08 Sep Authors Club of Augusta takes on Arts in the Heart’s Literary Lounge!
The Authors Club of Augusta, founded in 1928, is one of the oldest cultural organizations in the CSRA. For nearly a century, it has been a cornerstone of the region’s literary life, providing a gathering place for writers of all genres to share their work and support one another’s creative journeys. Over the years, the club has counted among its members some of Augusta’s most celebrated voices, including novelist Louise Shivers, poet Starkey Flythe, and historian Edward Cashin.
Today, the Authors Club continues that proud legacy with a vibrant membership of award-winning and best-selling novelists, poets, children’s authors, essayists, academic writers, and screenwriters. Many members have been nationally published and recognized, and the group remains dedicated to celebrating and nurturing the written word in all its forms. At the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, the Authors Club is proud to host the Literary Lounge and Stage, giving festivalgoers the chance to connect directly with local and regional writers.
Literary Lounge Highlights:
Meet Local Authors
Throughout the festival, visitors can meet authors across a variety of genres who will be selling and signing their books in the Lounge. This year’s lineup includes Cindy Boudreaux, Melissa Boyd, Jukwan Brooks, David Bulla, Melissa Burch, Eva Creel, John Doriot, Cathy Goldberg-Fishman, Anna Harris-Parker, Kelyshia Hayden, John Hayes, Tiffany Manriquez, Christina Petrides, Tom Swift, and Monique Williams.
Enjoy Live Readings
The Lounge will also feature live readings where authors share their work in an intimate setting. Audiences can enjoy everything from whimsical children’s stories like Melissa Burch’s Whatever You Do, Don’t Brush Your Teeth, to historical insights with Tom Mack’s The Hidden History of Augusta, to spine-tingling tales like John Doriot’s Grimalkin.
Take in an Author’s Talk
For those curious about the craft and business of writing, the Lounge will host a series of talks and workshops. Highlights include sessions by Lucinda Clark, local publisher and filmmaker; Tunisia Williams, picture book author; and Tiffany Manriquez, romance writer. Festivalgoers can also gain insight into the writer’s life with talks such as Charmain Brackett on how journalism has shaped her fiction, and Christina Petrides on international writing, publishing, and translation.
The Authors Club of Augusta’s Literary Lounge is a true celebration of storytelling, bringing readers and writers together and embodying the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival’s spirit of cultural exchange and community. You can find out reading times and more info on the Literary Lounge schedule by visiting https://artsintheheartofaugusta.com/stage-schedules2025/ .