In conjunction with Florida Bookstore Day’s statewide celebration of
Florida writers and independent bookstores, Bookmark It is (3201 Corrine Drive, Suite 201, Orlando, Florida) delivered a free day-long program featuring nationally published Central
Florida authors, along with three creative writing workshops. Between 10
a.m. to 4 p.m., authors took to the Courtyard stage for casual
readings, Question and answer sessions, and book signings. Three 2-hour workshops were offered to those wanting to engage their creative writing
skills.
When I arrived, David James Poissant was reading some of his award winning essays and short story’s. His debut short story collection, The Heaven of Animals, has garnered national attention. His second book, a novel, is due out this spring. The writing was crisp and personal describing a relationship that was stretched to its limits. Across the street, there were tree trimmers with chain saws hacking down branches and then shredding them to mulch in a loud chipper. David had to read over the weekend warrior war zone noises.
The next author to read was Lynn Waddell. Her non-fiction book was, “Fringe Florida: Travels Among Mud Boggers, Furries, Ufologists, Nudists and Other Lovers of Unconventional Lifestyles” was the winner for National Book of the Year (bronze- travel essays). I liked her journalistic approach. She sought out Florida’s unique and quirky side. An article about The Holy Land Experience theme park was hilarious. It pointed out that the actor playing Christ could easily double as the model Fabio on dime store romance novels. When young girls talked of surrendering their souls to him, there was more than a hint of sexual innuendo. Lynn’s research lead her to Cassadega, a town devoted to psychic mediums, and somehow she convinced her husband to join her at a nudist colony. I don’t know if I’d sacrifice my clothing for the sake of a sketch and an article, but her humerus writing made me think twice.