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. 

Sundog Books and the Redneck Riviera

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor of Southern Writers Magazine

On a recent weekend trip to Seaside Florida, enjoying what is known there as the 30A Lifestyle, I visited the Central Square area for brunch. I discovered next door to the restaurant is Sundog Books. Sundog Books, http://www.sundogbooks.com/, is one of those fabulous independent bookstores and it is owned by Linda and Bob White. Sundog has not only survived the slump independents went through but apparently has thrived through that period. Although the place was busy I was able to visit with Manager and Memphis Native Carolyn Rogers. Carolyn is a great representative for Sundog and you can tell she loves everything she does there.  

I couldn’t think of a better place, a perfect fit for a bookstore than on the square on Hwy30A. Surrounded by miles of beach and most beach goers sit on the beach reading. It is a wonderful marriage between authors, reader and bookstore. Sundog goes one step further by promoting local authors as well.   

As I was approaching the porch of the bookstore there sat a gentleman signing his books. His name is Harvey H. Jackson III and his book is The Rise and Decline of the Redneck Rivieraan Insiders History of the Florida-Alabama Coast. Harvey is uniquely qualified to write Redneck Riviera due to the fact his grandmother bought a home  on the beach in the area is 1954  and he is Eminent Scholar in History at Jacksonville State University. Harvey has authored other history books dealing mostly with his State of Alabama. Harvey noted the property his grandmother owned in 1954 he has inherited and is there now. He has seen the great changes and effects of the growth and decline of the area since he was a child. His love for the area and his background in history makes a great combination for an excellent read on the area. The area known as  the Redneck Riviera, Mobile Bay to Panama City, may be struggling with its identity today with the push for a more dignified  title of the Emerald Coast. I am sure the later sounds better is you are a realtor selling beach property and with the high style of living there now it may indeed win out.

Southern Writers Magazine exists to help authors. It is encouraging to see what Sundog Books is doing for local authors. Carolyn Rogers said Harvey’s Redneck Riviera is one of their best sellers. I am sure that is true because it is about the area, the authors personal and professional input and Sundog Books allowing promotional opportunities. If you are in the area I hope you will stop in and I hope Harvey is there to greet you and sign his book for you.

If you know of similar cooperative efforts as Sundog Books and Harvey Jackson are enjoying please let me hear of them.