By Lucette Bernard
Pam Davis has a moment to talk with David Fulmer about his books after the presentations. Photo by Martyn Hope. 
Several books were for sale and could be signed by the author – an added benefit of meeting with neighborhood authors. Photo by Martyn Hope.
The second gathering of authors and neighbors, held on February 9 at Ormewood Church, was again well-attended—and a lot of fun. Moderator Mary McEneaney led the discussion, and the three authors shared their perspectives and motivation for writing, which produced some laughs and a lot of interesting information.
David Fulmer, first to speak, confirmed that his Storyville novels are indeed about an actual place in New Orleans and that some of his characters were real people, leading one audience member to question how a writer deals with factual versus fictional details in their work. Participants also learned about Fulmer’s interest in jazz music, a little about when and where it began, as well as why the protagonist of the Storyville novels is of mixed race.
Poet Danielle Hanson was the second writer to speak. While readers often express frustration that poetry in general is difficult to understand and frequently obscure, Hanson’s reading quickly assured her audience that this is not always the case. Her poems connect with readers and easily delight with their sometimes-startling imagery. Hanson’s discussion of recent projects included her ideas about using social media to make poetry more accessible to the public in general and to make reading (and writing poetry) something more people might be inspired to do.
Jim Gallant, the third writer in the February series, writes about real events from the history of our neighborhoods in a way that is entertaining as well as recognizable. Grant Park, as depicted in his book The Big Bust at Tyrone’s Rooming House, was not always a place that attracted history buffs and preservationists. Sometimes drugs, crime, and unsavory residents made buying property there the stuff for only the fearless.
Get to Know the Authors of Southeast Atlanta is an ongoing series sponsored in part by the Friends of East Atlanta Library and hosted by Ormewood Church. The last gathering takes place on March 16 at the church’s fellowship hall from 3:30pm to 5:00pm and will feature Charlene Ball, Mickey Dubrow, Dawn Peterson, and Libby Ware. All four authors will be reading from and discussing their work as well as bringing their books for sale, some of which are recent publications.
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