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Printed from the Charlotte Observer - www.CharlotteObserver.com
Posted: Wednesday, Sep. 03, 2008

Literary event books a range of authors

By Pam Kelley
Published in: Eye

  • Noon: A panel of Christian authors, including Michelle Andrea Bowen, author of “Holy Ghost Corner.”

    1:30 p.m.: Michael Barnard Beckwith, founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center and author of “Inspirations of the Heart.”

    3 p.m.: Dale Henry, author of “The Proverbial Cracker Jack: How to Get Out of the Box and Become the Prize.”

    4 p.m.: Susan Taylor, former Essence magazine editor in chief.

    5 p.m.: Terrie Williams, author of “Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting,” and Dashaun “Jiwe” Morris, a former gang member and author of “War of the Bloods.”

    6 p.m.: Best-selling fantasy writer Terry Brooks, author of the Shannara and Landover series.

    7 p.m.: Retired Carolina Panther Mike Minter.

    8 p.m.: Karrine Steffans, author of the memoir “Confessions of a Video Vixen.”


  • When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6.

    Where: Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St.

    Admission: Tickets: $10; age 12 and under are free.

    Details: charlotteliteraryfestival.com.


  • www.charlotte lit eraryfestival.com.


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    A few years ago, RealEyes Bookstore owner Darren “Jaz” Vincent read a book that inspired him to change his life.

    At the Charlotte Literary Festival on Saturday, Sept. 6, Vincent, a rap singer turned NoDa bookstore owner, hopes people find an author who inspires them.

    Topping the bill is Susan Jeffers, author of “ Feel the Fear … and Do It Anyway,” the book Vincent credits with inspiring him. She'll speak at 2 p.m.

    In an Observer profile last year, Vincent described himself as a rap singer and troublemaker before reading Jeffers' book.

    A few months after the article ran, Jeffers, who lives in California, read it and sent Vincent a letter. Vincent saw his chance: He invited her to speak at the literary festival he founded three years ago. She accepted.

    The festival will appeal to a range of tastes. Speakers include inspirational writers, Christian fiction authors, a best-selling sci-fi writer, a retired Carolina Panther and an author who once starred in rap videos.

    If that's not enough, characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants will be on hand to entertain children.

    Pam Kelley: 704-358-5271; pkelley@charlotteobserver.com.

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