Author, Jonathan Odell is elated to meet Celeste and JayBee of U.S. G.I.R.L.S.
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Author, Jonathan "Jon" Odell mesmerized the audience of the Bookmark in Neptune Beach on February 27th with his stories of racism and bigotry in the south while he was growing up during the 60’s.
Growing up in Mississippi, the 63 year old Odell explained that he experienced the “delivering” hands of bigotry first hand within the confines of his own family. It was more of the norm than the exception in the South. His newest book, Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League (actually a remake of his previous work, A View From Delphi) was birthed from two influential women of his childhood – His mother, and the family's domestic worker.
He went on to explain that writing should be more of an expression of what is not written than what is. He also said that inspiring writers should NOT write what they know about because they will come across as a “know it all…” Write about what intrigues and interest you…topics that can make a change or bring insight.
After Q&A Celeste and I were some of the first in line to get our books signed. He was so EXCITED to meet members of U.S. G.I.R.L.S. and talked about our Skype experience. I also had him sign my copy of The Healing that all the guests signed in our December 2012 meeting.
Thank you Celeste for arriving an hour early and saving me a seat on the front row...It was a memorable evening indeed!
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