On Thursday, June 11th supporters of the Literacy Council of Williamson County gathered at Brentwood Country Club to raise money and awareness for the local non profit whose services are free. The 11th annual “Author! Author!” event gathers together supporters of the council, local book club members, and lovers of reading or interested in writing.
Tamera Alexander, Sedrick Newbern and Andrew Maraniss were the three authors who shared their experiences and stories surrounding how and why they began to write.
Rita Dozier is the Executive Director of The Literacy Council and opened the event with remarks including why after 29 years she is still passionate for literacy. Many do not know that the council has increased their services and how many people are helped in the community each year.
“Twenty-nine years ago a man walked in and said ‘I can’t read,'” and that’s where Dozier’s passion began and that passion is even stronger today.
Emcee of the event this year was Barbara Nowak who serves on the Board of Directors for the Literacy Council. A published author herself, Novak warmly welcomed the three guest authors to the event.
First to speak was Tamera Alexander, author of inspirational historical romances set in both the Colorado Territory and in post-bellum Nashville. Her latest novels, “A Lasting Impression,” “To Whisper Her Name,” and “A Beauty So Rare” are set at two of the South’s most famous antebellum homes, the Belmont Mansion and the Belle Meade Plantation.
Alexander shared how she began writing and encouraged everyone to, “Know when God is leading you to do something. The no’s in life is God’s perfect plan.” What began as a “dare” to write, has turned into a career of beautiful non fiction writing that showcases her faith and belief in God’s goodness. Alexander is a USA Today Best Selling Author and has been awarded the Christy Award, the RITA Award, the Carol Award, and Library Journal’s top distinction,
She also encourages readers to read the Author’s notes of her novels. Alexander read an excerpt of her novel to guests in closing.
In introducing the next author to speak Nowak described him as a “Man of all seasons.” Sedrik Newbern , author and motivational speaker, specializing in marketing consulting and relationship coaching. In “Unconditional Forgiveness, Lessons on Letting Go to Build Better Relationships,” he shares the impact growing up without his father had on his life.
“Four words that changed my life…Dad I forgive you,” Newbern shares he “Forgave my father when I was 18-years-old, and while forgiveness is important, you also have to let it go. Because my father could look in my eyes and see forgiveness, he was able to forgive himself.”
Newbern wrote his book from a “perspective of different men in my life, my father, my child, love, security, approval. Generational curses can be healed, love unconditionally,” is the message Newbern wants readers to take away.
Last to speak was an author who is recently published and already has won multiple awards for his craft. Andrew Maraniss has achieved national recognition for his first book, “Strong Inside,” a biography on Vanderbilt University’s first African-American basketball player, Perry Wallace. Soon after its release in late 2014, “Strong Inside” was named to the New York Times’ bestselling sports book list.
In addition, Ethel Kennedy called Maraniss to inform him “Strong Inside” had earned him the RFK Book “Special Recognition” Award.
An eight year process of researching and writing, Maraniss realized the story was a legitimate Civil Rights Movement journey that he had to share.
The heart wrenching descriptions with which Perry Wallace told Maraniss, “People will treat you well, poorly, not at all. Not at all is the most difficult thing to deal with.” After graduating from Vanderbilt, Wallace gave an interview that basically had him “run out of town.”
When Maraniss and Wallace presented the book in Nashville, Wallace was not sure if anyone would turn out because of the way he had left years before. The room held 250 and over 400 turned out for the event. Many were Vanderbilt classmates who came out to thank Wallace for paving their way.
After the event the authors stayed around to sign books for the guests.
For ways to support or volunteer with Literacy Council of Williamson County, click here