A GREAT SOUTHERN BOOK GIVEAWAY

"...and the Coast, the seductive and sultry Lowcountry where the sea caresses a vast carpet of swaying marsh grass and warm sandy beaches."  

Win a copy! 

That is an excerpt from "A State of Awe and Wonder," the foreword I penned for Reflections of South Carolina, Volume II.  When the director of University of South Carolina Press, Jonathan Haupt, contacted me with this opportunity and I was honored to accept the task.

Reflections of South Carolina, Volume II is a beautiful work of art. We are so fortunate to have so much of the ancient beauty, historical charm, and alluring culture preserved in 250 pages of sterling photographs and poignant descriptions.

When you hold this book, you will sense its value and importance.  The photographs by renowned photographer Robert C. Clark and descriptions by Tom Poland capture more than landscape, but our state's culture, traditions, and the people. They will will take you on a journey to the Upcountry, the Heartland, and the Lowcountry.  Anyone who lives in South Carolina or once called this great state home will treasure this book.  And too--anyone who has visited, wants to visit, or just loves all things southern will thoroughly enjoy this book.

I love how my friend and fellow author Dorothea Benton Frank described the book, "...a gorgeous tour of our state's endless treasured landscape. The words of Tom Poland and the photographs by Robert Clark will thrill you.  It's that good."

I couldn't agree more. I'm giving this book to friends and family for Christmas! And, I'm really excited to share this book with you!  Thanks to USC Press, for the holiday season I am giving away five copies of Reflections of South Carolina, Volume II (one copy each week) through my Facebook fan page.  To enter the giveaway, simply CLICK HERE and follow the instructions.  It's easy and I hope you'll share the contest link with your friends!  http://is.gd/fUHS4q

I'll announce the first winner on November 28th.

Best wishes and Happy Holidays! I know you'll enjoy the book just as much as I do.

A Perfect Booklover's Present

Jan. 14: 'Tea by the Sea'

Having trouble finding the perfect gift for your favorite book lover, or book club member? I love the feeling I get when I find something that seems utterly perfect for the person in mind. Sometimes though, the search for that perfect present is frustrating.

I have a suggestion! It’s the gift that I’m giving to my fellow book club members. It’s personal, memorable and unique. You can’t buy it at just any store. And it’s been right under my nose, so to speak, for months!

“Tea by the Sea!”

For several years now I’ve had the pleasure of moderating the annual authors’ event at Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms featuring a panel of highly-acclaimed writers. This year, I’m delighted that my friends Dorothea Benton Frank, Nathalie Dupree and Taylor Polites will be joining me for this All Things Southern ticketed public event on January 14th. Expect lots of witty banter among the group about our writing and lives, plus interaction from the audience. It’s sure to be a delightfully memorable event. And it will make a wonderful Southern Lit gift for your book loving friend.

This year, we’re changing things up a bit to keep it fresh. Instead of a luncheon, we’re having a formal tea—and Wild Dunes does an incredible job with pastries! It allows us to have a lower price point, too—only $30, or $250 for a table of ten. After the tea, there will be a book signing, and best of all, proceeds from the event benefit local literacy efforts, so you can feel good about that too. (And tickets are tax deductible.)

So this year, give the gift that keeps on giving. Isn’t a book event ticket—and if you’re feeling generous, a ticket and a book--the perfect gift for friends who love all things southern, or relatives who always have a book in hand, or your book club members?

For more information about the event and ticket prices, call (843) 886-2020 or clubline@wilddunes.com.