Hurricane Michael’s Toll on our Authors and Friends

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine

Each of us have a family member, friend or acquaintance that suffered from the damage of Hurricane Michael. Those that can have let others know they are safe. It is the ones we have yet to hear from that are a concern. I do realize during a time of disaster most are focused on survival and recovery not reporting their status to us. I did hear from two friends of Southern Writers Magazine this week, both on their Facebook post after the storm. Both were on the western edge of the storm. Although there was damage and power outages they felt blessed but concerned about their friends to the east.  I hope you take to heart their words. The first is from Sundog Books in the popular 30A area of Florida. 

They posted a picture of the bookstore after the storm. See a recent SuiteT blog about them. “Thank you endlessly for all of the kind words and prayers. Our little slice of paradise was lucky, but our friends to the east have suffered catastrophic damage. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers and help in any way that you can. We will be closed until further notice while we get the Sundog crew back safely home and await power restoration.

Thanks again to all of you. You’re the best.” Sundog Books

The second was a beautiful sentiment from Author, Artist and Musician Nancy Veldman. Nancy owns Magnolia House Lifestyle Store in Sandestin’s Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach, FL There is also a recent Suite T blog highlighting Nancy and her shop at this link: 

”It’s night time for us all. You know how sometimes your bones are tired? Well, tonight I am bone tired. Pushed hard today, both mentally and physically... it felt good at the time.. but now, well, I am sitting in my chair with my feet propped up, thankful to just be alive. What a week we've had ... so many people suffered.... all of us on our knees praying ..for those who don't have a home tonight... no where to go... not sure where they will turn for help..or how they will figure it all out.... We never know what life will throw at us.. all of us at one time or another have experienced a tough time.... one that sucked the air out of us... but tonight I only know one thing for sure, that God, our God is with us. He will see us through all of it... the good, the bad and the ugly. He has not forgotten anyone. Reach out and help.. give what you can... and I know without a doubt God will lift up those who were knocked down.. either on His own or through us if we are willing. Loving you tonight. Stay close and rest your bones, as I will ... on this cool fall-feeling night.” Nancy Veldman

If you were in the path of Michael let us know how you are doing. Our hope and prayers are that all are safe. 

Nancy Veldman’s Magnolia House

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine

While visiting our cousin Chris Stewart at her beautiful home at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, I was given a book she was reading. It was a novel Old Man Rivers by author Nancy Veldman. Chris went on to explain Nancy had a shop nearby in Miramar Beach suggested we stop by there. After reading a portion of the book I decided to make the visit. I was familiar with the Grand Boulevard area because one of my favorite restaurants, Tommy Bahamas, is located there. If I am in the area I never fail to stop and eat there. So I was happy to have another reason to stop in and since I had been told Nancy was a Memphis, Tennessee native I felt it was a must.   

Author, pianist and artist Nancy Veldman refers to her gift shop / bookstore as a gathering place. Nancy was in when we stopped in on a Sunday afternoon and she has indeed made it a most comfortable place to be. Her shop has its own bookstore area which feels like you are in your private library.  There you will find current works by familiar authors including many authors from the coastal area. Like many shops owned by authors there is an amazing effort on their part to promote not only their works but the works of other authors.   

There among all the beautiful things in her shop was an area dedicated to Nancy’s books, CDs and artwork. Nancy has written over 100 songs and released 10 CDs. She has also written seven novels and working on an eighth. It was a wonderful experience to not only see her shop but to meet the author. Nancy spent a lot of time with my wife and me talking about her books, music, artwork and her life. She had the most interesting story of her receiving the Key to the City of Memphis for humanitarian efforts.

Nancy’s goal is to keep on giving. Today Nancy feeds the homeless in the Destin, FL area and ministers to the poor. Her music is played in hospitals, cancer centers, schools and businesses. CEOs of hospitals have flown in to meet her so they could pipe her music in their hospitals. If asked how she does it all her answer is, “We have no understanding of what we are capable of in this life we live, until we allow ourselves to step out and try. As many have said, it is the fear of failure or acceptance of mediocrity in our lives that keeps us from ever becoming.”

Nancy has done a great job in giving back not only to her community but to fellow authors. You can visit her on her website.  She can also be found on YouTube, Facebook, Amazon and iTunes.