Seven Georgia authors in the early stages of their writing careers will participate in this year’s Emerging Writers Showcase at the Fayette County Public Library March 22 at 1 p.m. Each writer will give a short presentation, answer questions from the audience, and sell and sign books. Admission is free, and complimentary light refreshments will be served.
Grace Hawthorne, after an eclectic career as a writer and editor for newspapers, books, magazines, television, and the musical stage (with a sideline in standup storytelling), has published her first novel, “Shorter’s Way,” a political love story about rambunctious Georgia politics in the 1920s. She is currently working on a second novel, “Waterproof Justice.”
Shilene Johnson is the founder and president of International Educational Consultants LLC, and an adjunct professor at Mercer University -Tift College of Education. Her book, “Using Volunteers to Enhance Reading,” emerged from the research she began while completing her doctorate.
Maureen Keillor has brought a lifelong love of history and interest in genealogy to fruition by co-authoring the pictorial history “Naval Air Station Pensacola,” with her son Richard Keillor, who served there until last year. Maureen graduated from Clayton State University in 2011 with a B.A. in History and a minor in English.
Ginny Lynn started writing her first manuscript at 17 and it became her second romance novel published, “Just to Be Left Alone.” Prior to that, she published “Andromeda,” a hot vampire love story. Her next writing project is the “Savage” paranormal series, expected to contain 10 or more books. Georgia born with Alabama roots, Ginny is a mother, grandmother and part-time student.
Sheila Nelson-Ortiz (photo above right) was raised in Silverton, Ore. on a farm with her 13 siblings. Currently divorced, living in Fayetteville, and raising three sons. Sheila is the author of “Super Giomar X” and “Super Giomar X Returns,” based on the fantasy life of her son Giomar, who has high-functioning copycat syndrome with exact rule autism. This is not a clinical book on autism, but a lighthearted look at the fun side of family life on the spectrum.
David A. Sterling (photo below) released Book 2 (following the first book, “Do As I Say”) in his “Bennett Mills Murder Mystery” series, “The Dream Maker,” in November 2013. Originally from Valley Stream, N.Y., David now lives in Peachtree City (where portions of “The Dream Maker” are set) with his family. The working title for Book 3 (now in progress) is “The Dead Line.”
Kathy M. Walters has written two books: “From Pain to Praise, An Inspirational Collection” and “The I’s of a Successful Interview: A Quick Guide to Making it Happen!” She is currently working on a novella titled “My Cup Runneth Over,” and a series of books for workplace and lifestyle enrichment.
The event is free and open to the public. Proceeds from the sale of books at the Emerging Writers Showcase benefit the Friends of the Fayette County Public Library, the nonprofit group whose sponsorship makes this event possible, along with many other library programs and services throughout the year.
The Fayette County Public Library is located behind the Fayette County administrative complex in downtown Fayetteville, at the southwest corner of Highways 85 and 54. For additional information, please contact the library at 770-461-8841.
