Local authors to sign 'Southern Side Up'

On Dec. 4, from 5:30-8:00 pm the Panhandle Writers Group will participate in the Milton Holiday Gallery Night.

Panther Computers will sponsor a book signing in the lobby for authors featured in the writing group’s fourth edition of Southern Side Up. The store is located at 6835 Caroline Street (Hwy. 90) in downtown Milton, just past the old Post Office.

Authors will personally sign copies of the book dedicated to the memory of Fred Pitts, original founder of the group. Sharon Glass, Chairperson for the Panhandle Writers Group recently visited Fred’s mother, Jettie Pitts in her home in East Milton and presented her with a copy of the book.

Mrs. Pitts fondly talked about her son Fred. “He loved intelligent conversation, writing and working with wood. He always wanted to see his work in print. After he died I had two of his books published, Tale of the Hummingopotomus (a children’s book) and Selected Short Works. He would be so happy to know you dedicated your book to him.”

 Fred Pitts started the Santa Rosa Literary Society in August 2003 and it is now a thriving group known as the Panhandle Writers Group, which has published several books and produced four plays, with another in the works. In six years, the group has grown to over sixty members or associates. Fifteen to twenty authors meet every Thursday from 5:30-7:00 at the Storage Master Conference Room in Pace for a time of reading and critiquing. The meetings are open to anyone interested in writing. Seven charter members of Fred’s original group are still active.  Elisa Austin, Guido Guerriero, Judy Hodges, Clara Roberts, Sylvia Melvin, Myra Shofner, and Tamara Fincher all have stories in this edition of Southern Side Up.

Southern Side Up Volume Four is a 194-page book with a Southern theme. A unique section in the back called Southern Fried Up features a 100-word food story from each author and a favorite recipe from their kitchen. One requirement of all authors who submitted stories was that they meet one of the following criteria:  you had live in the South, once lived in the South, story had to have a Southern setting or reference something about the South. Readers will not be disappointed as they lose themselves in stories as short as 500 words to longer stories of intrigue, mystery, or love. Touching and often funny memoirs give readers a glimpse into the lives of some of the authors. In between, you will find poetry and a delightful story you can read to your children or grandchildren about a talking dog who rode out a hurricane and became a hero.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet local writers Friday, Dec. 4, at Panther Computers, 6835 Caroline Street (Hwy 90) in downtown Milton. Parking is available in the large public parking lot in front of the store. Refreshments will be served and you can purchase that special gift -- a signed copy of Southern Side Up.

Support your local artist and writers and enjoy a great evening. For more information contact Sharon Glass, Chairperson, Panhandle Writers Group, southernkitty@bellsouth.net or 994-7548.