Florence Welcomes Celebrated Authors at the Pee Dee Poetry and Fiction Festival
Florence is buzzing with excitement as two talented authors, Jamila Minnicks and Jo Angela Edwins, prepare to take the stage at the upcoming Pee Dee Poetry and Fiction Festival on November 7-8 at Francis Marion University. This highly anticipated event promises to be a delightful celebration of literature and creative expression!
A Festival of Voices
This year’s festival is free and open to the public, making it an accessible opportunity for everyone to enjoy the artistic talents of various authors. The lineup includes not just Minnicks and Edwins but also the exciting voices of Santiago García and Franny Choi. Whether you’re a bookworm or just curious about the literary world, there’s something for everyone!
Meet Jamila Minnicks
First up is the remarkable Jamila Minnicks, whose journey into writing started when she was just a child. Growing up in a family of storytellers, she believed in the power of narratives to effect change and challenge injustice. “I was really interested in creative writing, but I was also interested in how to use my voice to advocate for people,” she explained. This blending of storytelling and advocacy became a driving factor in her life.
Before diving into the world of novels, Minnicks practiced law, where she found storytelling at every turn. “I choose being a lawyer because there is a lot of storytelling and advocacy that goes on in that space,” she shared. Writing eventually became a way for Minnicks to pour her heart into creative outlets, allowing her to explore the big questions of existence through fiction.
Her debut novel, “Moonrise over New Jessup,”, came to life during the summer of 2020 and serves as a heartfelt tribute to her ancestors, her family, and her beloved Alabama. “Black love for southern soil doesn’t get enough attention,” she passionately stated. Her aim? To encourage readers to reflect on the representation of Blackness in literature. With a firm belief that diversity should mirror our world, she’s proud to be part of a festival in the beautiful state where her career first began. “I love talking to readers, and I even love having the challenging conversations,” Minnicks said.
Jo Angela Edwins: The Poet
And then there’s the wonderfully talented Jo Angela Edwins. Her love for poetry blossomed in childhood thanks to her vivid imagination and a local newspaper that published kids’ artwork and writing. “I had delusions of grandeur,” she laughed. “I knew I wanted to do something artistic.” She submitted her poetry with growing enthusiasm, which opened the door to a lifelong passion for writing.
Edwins’ poetry delves into themes such as family, loss, grief, and nature, with a political edge that addresses women’s experiences. Losing her mother at such a young age inspired her to explore deep emotions and tackle difficult subjects through her verses. “I feel a lot of my poetry has a political edge to it,” she explained.
Her work aims to reclaim fairytales with a fresh perspective, spotlighting women as empowered figures. One of her poems takes on Little Red Riding Hood’s narrative, reimagining her as a survivor who protects young women. “It’s really neat for us as faculty to connect with other writers and share our experiences,” she said when reflecting on the festival.
A Gathering of Literary Enthusiasts
The Pee Dee Poetry and Fiction Festival stands as a testament to the power of community and the beauty of literature. Edwins hopes attendees will recognize that writing isn’t just a profession — it takes hard work and dedication, even from those who do it for a living. Plus, for many, it’s a chance to connect deeply with stories in ways they might never have experienced before.
As Florence gets ready to welcome an unforgettable weekend of creative expression, don’t miss the chance to join in this literary gathering. With inspiring authors like Minnicks and Edwins leading the way, it promises to be an event that touches the heart and stirs the mind. Grab your notebooks, bring your curiosity, and prepare to dive into the wondrous world of poetry and fiction!
