BPL@Night Presents "Writing What You Don't Know"

Irene Latham, author of the young adult novel Leaving Gee’s Bend, isn't African American and she wasn't alive in 1932, but that didn't stop her from writing a story set in Depression-era Gee's Bend, Alabama, home of the now-famous quilters.

Ms. Latham is a poet and novelist who writes heart-touching tales of unexpected adventure. Her debut, middle-grade historical novel Leaving Gee’s Bend is set in Alabama during the Great Depression. A resident of Birmingham, Alabama, for the past 25 years, she has published over 120 poems of various books, journals and anthologies, including a full-length collection What Came Before, which was named Alabama State Poetry Society's book of the Year and earned a 2008 Independent Publisher's (IPPY) Award. Irene loves exploring new places and often uses "research" as an excuse to travel. Her favorite characters in books and real life are those who have the courage to go their own way.

At this BPL@Night event, Latham will sign books and discuss how she overcame challenges associated with writing across time and culture to create a meaningful, authentic story. The library will provide light refreshment.

For more information on Irene Latham and Leaving Gee’s Bend, please visit http://www.irenelatham.com/.

For information on books, African-American Art, Alabama, please check out BPL’s subject guides dedicated to these topics at http://www.bplonline.org/virtual/subjects/.

Details
Event: “Writing What You Don't Know” with author Irene Latham
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Central Library, Linn-Henley Bldg., Arrington Auditorium, 4th floor
Cost: Free