Literary Festivals Return to Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta hosts three distinct book festivals this fall. The Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) returns as the region’s longest-running event. This series spans three weeks from November 1 to November 22 at the MJCCA’s Dunwoody campus. The festival features over 30 nationally known authors and presents a wide array of genres, including fiction, history, current events, and culinary literature.
Former first lady Jill Biden leads the lineup of speakers. She will present her memoir, “View from the East Wing.” Singer Harry Connick Jr. is also scheduled to take the stage to discuss his book, “Babe: Elaboratio,” which serves as a tribute to his mother. Cookbook author Adeena Sussman rounds out the major announcements with a talk on her recent work, “Zariz: 100 Easy, Breezy Tel Aviv-y Recipes.” Her session includes a dessert reception for attendees. Detailed schedules and ticket pricing are available on the MJCCA website.
Robert Gwaltney Leads Pat Conroy Literary Center
Robert Gwaltney, a Southern author, has taken over as executive director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center in Beaufort, South Carolina. His appointment follows his earlier career in executive roles. Gwaltney is a native of Cairo, Georgia, and brings a history of professional arts management to the center. His leadership marks a new chapter for the organization as it approaches the 50th anniversary of Conroy’s most famous works.
“The storytelling resonates because it shows where we are,” Gwaltney stated regarding his vision for the center. He emphasized that Southern identity remains at the heart of the organization's programming. The center intends to expand its educational initiatives and partnerships under his guidance. Gwaltney plans to honor the late author’s legacy by connecting readers with narratives that explore complex family dynamics. The center’s upcoming events, including a literary festival and workshop series, reflect this commitment to maintaining a space for Southern writers to grow.
A New Award for Regional Authors
The South Arts organization has launched a new literary prize dedicated to writers residing in the American South. This competition provides a significant financial boost to regional talent. The first-place winner receives $25,000, while the runner-up earns $10,000. Submissions for the inaugural award are open to full-length book works across multiple categories.
Eligible authors must reside in the region to qualify for the prize. The program represents an effort by South Arts to provide increased support for writers who document the Southern experience. The deadline for all submissions is set for November 18. Interested participants can find full details on the submission process through the South Arts website. This development provides a fresh avenue for recognition in a literary market that remains highly competitive for regional voices.