Author Mary Alice Monroe speaking at FocusLit fundraiser

Best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe will be in Chattanooga on Wednesday, June 12, to speak at the Southern Lit Alliance’s fundraiser, FocusLit.

Monroe’s presentation comes just one day after the release of her newest book, “The Summer Guests,” which includes an appearance by Cara Rutledge, heroine of the “The Beach House” series, in its cast of characters.

The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. in Stratton Hall, 3146 Broad St., followed by a question-and-answer session with the author. Tickets are $40 general admission, $80 VIP.

After moving to the beaches of South Carolina, Monroe discovered how delicate the ecosystem was within the ocean that lay before her. Living in that environment inspired her to begin writing books that intwined love and environmentalism.

Some of her awards include the Reader’s Choice Award, 2008 South Carolina Center for the Book Award for Writing and the South Carolina Academy of Authors in 2018 as a Literary Hall of Fame inductee. Her novel, “The Beach House,” was adapted into a Hallmark movie in 2018.

At the luncheon, the Southern Lit Alliance will present its inaugural Warren Barnett Distinguished Local Author Award. The award will become an annual honor for authors of fiction, nonfiction or poetry. The winner will be determined by a panel of local judges.

For more information about Southern Lit Alliance and FocusLit: www. southernlitalliance.org or call 423-777-4221.