Robert Olen Butler
Robert Olen Butler, Author
1. If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Going to the theater in London night after night.
2. What book impacted your life the most and how?
The collected dramatic works of William Shakespeare. I was, as the son of the chairman of the theater department at St. Louis University, fully aware of and often exposed to Shakespeare from childhood. But I read him in full in an intensively short few months when I was an undergraduate at Northwestern University. What I’d already begun to absorb through my early years, in the way a child can readily learn a second language, finally, fully impacted me as a twenty year-old: the lush rhythms of his language, the dynamic energy of his stories, his deep insight into a remarkable range of characters.
3. Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
Though I’ve published eleven books in the past sixteen years, twenty-three books in the past thirty-five, I constantly struggle against the lazy bum of a couch-dweller in me.
Amelia Martens
Amelia Martens, Author
1. If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
I would read! I also love cooking, traveling, gardening, and learning. I love teaching and helping people access the power of language. I'd want to spend time learning more about art and music. For an example day, I'd do yoga near the ocean, go to a local bookstore, play with my daughters in the garden, cook dinner mostly from ingredients in our yard, read and write a bit with a smooth, old bourbon on the porch and watch the sun go down. Probably I'd spend other days working on problems related to literacy education and social justice.
2. What book impacted your life the most and how?
The summer before ninth grade, for Honors English, we were assigned to read several books, including Sula by Toni Morrison. The way Morrison uses language in this book (and in all her works) connects to something deep in my experience of being human. Before reading Morrison, I didn't know words could be like paint or music notes. I didn't know a writer could have a voice or make a world that would become part of the reader forever.
3. Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
I used to work on movie sets as a greensman and set dresser, and have awesome truck loading skills, in addition to being able to drive a scissor lift and a condor.
Stephanie Crowe
Stephanie Crowe, Page & Palette Book Dept.
1. If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
If money no object I would travel, might buy a bookstore and try to help others.
2. What book impacted your life the most and how?
If I were looking at my whole life from earliest to now, perhaps the Bible was my earliest influence. Another book that I found powerful was "The Power of One" by Bryce Courtenay. It offered me understanding although I don’t think I made any major changes in my life.
3. Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
I have been an Easter Bunny for many years, made my mama’s recipe for confectioner’s eggs dipped in chocolate. I sent them all over the world and wore a bunny costume when making deliveries. Have recently retired but occasionally come out of retirement to make for family.
Nathan Weathington
Nathan Weathington, Author
1. If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
When the weather is nice and the sun is up, I’d fly fish until my arm fell off. But in the winter, bad weather days, and after the sun goes down, I’d try to make people laugh. I would continue to write comic memoirs, but I’d also like to try fiction, screenplays, and doing a little more standup and acting.
2. What book impacted your life the most and how?
Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea. When I first read this book, I knew I was reading perfection. Like a lot of us, I fantasized about being an expat in a cafe in Paris writing prose that would inspire millions. But I knew I would never write at this level, so I never even attempted to write anything until I was 34. When I finally started writing, it was the complete opposite of the fantasy — I was writing smart-ass horoscopes for a local paper (and loving it even more).
3. Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
As part of my MBA, our class did a consulting project in Seoul, South Korea. At 2:00 a.m., and after a few too many bottles of rice wine, I was shoved on the karaoke stage and told to sing. I refused, the DJ silenced the music, and I was told to do something funny. I did my first standup bit, and closed with a horribly inappropriate joke about the most moral girl in our class who happened to be sitting in the front row. This left the crowd slack jawed and laughing hysterically, and I was I hooked on comedy. My future publisher was also in the audience, and several years later I landed a book deal based on my grandpa’s old ‘Chestnut’ joke.
Kate DiCamillo
Kate DiCamillo, Author
1. If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Reading! (And writing. And playing Scrabble. And walking a dog. And being with friends).
2. What book impacted your life the most and how?
How about two books?
The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler--because it made me want to write.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis--because it made me want to write books for kids.
3. Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
I had to think about this one for a long time. And here's the truth of the matter--those people who know me well really *know* me. They know all of my good qualities and all of my bad qualities and nothing about me would surprise them and that is why they are my friends.
Karen Spears Zacharias
Karen Spears Zacharias, Author
1. If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
According to my husband, I already live as if money is no object. In truth, I try to live a good story while in search of good stories: traveling, listening, laughing, and engaging with the local community. The thing I love most about Fairhope is its dedication to honoring creators and creativity. If Fairhope were a beauty pageant contestant, she'd win Miss Congeniality because she's so beloved by all who meet her.
2. What book impacted your life the most and how?
Oh, snap, that's like asking me which of my four kids I would keep if I could only have one. But if I have to choose ONLY one book, I'm going to say the Epistle of James. The influential women in my life - my grandmother and my great-aunt - made reading the Bible (a compilation of many books) a daily morning ritual. As a child I witnessed this practice, as an adult I try to model it. I love the poetry and the cadence of the old King James version and the storytelling in The Message, Eugene Peterson's translation. James, in particular, has shaped my theology and daily approach to living out my faith.
3. Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
I've been kissed by Sam Elliott. (Who say's there isn't such a thing as heaven on earth?)
Mary Kay Andrews
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Tracking down fabulous old junk and fixing down a broken down villa--in Provence!
Author Mary Kay Andrews
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Tracking down fabulous old junk and fixing down a broken down villa--in Provence!
What book impacted your life the most and how?
Probably Little Women. I was one of three sisters who was a secret scribbler, so Jo's story always resonated with me, and made me think that someday, maybe, somebody would want to pay to read my stories.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
I have a secret yearning to travel the world--alone!
Robert Bailey
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Well, this is going to sound boring, but I’d probably do many of the same things I do now except more of them. Write a lot, read a lot and spend as much time as possible with my family. However, I have to admit that I might do more of those things at the beach! Ha!
Author Robert Bailey
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Well, this is going to sound boring, but I’d probably do many of the same things I do now except more of them. Write a lot, read a lot and spend as much time as possible with my family. However, I have to admit that I might do more of those things at the beach! Ha!
What book impacted your life the most and how?
Very tough question, but I’d probably say “A Time to Kill,” by John Grisham. During my reading of Grisham’s first novel, which I read my senior year of high school, I really wanted to “be” the main character, Jake Brigance—a young trial lawyer involved in a huge case with justice hanging in the balance. Reading that book probably inspired me to be both a lawyer and a writer.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
I was a huge fan of 1980’s pro wrestling, and dressed as the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair for Halloween last year. “Wooooo!”
Katarina Bivald
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
Success is not all that it’s cracked up to be. Failure is very boring, of course, but there is some sort of inherent contradiction in living the dream. Choosing to follow a dream, yes; working towards it, definitely, even that sweet moment when you’ve fulfilled it – but living it? I have no idea how you do that. And yet most people I know would look at me and think: “Katarina, now there’s someone who’s living her dream”.
Katarina Bivald, Author
1. If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
I am writing full time, which is as close to money being no object as a writer can get.
Naturally, I fill my days with adventures and all kinds of Cool Things. This is what my life consists of:
- 20 % sitting in sofa watching television series (also known as “research”)
- 20 % reading books (definitely research)
- 10 % harassing friends with normal office jobs
- 10 % killing my plants (that is, wandering around the apartment trying to think of ideas, eventually feeling kind of silly just walking around with no purpose and instead picking up the watering pot and just “topping up” my flowers a bit. Apparently if you water your plants four times a day, they die)
- 20 % actual writing
- 10 % doubting said writing
- 10 % hubris
It’s a great life.
2. What book impacted your life the most and how?
Books have had a huge impact on my life, and not always for the better. Books in general has taught me not to wait for God to develop a sense of plotting. In books, if a person dreams about doing something, you can be pretty sure she’ll have done it by the end of the book. In real life, if a person dreams about doing something, she’ll probably spend most of her days doing everything but that. God has a lousy sense of plot development, so whatever you do, don’t just wait for things to happen.
Romantic books have taught me that if you meet a rich, handsome, obnoxious guy who annoys you, he will turn out to be nice and charming once you get to know him. This is not true! Rich, handsome, obnoxious, annoying guys will turn out to be jerks. Just trust me on this one.
Also, avoid men who lock up their wives in attics.
Fried Green Tomatoes has taught me to lie to save a friend – or better yet, someone you don’t know – but if you have to swear on it in court, Moby Dick will do just as nicely as a bible.
Witches Abroad has taught me that stories just want an ending.
3. Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
Success is not all that it’s cracked up to be. Failure is very boring, of course, but there is some sort of inherent contradiction in living the dream. Choosing to follow a dream, yes; working towards it, definitely, even that sweet moment when you’ve fulfilled it – but living it? I have no idea how you do that. And yet most people I know would look at me and think: “Katarina, now there’s someone who’s living her dream”.
Charles Shields
1. If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Money is no object. I live better than most of the people in the world, in a free country, in a loving relationship, and doing the work I’ve always wanted to do. Lots of money would be a nuisance, so I would give it away.
Charles Shields, Author
1. If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Money is no object. I live better than most of the people in the world, in a free country, in a loving relationship, and doing the work I’ve always wanted to do. Lots of money would be a nuisance, so I would give it away.
2. What book impacted your life the most and how?
Whenever I open to the first chapter of Ray Bradbury’s 1950 novel, "The Martian Chronicles," suddenly it is the summer of 1964 and I am a thirteen-year-old boy again in the Midwest, awed by Bradbury’s description of rocket exhaust thawing-out an Ohio town in winter:
“The rocket lay on the launching field, blowing out pink clouds of fire and oven heat. The rocket stood in the cold winter morning, making summer with every breath of its mighty exhausts. The rocket made climates, and summer lay for a brief moment upon the land...”
The stage is set for a series of American missions to Mars. This is exactly what I wanted to read about when I was a kid who launched model rockets to do my patriotic part in the Space Race.
But what’s this? "The Martian Chronicles" is not a collection of stories about ray guns, alien monsters, or interstellar wars. It’s about racism, and imperialism, imported to a pristine civilization on Mars, and the ecological destruction of the planet.
I was stunned when I finished the book. Why had the gentle Martians living in their crystal homes been crushed? Wasn’t the spread of American values everywhere a good thing? Wasn’t it taken for granted that all cultures different from ours were inferior? The realization that The Martian Chronicles were parables about how good ol’ American know-how was often just arrogance and intolerance really shook me. I never accepted the American Way without question ever again.
3. Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
I can’t because I don’t want to go back to jail again.
Erik Larson
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
When I was in high school and in the first two years of college I had bad acne and wore underwear on my head to keep my hair off my forehead. Fruit of the Loom briefs, to be exact. There you have it.
Erik Larson, Author
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Doing exactly what I’m doing.
What book impacted your life the most and how?
Well, I can’t really say that any one book had a transformative impact, but, I suppose what first got me turned on to reading were the Nancy Drew books, never the Hardy Boys. I think I had a kind of crush on Nancy.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
When I was in high school and in the first two years of college I had bad acne and wore underwear on my head to keep my hair off my forehead. Fruit of the Loom briefs, to be exact. There you have it.
Kathleen Grisson
What book impacted your life the most and how?
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney was one of the first books I read as a child. I was very lucky to be raised in a home where everything was stable. The children in this story knew hardship and because of them I began to realize that not everyone lived as I did. Then I wanted to know more.
Kathleen Grissom, Author
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Researching and writing my next book.
What book impacted your life the most and how?
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney was one of the first books I read as a child. I was very lucky to be raised in a home where everything was stable. The children in this story knew hardship and because of them I began to realize that not everyone lived as I did. Then I wanted to know more.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
Years ago I raised Cashmere goats and had an herb farm.
Stacy Sheehan-Wilson
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
"I’d spend time just as I am. As a family, we’ve made choices to be brave. We moved from Colorado, having always loved water, I left corporate to be an artist, and our boys are young enough to like having me around."
Stacy Sheehan-Wilson, employee
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
I’d spend time just as I am. As a family, we’ve made choices to be brave. We moved from Colorado, having always loved water, I left corporate to be an artist, and our boys are young enough to like having me around. My husband works his IT gig remotely, which rocks. When not at Page and Palette or reading, I tell people’s stories through upcycling their clothing and photos into pillows or quilts and help people work through grief by doing the same. We watch sunsets on the bay, run the bluffs, picnic on beaches, and grin. Ain’t life grand?
What books impacted your life the most and how?
My guy, Dickens has his finger on the pulse of humanity, so “A Christmas Carol” inspires. Dickens gifts us with a scathing social commentary set during Christmas, a season of hope, blatantly begging the masses to see that moral and social redemption is possible. Scrooge, my ultimate hero has the courage to face the life he’s created, reject it, and create a new one--- instantly. Scrooge redeems himself and saves the world, one Christmas goose at a time. This gem teaches me that every choice is either serving me and the greater good…or not. I’m shooting for more Christmas geese.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you?
The vision is to grow my cottage industry into a national movement that improves the lives of seniors and their loved ones. My intended scope is surprising! I want to capture life stories to lessen the pain of transition because, when moving into care, the loss of a home is felt by all. What if I can give “home” back? Favorite tablecloths, curtains, even towels keep people rooted in their past as they shift into what can be a scary new present. Quilts and pillows and my vision, It’s Not a Closet; It’s a Life help people heal and remember.
Amy Hollimon
What book impacted your life the most and how?
"Nancy Drew books. First ones that got me interested in reading as a kid. And my mom took me to our local kids’ gift store explicitly to buy them."
Amy Hollimon, customer
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Not working, exploring beaches with my kids and getting on airplanes.
What book(s) impacted your life the most and how?
Nancy Drew books. First ones that got me interested in reading as a kid. And my mom took me to our local kids’ gift store explicitly to buy them. We went to the same store to buy birthday and special occasion gifts. There were many things to explore and we were welcome to touch and explore. Again, I think the hands-on destination that is a 360-degree experience is more engaging than clicking a button online. And it’s a community… I knew the people that worked there and the friends who shopped there.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you?
I don’t read books anymore … magazine reader!
Ashley Gordon
What book impacted your life the most and how?
"Orlando by Virginia Wolf for its depiction of strong, constantly evolving female characters in a male-dominated societal structure, written by a woman who helped to redefine modern English literature."
Ashley Gordon, customer
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Working with global nonprofit organizations like Library for All that support children’s literacy and other children’s and maternal organizations here and around the world.
What book(s) impacted your life the most and how?
Orlando by Virginia Wolf for its depiction of strong, constantly evolving female characters in a male-dominated societal structure, written by a woman who helped to redefine modern English literature. Pride and Prejudice for its exquisite literary orderliness and its apparent reduction of human turmoil to words and manners. The Norton Anthology of English Literature, which I received when I was thirteen and convinced me that creating books and making it possible for people to access them was the highest possible calling I could pursue.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you?
I think Tommy Boy, despite its infantile male humor, is a hilariously funny movie.
Heather Hickox
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
"Something that many people may not know about me is that I worked as an extra in Hollywood a few years ago when we were in California for 6 months, and got to be Vanna White’s photo double in a Wheel of Fortune/Jeopardy commercial."
Heather Hickox, Staff
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
If money were no object, I would travel, travel, travel! I would love to sail around the Mediterranean on a yacht with my family and a few friends. I would still work at Page and Palette because I love my job, and continue to write children’s books. Now that I’ve discovered I can write books to bring attention to and raise money for a cause, I would do more of that. I would also fund research to find a cure for cancer, and pay for all the renovations and help for my elderly parents so they could stay in their home as long as they wished.
What book(s) impacted your life the most and how?
Working at P&P for over 6 years, I have read so many incredible books and have had the privilege of meeting many of the authors. However, when you talk about books that have actually influenced my life, the list is much smaller. Apart from the Bible, the little daily devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young would be one of my top picks. I have been reading it daily for at least 5 years, and it is a great way to start my day and to help keep my focus where it needs to be.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you.
Something that many people may not know about me is that I worked as an extra in Hollywood a few years ago when we were in California for 6 months, and got to be Vanna White’s photo double in a Wheel of Fortune/Jeopardy commercial.
Jackie Clarke
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
"Living on Cayman Brac growing coconuts and reading books under palm trees."
Jackie Clarke, Page & Palette Bookkeeper
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Living on Cayman Brac growing coconuts and reading books under palm trees.
What book(s) impacted your life the most and how?
Andy Andrews’ book series The Noticer and The Noticer Returns.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you?
I abhor standing in front of a crowd and speaking.
Sonya Bennett
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you?
"Most people know me well but many do not know that I am very introspective and sometimes mischievous."
Sonya Bennett, customer and patron advisor
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
If money were no object, I would travel as often as I could. I would start with Italy and France and then Scotland and Ireland. I have been to Israel and Turkey. I would spend my time studying the art of 'writing' as I believe that we all have good stories to share. I would attend many writing workshops, study one-on-one with Dr. Sue Walker and also with Sena Jeter Naslund as guides to the best courses for this study. I would attend all of the Alabama Conferences also as I love my state and its writers, especially. I would fly to California and take my children to special events and places. I would also help people who need help. I do a lot of this but would do more.
What book(s) impacted your life the most and how?
The most important books in my life have changed as I grow older. Those that impacted me as a child were The Little Wooden Doll, Heidi, all of the Nancy Drew books as a pre-teen and later all of C.S. Lewis books as a student in high school. I also loved The Chronicles of Narnia, and still do.
As an adult and reading more than in my past busy life as mother: I think my favorite writer is still Isak Dineson whose books Out of Africa and Shadows On the Grass far surpassed any Hollywood version. ... I love many southern writers and some local, especially. Rick Bragg's short stories are fabulous. I loved Sena Naslunds Ahab's Wife better than Moby Dick, though I know Herman Melville is great. I love our Judith Richard's Thelonious Rising and most of Faulkner's stories. My favorite religious stories are written by a famous man named Adib Taherzadeh - books 1-4 of “The Revelation of Bahaullah.” I love the Bible and many of the traditional Sufi and Buddhist stories also.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you?
Most people know me well but many do not know that I am very introspective and sometimes mischievous. I think I am much younger than my age of 76. I have kept a journal for more than 50 years and cared deeply about civil rights when it was very unpopular to speak out. Many do not know that I lived in Israel for three years and many do not know that I managed a Baha'i center in Atlanta that was mostly African American. Many people do not know how much I love to write, and that I have a Diversity Devotional in my home on the last Sunday of every month.
Ron Meszaros
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you?
"I kissed Robert Wagner smack on the lips in the middle of Musso Frank's Restaurant in Hollywood in 1983."
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
Under heavy sedation.
What book(s) impacted your life the most and how?
The second set of books my father kept in the garage.
Tell us something about you that would surprise most of the people who think they know you?
I kissed Robert Wagner smack on the lips in the middle of Musso Frank's Restaurant in Hollywood in 1983.
Sonya & Nancye's Friendly Advice Booth
Sonya and Nancye's Friendly Advice Booth is open Tuesdays and Thursdays in Latte Da beginning at 11:30am until "whenever the concerns of the city are met".
Sonya and Nancye's Friendly Advice Booth is open Tuesdays and Thursdays in Latte Da beginning at 11:30am until "whenever the concerns of the city are met".
Here are a few articles that have been published about what they're up to.
'Friendly advice' booth a popular stop at Fairhope coffee shop
Gulf Coast News Today
Fairhope’s Friendly Advice Booth
Leslie Anne Tarabella
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