods as well as his protagonist. Bowditch is featured again this year in Doiron’s short-story collection "Skin and Bones."

Elizabeth Hand is the author of 19 award-winning novels and five collections of short fiction and essays. In addition to the Cass Neary novels, her work includes the historical crime novel Curious Toys and, most recently, "A Haunting on the Hill."

Other Word events include the launch of journalist/historian Colin Woodard’s latest book on Maine’s historical divisions, Georgia O’Keeffe biographer Roxana Robinson introducing the documentary based on her book, a “poetry crawl,” and craft workshops offered by writers from Maine and beyond. An art show, a word game party, and a children's program featuring Phuc Tran and “Cranky Makes a Friend” round out the weekend.

Complete festival information is at wordfestival.org.

Word is funded by the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation and other generous donors. The festival’s media partner is WERU-FM. Its fiscal sponsor is Blue Hill Community Development.