Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Writers Group welcomes Stewart

On April 17, Fran Stewart, author of “Orange As Marmalade” spoke to the Fayette Writers Group at the Fayette County Public Library. The book is the first of an eight book series of Biscuit McKee Mysteries. The second of the series, “Yellow As Legal Pads” is scheduled for later this year.

Stewart spoke to the group on the importance in continuity of a story as well as character development. She has plans to do research work in Savannah to for one of her developing mysteries. The research will provide local facts and actual references to locations so her readers can identify with the story.

As a child, Stewart grew up in a military family and lived in different parts of the country. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University for two years, married, had children then returned to school and graduated from Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont. She recently received a Doctor of Divinity Degree and has made Suwanee her home since 1993. An avid gardener, Stewart has turned her surrounding yards into butterfly and bird sanctuaries.

In addition to being an author, Stewart works as a breath coach and neuromuscular massage therapist. She is a Reiki Master and is ordained as an interfaith minister. A believer in never too old to learn, several years ago for her 49th birthday she began taking saxophone lessons and currently attends a tap dance class.

Stewart is a member of the Georgia Writers Association and the Atlanta Writers Club. She has written several songs which have been published in the form of poems. She is a writing coach offering encouragement and advice regarding story development as well as tips for having works published.

Stewart is an entertaining speaker who uses audience participation and input to stimulate an exchange of ideas.

The Fayette Writers Group meets Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. at the Fayette County Public Library. The meetings are open to all interested in writing development, critique and publication of their work.