October 12. 2004 11:37AM
Event highlights local authors
By JEWEL BUSH
The Courier
HOUMA -- The literary efforts of area authors will be recognized Saturday at Local Authors’ Day at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library.
The event, free and open to the public, is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m., presented by the Friends of the Terrebonne Public Library.
Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, romance and children’s stories are among genres to be featured.
"It is a good way to show support and promote local talent. Many authors throughout the year ask that we host book signings for their new works," said Amy Whipple, assistant library director. "This is a way to consolidate all local authors and have a better attendance at an event to spotlight their publications."
This isn’t the library’s first time presenting such an event. One was held about five years ago and was well received, Whipple said.
Although the library system doesn’t have a way to determine how many of the books on the shelves are from local writers, acquisitions librarian, Linda Jenkins, said 1 percent is a fair estimate.
Each writer will have a book display in the large meeting room, where the authors can sell and sign their works.
The Rev. Scott Dugas, whose pseudonym is Scott Jeffery, is excited to be participating.
Dugas, affectionately known as "Father Scott," has been a priest at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Houma since February 2002.
His debut novel, "Shadows on Light," is a religious fiction that tells the contemporary story of two ex-military men who are struck by lightning while competing in a challenge in southern Jamaica.
Both survive their injuries and learn they have each been given supernatural powers to heal those in need. One uses his gift for good and the other turns his attention toward evil.
One character is an ex-Navy SEAL turned Catholic priest, who ministers to a black Catholic church in south Louisiana. He learns he has the gift of anointing the sick and healing them.
While he helps those in need, the villain also discovers he has the same gift and can rid people of their addictions. He uses this to attract the children of many wealthy politicians, alluring them with the promise of eradicating their drug habits.
But once they are cured, they begin suffering from depression, suicidal tendencies and nightmares of a shadowy figure.
"It’s great that the (Main Library) is featuring all this local talent and letting the public know we have some great authors that are putting out some great books for the reading public," Dugas said.
Others participating include Curt Boudreaux, Junius Champagne, Christopher Billiot, Kim Comeaux, Ruby Guidry Hotard, Troy Johnson, Pam Kopfler, Polly Martin and Irene Michel.
Also taking part are Charles Monier, Sue Olin, Mary Lynn Plaisance, Melody George Peterson, Betty Porche, Helen Clark Ricks, Billie Remson, Marion Duplantis, Sherry Schiavi and Thomas Cobb who is in the process of finishing a work.
Refreshments will be provided by Friends of the Library.
For information, call the library at 876-5861.
Courier staff writer Jewel Bush can be reached at 857-2207 or jewel.bush.houmatoday.com.
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This will become an annual event.
This year we all meet on October 1, 2005
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