Wild Time at Wild Dunes!

I had my first author event--it was a great day of firsts at the absolutely beautiful Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.  The day was sunny and beautiful on the beach surrounded by dunes and palmettos.  The event was sponsored by the resort to benefit Trident Literacy, a great community-based non-profit that promotes literacy in low country South Carolina.  What a great cause!

I shared the stage with three amazing local writers and women.  Dorothea Benton Frank, whose new book Folly Beach explores the life of another Dorothea, wife of 1920's Charleston Renaissance writer, DuBose Heyward.  Dorothea was a playwright herself, but allowed her husband to take the spotlight.  They worked with George Gershwin on Porgy and Bess (based on DuBose's book Porgy).

Nathalie Dupree, amazing cook and entertainer, talked about her new book, Southern Biscuits.  I bought a copy myself and can't wait to give it a try.  I have had her shrimp and grits and they are sensational.  Definitely check out this great cookbook about a truly Southern institution.

And the great Mary Alice Monroe moderated our at times raucous talk.  Mary Alice is a passionate environmentalist who weaves the natural world into stories about women awakening to their own inner strength.

It was such an honor to be on the stage with these ladies!  It was my first professional author event.  The first time I saw the printed hard-cover of The Rebel Wife.  The first time I signed the book.  The first time a copy of my book was purchased.  An incredible number of firsts.  Here I am with the guy who bought the very first book, Scott, all the way from Michigan!

I had tea with Table 6, clearly the best table in the room.  I had such a great time with the wild and wonderful White Sisters from Bainbridge, Georgia.

Wow, what a launch!!  Thank you so much to Amy Stevens of Wild Dunes and Dr. Frances Welch of Trident Literacy and the College of Charleston for a great time and a great cause!