By Linda Wilson, Birmingham Public Library

This year’s program will spotlight several bestselling Alabama authors. Robert McCammon will talk about Speaks the Nightbird, a terrifying tale of witchcraft in 1699. Homer Hickam will speak on The Keeper’s Son, a novel of romance and danger during WW II. Rick Bragg will discuss I Am a Soldier, Too: The Jessica Lynch Story. These featured speakers will take the stage solo to talk about their books and answer questions, after which they will sign books and talk one-on-one with their fans. 

Additional authors who will discuss and sign their latest works include Charles Ghigna (A Fury of Motion: Poems for Boys), Alan Grady (When Good Men do Nothing), Jo Kittinger (Lunch with Punch), Michael Morris (Slow Way Home), and Hans Watford (Lethal Risk).  

One panel discussion will center on new literature from the Civil Rights movement. Authors of fiction and nonfiction will talk about their research and their books with each other and the audience. Panelists include Dr. Trudier Harris (Summer Snow), Sena Jeter Naslund (Four Spirits), and Phil Noble (Beyond the Burning Bus).  

Another panel will address affairs of the heart. How many readers have finished a romance novel and thought, "How hard can it be to write one of these?” Romance writers will talk about their recent books as well as the process and business of romance writing, and respond to questions. Authors for this panel include Beverly Barton (Last to Die), Linda Winstead Jones (Fever), Lyn Stone (Scot), and Gayle Wilson (Under Surveillance). Bring your questions and be ready for a passionate discussion.  

An updated list of this year’s participants and additional details about the event are on the Alabama Bound Web site at www.alabamabound.org. The event is free and open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 24.