Writers In Paradise is widely considered one of Florida’s preeminent annual writer’s conferences. It is consistently held on the pristine campus of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. This conference was initially founded in 2005 by Dennis Lehane and Sterling Watson. Les Standiford serves as Co-Director along with Dennis Lehane, and Marina Pruna is the […]
Gale Massey interviews Les Standiford, Writers In Paradise Conference Co-Director; & Marina Pruna, Conference Coordinator
Mary Ellen Thompson interviews Margaret Seidler, author of “ ‘Payne-Ful’ Business: Charleston’s Journey To Truth”
Introduction: I met Margaret Seidler at USCB in January at the opening reception for her book, “Payne-Ful” Business Charleston’s Journey To Truth. Her narrative is combined with artwork based on the advertisements for the sale of enslaved people, painted by John W. Jones. After Margaret spoke, I went right up to her and said “I’m […]
Dawn Major interviews Andrew Diaz Winkelmann, author of “The Guava Tree”

In January of 2024, I attended an author showcase hosted by A Novel Idea (ANI). ANI is an incredible organization for the Atlanta writing community connecting both emerging and established authors with readers. I had heard Andrew Diaz Winkelmann’s name circulating amongst other author friends, but I didn’t know anything about his debut novel, The […]
Mary Ellen Thompson interviews Mary Martha Greene, author of “The Cheese Biscuit Queen Kiss My Aspic!”

Introduction: I have known Mary Martha Greene for years and have consumed more of her famous cheese biscuits than I care to admit. If there is a cocktail party in the lowcountry of South Carolina that doesn’t have a plate of her cheese biscuits—well, I won’t cast aspersions. Mary Martha’s newest book, The Cheese Biscuit […]
Donna Meredith interviews Sara Warner, author of “Horse People”

Introduction: While I haven’t met Sara Warner in person that I can recall, she did live in Tallahassee for a time, as do I, so I have been aware of her as a writer. I recall meeting her husband Pete LeForge, who is also a writer, at an event sponsored years ago by the Leon […]
Gale Massey interviews Florida author Lauren Groff about her new bookstore “The Lynx”

The Lynx Bookstore 601 South Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 Introduction: Walking into the bookstore, I noticed the open and high ceilings, the quiet hum of shoppers, the bookstore’s staff, and immediately felt at home. To my right, a large window let in an abundance of natural light, and just beyond that was a wall of […]
