Writers to gather, greet area readers

Appling resident Phillip Knox is one of 22 area authors who will greet readers and share their stories Saturday at the Columbia County Library.

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While working at Plant Vogtle, Knox started sharing stories of his faith with his co-workers, who encouraged him to write the stories down.

"I never intended to write a book," he said. "That was not a dream of mine."

But after breaking his leg in a 2007 ATV accident while herding cows on his father's Appling farm, Knox began writing his self-published autobiographical tale, Open My Eyes and Let Me See . The book, published in early December, chronicles his and his family's lives and features 40 short stories that illustrate his strong relationship with God. Knox finished the book in just two weeks.

"When my leg broke, it was the first time in my life I've ever really been still, so I had my wife bring all of my journals to the couch, and I just began to write," he said.

Knox, who attends Kiokee Baptist Church, will have a table set up at the Evans library's inaugural Writers Fest, where authors sign books and hold informal discussions with guests. The event will take place in the lobby from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

"We just wanted to showcase our local authors and let our public get to know them," said Christy Taylor-Pruitt, the library's young adult librarian.

The event will feature authors of all genres, she said.

Knox said his book is a "simple read" for people of all ages. He said he wants to show readers how God affects all life.

"When I wrote this, I really wrote it for my children," said Knox, who has two teenage sons. "I want my children to know that God is real."

The library has received funding from the Friends of the Columbia County Libraries in addition to a grant from the Georgia Humanities Council specifically to create such an event. Taylor-Pruitt said the library hopes to continue the program.

Knox, on the other hand, said he hasn't decided if he'll continue writing more books.

"I never planned to write the first one, so it's not like I have a plan for the next one," he said. "If it happens, it happens."

For information about Knox's book, visit www.openmyeyesandletmesee.com.

To learn more about the Writers Fest, call the library at (706) 863-1946.