The Write Stuff
If you love to read and enjoy discovering new “favorite” authors or perhaps have an interest in writing yourself, the Literary Guild of St. Simons Island has the perfect event for you! On Sunday, September 27 they’ll host the 2nd annual “Meet the Local Authors,” where thirty self-published authors will display their wares and meet interested attendees from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the St. Simons Casino Atrium. The event is free and open to the public and everyone is invited to come out meet the authors and purchase some new books for yourself or as gifts. From hurricane tales to history, sci-fi to silly spiders, meerkats to murder, this group of talented writers has something for everyone.
According to Event Chair Nancy Matthews, the Guild felt that it was doing a good job of introducing authors whose books are printed and distributed by traditional publishing houses with its Coffee with the Author series; however, that didn’t provide exposure for writers whose books are self published. The number of self-published authors is growing at an incredible rate, but the practice itself is nothing new: Jane Austen, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman all privately printed their books. Contemporary author Lisa Genova of “Still Alice” fame chose to self-publish. A study in Bowker found that there were 450,000 self-published ISBN titles in 2013, an increase of 17% from the year before--and a whopping 437% over 2008.
Some of the writers who will be on hand this year attended last year’s inaugural event and are eager to participate in this upcoming affair. Children’s book author Mattie Brown says she did not hesitate to accept an invitation to return for the second year, “Even though I have done a couple of book signing in the Brunswick area, my experience in participating in last year’s event was great in many ways. It was exciting to see works from different genres on display. The organization and clarity of information was extremely helpful. In addition, the personal attention given to artists and the graciousness of the hostesses went a long way in making me feel valued even though I am not published by a major publishing house. In fact, these were the reasons I gave a ‘YES’ to participating again this year.”
Buzz Bernard is also returning with his book Eyewall, a compelling story of a family trapped on a Georgia resort island during a hurricane that is sure to appeal to those of us who could be in the same situation. Stephen Brooks is back with his Clive Cussler-eque Sailing the Curvature of the Earth trilogy as well as A Sunny Place for Shady People, a fictional account of an actual unsolved murder. Christopher Hooks will be there with his engaging story Henry, a funny yet poignant tale about an old curmudgeon giving up his home. Psychologist, Dr. Anne B. Jones offers up Tides of Fear, her whodunit set on St. Simons Island. Other returning authors include Martha Phillips, writer of fiction, mysteries and romance, Jeffrey Smith with his collection of adult fiction, non-fiction writer Jackie Strickland, and local sports historian Jesse Tullos.
In addition to these veterans, there will be about a dozen authors who will be participating for the first time. Beth Adams will bring her young adult fiction to the table. Tony Baker and David Dickerson are well known on the island for Walk along Ocean Road. True Ghost Stories of Georgia author Barbara Duffey will attend, as well as Kay Hansen, author of Katie’s Picnic Pickle. Mark Jicha has written the true heartbreaking story Leaving Long Beach: An Intimate Account of My Sister’s Murder. For Christian fiction fans, J.G. Jakes has penned The River’s Edge. Sarah’s Song author Jim Mimbs will be in attendance, as will Dody Myers, who has written the historical romance, Frederica Summer. Buzzy Pickren shares fiction and short stories, including Pine Wood Stories 1914-1949. Most islanders are no stranger to Patsy Smith Roberts’ tale of Rory the Lion Cub and her other children’s books featuring African animals and illustrated with her own wonderful photographs. Sci-fi writer Mike Tucker will be on hand with his books Aquarius Falling and Capricorn Collapse. Dr. Jon Traer, a retired physician from McIntosh County, will feature his latest The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, a science “faction” book focused on what would happen if terrorists brought down the power grid. No Wooden Nickels and The Doodlebug Story are children’s books by attending author J. Nell Ford. In the “steampunk” genre, Win Strock offers Aether and Aether Legion.
Mattie Brown says of her writing and attendance at writers’ events, “ I want to inspire children and adults to be faithful to books even as technology is coming in very strong. There is no comfort like that of a bedtime book or armchair reading.” She praises the Guild for showcasing local artists by offering events like these, telling them, “You are making a difference.”
For more information about Meet the Local Authors, other Guild events, and how to become a member of the Literary Guild, visit litguildssi.org or call 912.289.7357.
