Submitted by Alexandria Ducksworth

A Georgia native may be behind the books you’re devouring right now. The list of Georgia authors doesn’t stop with James Dickey and Flannery O’Connor. There are more notable authors born right here in the Peach state:

1. Steve Berry (Birthplace: Atlanta, GA)

Steve Berry graduated from law school at Mercer University and worked as a trial lawyer for 30 years. As a writer, he received both Georgia and Florida awards for Writer of the Year. His love for history has lead him and his wife to create History Matters, a historic preservation foundation.

Recent books published:
-The 14th Colony
-The Bishop’s Pawn
-The Lost Order

2. Tayari Jones (Birthplace: Atlanta, GA)

Pearl Cleage was a major influence in Tayari Jones’ writing career. Jones met the author while attending Spelman College. She will teach creative writing at Emory University in Fall 2018.

Recent books published:
-An American Marriage
-Silver Sparrow
-The Untelling

3. Laura Lippman (Birthplace: Atlanta, GA)

Although born in Atlanta, Laura Lippman has spent most of her life in Baltimore. She worked as a journalist for the Baltimore Sun before becoming a full-time writer. Her novels have led her a spot as the first recipient for the Mayor’s Prize of Literary Excellence in Maryland.

Recent books published:
-Hush
-Sunburn
-Wild Lake

4. Frances Mayes (Birthplace: Fitzgerald, GA)

Remember the movie Under the Tuscan Sun? The one with Diane Lane restoring an old villa? The story’s loosely based on Frances Mayes’ life. Mayes travels back and forth from her homes in North Carolina and Italy. She is a co-founder of the annual Tuscan Sun Festival.

Recent books published:
-The Tuscan Sun Cookbook
-Under Magnolia
-Women in Sunlight

5. Karin Slaughter (Birthplace: Covington, GA)

Karin Slaughter’s books have been published in 120 countries. Her fascination with dark secrets and heinous crimes started when she was a child. She used to keep Marilyn Monroe’s autopsy photos in her lunchbox. Her teachers obviously disapproved.

Recent books published:
-Last Breath
-The Good Daughter
-The Kept Woman

6. Stuart Woods (Birthplace: Manchester, GA)

Stuart Woods’ literary journey began when his first novel, Chiefs, became a TV show. Since then, he has written over 70 books. You may find Woods in New Mexico, Maine, or Florida.

Recent books published:
-Shoot First
-Turbulence
-Unbound

Who’s your favorite Georgia author?