Book news in the county

I have some book news to share with you, and this time it is all local to St. Johns County.

First, I'm working on a story for next week's paper about an award-winning author of novels for young adults who has just moved into Julington Creek Plantation. She has two books heating up the presses at MTV books (the second hits shelves later this summer), and just contracted to write a third for a different publisher, and now she's your neighbor. I think you'll enjoy learning about her, her writing, and what brought her to St. Johns County (it's probably the same thing that brought most of you).

Second, Vic DiGenti, the author I profiled as a Difference Maker a few weeks ago for his work teaching and helping other writers as the local head of the Florida Writer's Association, will be the featured author at Anastasia Books  on Friday, July 6 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. as part of St. Augustine’s First Friday Art Walk. If you've never been to the Art Walk, it features gallery open houses, entertainment and music. Anastasia Books is located at 81-C King Street near Zorayda Castle.

Third, Lydia Hawke, author of the Civil War-era novel Firetrail will sign copies of her book from 2 to 4:00 p.m. at the historic Inn on Charlotte, 52 Charlotte Street, in St. Augustine.  Hawke is a St. Augustine native, and a feature-length film based on Firetrail will be released later this year.  During the book signing, innkeeper Lynne Fairfield will serve homemade Southern biscuits with lemon marmalade, honey and butter and sweet tea on the porch of the inn. 

Finally, the St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau is promoting "UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT," with free live entertainment, book signings by local and regional authors, performance art, refreshments, and original works of art from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. along San Marco in St. Augustine.  

And remember, it's always a good time to curl up with a good book - or someone who's read one.