Conyers-Rockdale abounds with writing talent. Here are just a few local authors, published and self-published.
Mary H. Herbert
Though not a recent release, Nancy Guinn librarian Deborah Hinely said there is still a demand for Mary H. Herbert's medieval science fiction fantasy work. Her six-part "Dark Horse" series, published between 1990 and 2003, follows Gabria, a magical young girl whose entire clan is killed by their rivals. Rescuing and accompanying her on resulting adventures is a breed of wild horses, the Hunnuli. Herbert is also known for three novels in the "Dragonlance Crossroads" series. Her books can be found on Amazon and at the Nancy Guinn Library.
John Hewlett
An overlooked gem for local history buffs could be "Cross on the Moon" by John Hewlett. Though names had been changed and it was set in a "fictional" town, when published in 1946, it created a stir in Conyers as many characters closely resembled actual residents. Fred Turner of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution described it as "a searing indictment of the morality and customs of the South of Hewlett's youth." The book is available for check-out in the special collections room at Nancy Guinn Library.
Darrell Huckaby
Whether he's writing fiction, "Need Two," or better yet, relating experiences and observations through his unique southern filter, "Grits is Groceries," retired history teacher and columnist Darrell Huckaby never fails to amuse. With family summer vacations looming for many, "A Southerner Looks At All 50," his comical memoir of traveling all 50 states over eight years with wife and three children in tow, is a timely read. Huckaby's many titles can be found at www.darrellhuckaby.net, Amazon and at the Nancy Guinn Library.
Lisa Harrison Jackson
Former Conyers resident Lisa Harrison Jackson recently released her fourth book, "The Missing Part of Me," which delved into the "fatherless epidemic" in America, particularly in African American families today. More than 180 attended a book release play and dinner reading in March at the JP Carr Center. Harrison developed a passion for writing at the age of 9. Since then she has written as many as 100 short stories and poems in addition to three novels: "At Last," "Finally, You and Me" and "Can't Stop Loving You" released through Harlequin Publishing. Plays include original plays and adaptations of her books, produced by her stage production company, Up High Entertainment Group. For more information or books, go to Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, or www.lisaharrisonjackson.webs.com
Jody Porter
In "Carolyn and the Cross," local banker Jody Porter gives an inspirational account of his mother's 37-year miraculous journey from a routine procedure gone awry to years in a coma to coming out the other side. It's a testament to the power of love, hope and faith. "I not only wanted to tell her story, but I thought it was important to write a book helping others struggling with tragedy make sense of it all," Porter said. "Life is all about perspective. It's how you view things that happen to you, and what you do with them make the difference." The book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CrossBooks.com and www.carolynandthecross.com.
