FHU’s Faculty Writings Selected For Book

Two Freed-Hardeman University faculty members, Algene Steele and Dr. Margaret Payne, have had their writing selected to be published in this year’s edition of “Enlightenment: The Talent Among Us.” Steele and Payne received this honor as a result of entering their works in the 11th Annual Short Story and Poetry Contest. The book, which features stories and poems by Tennessee writers, is presented by Main Street Publishing, Inc.

The public is invited to attend a new book release and signing Saturday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. at The Carnegie Center in Jackson.

Steele, a lecturer in fine arts and creative director for design services at FHU, had two short stories and one poem published in “Enlightenment: The Talent Among Us.” “Love on a Savannah Stroll,” which received third place in the contest, is a romance ghost story about a young man who finds true love twice: once with a ghost and once with the love of his life. “The Last Poem: The Story of Lisa,” another short story, is about a futuristic dystopian society that does not allow creative efforts of any kind; when a poem from centuries past is introduced to the community, happiness and mayhem ensue. “Dinner Adventure,” a free form poem, is about a little boy who escapes the boredom of Sunday lunch with his family by imaginatively playing with his food.

Payne, an associate professor of English at FHU, had one short story and two poems published in “Enlightenment: The Talent Among Us.” Her short story, entitled “Coming Out Party,” is about a girl in the late 1950’s who is assigned a “baby-sitting” job over the summer to take care of her aunt, who has not left her chair or spoken in ten years. The poem “Of Birds and Burdens,” comprised of three sections, focuses on the burdens of physical weight, as well as emotional burdens. “Strength of Stone” is a poem about the fragility of stones that balance in formations in the desert.

Steele and Payne are a part of the literary group “Word Weavers,” which is a local Christian writers group that promotes writing in the Chester County community. The group has meetings each month, and members and guests make presentations on how to improve writing skills. Members also participate in writing retreats and contests.

There will be a book release and signing for “Enlightenment: The Talent Among Us” on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 11:00 a.m. at the Carnegie Center in downtown Jackson. Members of the community are encouraged to attend.