-Press Release, Granville County Government

Ten local authors will be featured at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford for an open “meet and greet.” Scheduled for 1 until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, the “Local Author Showcase” offers an opportunity to meet writers of a wide assortment of genres. On site will be romance writers, suspense novelists and authors of historical fiction, as well as writers of inspirational guides, educational resources and children’s stories. Those participating include Cynthia Abbott, Lynn Allred, Phil Bowie, Michael Brantley, Mary Clay, DuWanda Epps, S. Denice Newton, Celine Koropchak, Desmond Sneed and Carolyn Thompson.

Cynthia West Abbott’s book, “Forever Loved” is a historical romance novel set in colonial America. Based on real events, the book follows the journey of sixteen-year-old James West, who is sent to America from England as punishment for a crime. After being sold as a convict servant on a Maryland plantation, West meets Sarah Bowman, whom he marries and brings to Granville County in search of the long-lost brother who came to America before him. Abbott, a resident of Oxford, describes the love story of her fifth-great-grandparents in historical settings based on her own research.

With a story from historic Beaufort NC, Lynn Allred of Oxford introduces young readers to Molly, an adventurous girl who lives near the harbor shortly after the town was founded. Inspired by the marker of an unnamed girl in Beaufort’s Old Burying Ground – who was buried in a rum keg – Allred imagines what a child’s life may have been like growing up on the N.C. coast. “Molly’s Beaufort Town,” developed in partnership with the N.C. Press Association, has been published in major statewide newspapers as an educational resource. Allred has more than 25 years’ experience in the newspaper industry.

Phil Bowie of New Bern, NC is a lifelong freelance writer with articles and short stories published in national magazines such as ‘Reader’s Digest’ and the ‘Saturday Evening Post.’ Books he has authored include four suspense novels: “Guns,” set in Ocracoke; “Diamondback,” which takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains; “KLLRS,” with a backdrop of the Great Smokies,” and “Deathsman,” also set in the North Carolina mountains. With lots of twists and turns, these novels – all part of the “John Hardin” series – are described as being “hard to put down.”

Former sports writer and photographer Michael Brantley is author of “Galvanized: The Unlikely Odyssey of a Reluctant Carolina Confederate.” Brantley’s book – his second –  describes the struggle of a North Carolina farmer who fought for both sides in the Civil War before spending time in a POW camp and later becoming involved in a bizarre murder. His first book, a memoir about growing up in eastern N.C., is entitled “Memory Cards: Portraits from a Rural Journey.” Brantley currently works as a Visiting Assistant Professor of English at North Carolina Wesleyan College and resides in Nash County.

Mary Clay’s comical “Daffodils” (Divorced And Finally Free Of Deceitful, Insensitive, Licentious Scum) books have been called “fun reads” as three middle-aged sorority sisters set out to solve mysteries in their hometown. The first book in the series, “The Turtle Mound Murder,” has been followed by “Bike Week Blues,” “Murder is the Pits” and “Murder in the Stacks.” Clay, an economist by trade, began her writing career in her forties, using her divorced friends as inspiration for this light-hearted and witty series.

Life coach DuWanda Epps has received accolades for her positive messages to women and children. Her books include “Broken Silence: Life After the Rain,” “Anastasia’s Adventures” and “Flowin’ Emotions,” as well as others that describe journeys of strength, courage and determination. A resident of Wilson County by way of New York, Epps is the founder of Cultivating Change II, LLC and the Women Rebuilding and Transforming program and is author of 20+ books filled with inspirational messages of hope and resilience.

Celine Koropchak is a retired Duke University medical researcher and blueberry farmer who has authored the books “One With All of Thee: Growing Your Sacred Connection” and “One With All of Thee: Sowing the Seeds for Change.” Using her knowledge of science and agriculture, these collections of essays – filled with practical wisdom –  are designed to be read for daily, weekly or spontaneous inspiration and personal development. Koropchak has also authored more than 30 publications in scientific journals during her career.

Denise Newton, a native of eastern North Carolina, is an inspirational speaker, author and activist. Her most recent book, “Ari’el Rising: 21^st Century Empowered Women,” is an anthology that follows 50 courageous women from different backgrounds as they unite to empower women all over the world. Other works include “Keturah’s Song” and “The Messenger,” as well as books of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Newton is a decorated war veteran and the founder of the Ari’el Rising Network, a grassroots empowerment movement for women and girls.

Desmond Sneed’s book for children, “Am I Too Big?” describes the beginning of a school year at the fictional Stovall Kids of Greatness, where students rekindle friendships and compare how they have changed from one year to the next. While some got taller, some got stronger and some got faster, one young student named “Dez” has not realized he has gained a lot of weight until his return to school. That’s when the comparisons officially begin. This book will teach youngsters the importance of healthy eating, as well as having a positive outlook on life. Sneed resides in Stovall, NC.

Minister and Judge Carolyn Thompson of Granville County shares stories and tips to help identify those dealing with domestic violence in her book “Abigail’s Veil: A Domestic Violence Handbook for Clergy and Church Leaders.” Using her extensive experience with cases of abuse, Thompson takes a new look at the traditional roles of women, especially those who may be victims of abusive relationships. This resource guide is used to assist the clergy and church leaders as they encounter victims who may need help to break the cycle of domestic violence.

The “Local Author Showcase” will be held in the large conference room of the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. The public is invited to attend.