Sunday, September 24, 2017

Augusta University, GA


BERRY FLEMING BOOK FESTIVAL

Saturday I had a brief spotlight at the Berry Fleming Book Festival at Augusta University in Georgia. The Festival provided a podium and microphone for about a dozen of us writers to read from our books. I was scheduled at 12:36 p.m., but the program started late. I read “Cat’s Fur,” which was well received.
 
Diane Chamberlain
Throughout the day from 9:00 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. numerous programs and panel discussions took place in the University’s Jaguar Student Activity Center. DianeChamberlain, the keynote speaker, began the morning with a discussion of her writing life. Her presentation was a study case in how a personal appearance can attract devotees. How does one appear approachable but retain the air of celebrity? Appear amiable while being detached? Arouse enthusiasm while remaining calm and composed? Wish I had a film of her presentation.
 
William Rawlings, Jim Garvey, and William Okie
“Georgians Making History” was a panel including authors William Rawlings, Jim Garvey, and William Okie. It was interesting to see these writers but the take-away was minimal. Sometimes a panel works better if a moderator provides guidance with topics to discuss.
 
Moderator, Man Martin, Karen Zacharias, and James McCallister
“It’s A Southern Thang” featured authors Man Martin, Karen Spears Zacharias, and James McCallister. Seemingly “Southern” literature is something we recognize but have trouble defining. It’s the language, some say. It’s the location. It’s the story. Or, more simply, it’s the author’s home.
Stephen Corey
At 1:00 p.m. Stephen Corey, editor of The Georgia Review, read from his book of essays and talked about the Review. 
I (far left) pose with other authors for a group shot.
It was a day of literary events covering a spectrum of genres ranging from historical fiction to poetry to romance to mysteries to young adult and children. Each hour, there were four or five different programs taking place in numerous rooms of the Activity Center. It was an ambitious undertaking, and I hope Augusta University will make the Festival an annual event. 

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