Literary Fair 2025
Saturday
September 13, 2025
10am-3pm
A celebration of reading and writing for all ages!
Everyone has a Story to Tell
Everyone has a Story to Tell
Everyone has a Story to Tell
Everyone has a Story to Tell
Everyone has a Story to Tell
Everyone has a Story to Tell
Saturday
Join us for a celebration of reading and writing for all ages! The 2025 Turner Center Literary Fair will spotlight the work of local and regional writers/authors, include free youth activities, launch the Turner Center’s 6th Annual Art of Writing Contest for area middle and high school students, spotlight the Center’s Young and Adult Writers Leagues, and highlight other literary resources available at the Center and in the south Georgia community. For more info, contact Events & Member Relations Administrator Paige Greene at 229.247.2787 or [email protected].
Participating authors include:
Dakota Boyer
Julie Dykes
James Fouty
Lee Furey
Fran Gardner
Erin Giambattista
Julie Dykes
James Fouty
Lee Furey
Fran Gardner
Erin Giambattista
John Griffin
Kathleen Lopez
Lynn Van Meter
Eric Nielsen
Margarita R. Pedrozo
Linda Sexton
Kathleen Lopez
Lynn Van Meter
Eric Nielsen
Margarita R. Pedrozo
Linda Sexton
Lamar Thomas
Cheryl Tolliver
Joey Weiser
John Williams
Cheryl Tolliver
Joey Weiser
John Williams
Featured Speakers
Dr. William Rawlings
A sixth-generation resident of Washington County, Georgia, Dr. William Rawlings is a retired physician who has become a prolific author. His works span fiction, Southern history, and true crime, with 15 titles currently in print and two more forthcoming in 2026 and 2027. His 2020 book, Six Inches Deeper, features ties to Lowndes County. Rawlings, a three-time recipient of the Georgia Author of the Year Award, will present “I Want to Write a Book,” sharing insights from his journey and the Southern storytelling tradition.
T. M. Brown
Rooted in Georgia heritage, T. M. Brown draws inspiration from his Southern upbringing and family legacy. Author of the award-winning Shiloh Mystery Series and The Last Laird of Sapelo, Brown will speak on “History Matters,” emphasizing the importance of factual accuracy in storytelling. He is actively involved in several writers’ associations and continues to champion Southern stories that celebrate family, faith, and history.
Dr. Cheryl Carvajal
Carvajal wrote her first play when she was six years old and has been writing ever since. With more than 30 years as a college educator, she has also led writing groups across the country. She currently facilitates the Young Writers League for teenagers and the Writers League for all ages 18+ at the Turner Center. The Young Writers League meets twice a month on Saturdays, while the Writers League gathers at 1 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Carvajal believes every person has a unique voice, and she wishes, above all, to foster the voice of writers of all ages, even as she continues her own writing journey.
2025 Turner Center Literary Fair Agenda (all activities take place in the Boyette Gallery unless otherwise stated).
10am
Welcome and introduction of authors
11-11:45am
William Rawlings, author talk on “I Want to Write a Book”
12-12:45pm
T. M. Brown, author talk on “History Matters”
1-2pm
Open panel discussion, led by Dr. Cheryl Carvajal, featuring all presenting authors
who will answer questions from the audience about the life and work of a writer.
2-3pm
The theme for the 6th Annual Art of Writing Contest will be announced,
followed by an Open Forum to encourage participants to engage with the authors.
Helpful Tips to Plan your Visit
- Free youth activities will take place throughout the event in the Pizer Studio.
- Enjoy a Coffee Bar throughout the day provided by Dirty Dozen Coffee Company.
- Lunch vendor Burritos Mexican Grill will be on-site from 11am-2pm, with lunch available for purchase in Josette’s Gallery.
- South Georgia Regional Library will be on-site at this event with giveaway items and information on library offerings.
- Snake Nation Press, a local book publisher, will be available at event to discuss the publishing process.
2025 Event Sponsors
