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New Gwinnettian pursues dream of writing
mysteries
By
Shannon Clute
Special to GwinnettForum.com
NORCROSS, Ga., March 13, 2007 -- In 2003, I completed my doctorate
in French and Italian Literature, and undertook what I thought would
be a long and rewarding academic career. Funny how things can change.
Clute |
The reality of the Academy is not what many assume. Responsibilities
are great, and excepting a few disciplines, the pay is poor. No,
you don't really get summers off---not with the pressure to publish.
No, the work week is not short. And checks are often smaller than
in public schools. After my first tenure-track job in Kentucky was
cut along with the state's education budget, and my second in California
failed to pay me a living wage, I decided to get out.
Two factors were paramount as I made this decision: first, I had
a career dream I could not shake; and second, my wife, a Dunwoody
native, agreed to work as a Realtor to support us both for a year
while I pursue that dream.
I now write mysteries, and co-produce, with my friend and former
colleague Richard Edwards, two popular "podcasts"---which
is to say, radio-style programs, distributed by internet. Each episode
of "Out of the Past: Investigating Film Noir" is a scholarly
discussion and close reading of a classic film noir or neo-noir.
The show has a worldwide audience, and has been downloaded over
75,000 times to date. Our new program, "Behind the Black Mask:
Mystery Writers Revealed," features interviews with writers
of mystery, hard-boiled, and suspense who reveal secrets about their
fiction and the writing life. The podcasts are free, and can be
downloaded from our website: www.noircast.net.
Everyone asks how we make money off these podcasts, and is shocked
to hear we don't. We do hope to spin them into other broadcasting
opportunities, but truth be told, they have already paid dividends.
They've been a wonderful means of getting to know many generous
and talented authors. Most importantly, I believe all this close
reading has helped me to improve my writing---and that, in turn,
may help me to get my mysteries published.
My first manuscript was named one of ten semi-finalists in the
inaugural Court TV "Search for the Next Great Crime Writer"
contest. I'm shopping around a second book at the moment---both
of them throw-back, hard-boiled mysteries inspired by the work of
Raymond Chandler and James M. Cain. Though they haven't been purchased
yet, I believe they will be. When you pursue a dream with all your
passion and intelligence, and when you're willing to share that
passion with the world, as we have with the podcasts, matters tend
to work out.
Of course, there's a chance that won't be the case. An overwhelming
majority of finished manuscripts are never published, and there's
no proven formula for success in any pursuit. Dreams are, by definition,
elusive. But the chase is largely its own reward.
Even if I have to work part-time steaming wallpaper and painting
to contribute grocery money (and I do), it's a chance worth taking.
And nothing could be more rewarding than the support I've felt from
my wife, her family, and everyone I've met here in Gwinnett. Each
day I'm thankful for all they do to make me feel that it's not crazy
to shoot for the stars, and they'll be there to catch me if I fall.
When I do get published, it will be thanks to all of them, that
is, all of you.
Lilburn takes action to regulate city's bars,
restaurants
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
MARCH 13, 2007 -- Different counties, and different communities,
by the laws of convention, have different customs.
Brack |
If you grew up in Germany, as a child you would be familiar with
"Gasthouses," something of a neighborly gathering place
for people of all ages. Germans sipped their beer, ate small meals,
and generally visited in a wholesome atmosphere, with the whole
family, including children, around.
If you grew up in England, a similar situation exists in English
pubs, that bastion of the very Britishness. Again, people of all
ages gathered there, a cross section of the community any time the
pub was open.
Growing up in certain parts of the United States, notably in the
likes of Chicago, or major cities of the Northeast, neighborhood
taverns and bars were routine. However, unlike Britain and Germany,
children usually were not permitted in these places.
The southeast United States did not have as its heritage the numbers
of watering places that were found in other countries, or in the
reaches of the North. It also had far fewer places, in the past,
where alcoholic beverages were legal. Bars, as such, were limited
mostly to the large cities, and frequented primarily by men. The
more worldly "honky-tonks" or roadhouses were somewhat
similar, though often in out-of-way places. These establishments
were generally frowned upon by upstanding churchmen, particularly
Protestants, who dominated the South.
Therefore, with this background, you might understand the movement
by the Lilburn City Council to curtail activities at places where
alcoholic beverages are sold within its borders. The council has
moved to eliminate pool tables, karaoke devices, trivia games and
video games, at these establishments.
We say "Hurrah" for the Lilburn City Council in its move
to closely regulate establishments that sell alcoholic beverages
license. People in a suburban community like Lilburn, with its Southern
heritage, feel uncomfortable with establishments that cater to a
continual party crowd. While these residents may themselves partake
of spirituous beverages they don't' like the idea of establishments
that cater to such a crowd.
You would think the world had ended to read recent comments concerning
this move by the council from people opposed to its action. Many
of those people making the comments have no doubt moved to Gwinnett
and the Lilburn area within recent years, and are unaware of the
deep inhibitions about such establishments in the Southern culture.
They bring their own traditions, sometimes from overseas or from
other areas of the country, which can clash with the slower-to-change
local ways of life.
We say "Full speed ahead" to the Lilburn officials who
want to keep their town moving in the direction they think best.
Regulating places that apply to the city for an alcoholic beverage
license is a time-honored way of holding down problems that can
exist out of such an atmosphere.
That's the way, Lilburn! Show us that you are mindful of your heritage
and of this particular form of Southern culture. We suspect the
voters of your community will show their understanding of your move
when your council members seek re-election!
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Our freedoms have been
stolen in the name of defending it
Editor, the Forum:
Ralph Greene wrote in Friday
March 9th's GwinnettForum that the remarks of Ann Coulter were
offensive and Republicans should publicly distance themselves from
her. Ann Coulter has been offensive to anyone with sense for many
years now, regardless of race, religion or politics.
The fact she has been allowed to get so much air time is the real
problem. Ask yourself if the divisive rhetoric that is on every
major news channel all day long is without reason. Yet there are
'United We Stand' bumper stickers throughout the land. Democrats
have also been falsely tied to extremist rhetoric from folks like
Michael Moore, possibly the antithesis of Ann Coulter.
All of this serves only to divide, not to unite. While both Houses
of Congress, the entire intelligence community, the White House,
all major media corporations, basically our entire national leadership,
have stolen freedom in the name of defending it and sacrificed everyone
else's children but their own, the threat of terrorism remains real
due to their failures.
It is up to us as citizens to take back our government from K Street
and from both the Republican and Democratic Party leaders. Look
closely at who benefits from constant warfare and who pays the cost.
Worrying about Ann Coulter is following the fake handoff on a misdirection
play. We are on the Titanic and our leaders are nothing more than
a ship of fools.
Remember when they use the phrase "my friend from across the
aisle" that the aisle is the same trough of ill gotten blood
money that BOTH parties are paid from. It is time for something
different than the two party farce in which we now live.
-- Roger Hagen, Lilburn
Not many people have
"Gwinnett" in their real names
Editor, the Forum:
An oddity: columnist-satirist Ambrose Bierce's (1842-1914) middle
name is Gwinnett.
-- Marshall Miller, Lilburn
Dear Marshall: Thanks for this, something we
did not know. Since old Button left no descendants, not many people
can claim "Gwinnett" in any part of their names. --eeb
Artrain
arrives in Duluth on March 17 for three-day viewing
Artrain USA will arrive in Duluth this weekend. Gwinnett Council
for the Arts is presenting Artrain USA, the nation's only traveling
art museum on a train, with its nationally-touring art exhibition,
Native Views: Influences of Modern Culture. The public can tour
Artrain USA at the Southeastern Railway Museum on Saturday - Monday,
March 17 -19 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free; donations
are encouraged.
Artrain USA offers an entertaining, educational and informative
experience for visitors of all ages. While onboard vintage rail
cars, visitors can tour the three art galleries, watch artists at
work and purchase original works of art or souvenirs from the museum
gift shop. Kids of all ages can participate in an exhibition "Scavenger
Hunt."
Artrain USA is being presented by The Gwinnett Council for the
Arts and hosted by the Southeastern Railway Museum. Local support
is provided by Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau and Gwinnett
Community Bank.
More than three million people have visited Artrain USA during
800 community visits across America. For more information regarding
Artrain USA's visit to Duluth, contact Cheryl Hardt at (770) 476-2013,
www.srmduluth.org,
or artrain@srmduluth.org.
Gwinnett Village CID
kicks off landscape project March 20
The Gwinnett Village CID will break ground March 20 for the I-85
Interchange landscaping. The $750,000 project, funded exclusively
by the Gwinnett Village CID and its members, was approved by the
CID's board of directors in January and involves over 14 acres of
land immediately adjacent to Interstate 85 and its three most southern
interchanges in Gwinnett County: Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Indian
Trail Road and Beaver Ruin Road.
Chuck Warbington, executive director of the Gwinnett Village CID,
says: "Each of these interchanges is a gateway to our community.
This project is an opportunity to beautify the landscape and roll
out an impressive 'welcome mat' for our businesses, their employees,
residents and visitors on a daily basis."
The groundbreaking site is the Georgia DOT's Park and Ride Lot on
the west side of I-85 at Indian Trail Road at noon on March 20.
The site overlooks one of the interchanges where the landscaping
will be done. The landscaping focuses on beautification in a high-visible,
high-needs areas of Gwinnett Village.
Details of the planting elements call for 25 varieties of trees,
shrubs and flowers including Bald Cypress, "Red Rocket"
Crape Myrtles, Hollies, and more than 800 "Knock Out"
Roses. Pursuant to the project's scope of work, all plantings are
low maintenance and have minimal pruning and watering requirements.
The Gwinnett Place CID, Gwinnett Village's northern 'cousin', is
implementing similar improvements to I-85 interchanges at Steve
Reynolds Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road later this year.
Snellville offers
Citizen Police Academy starting March 27
The Snellville Citizen Police Academy will begin a new session
on March 27, 2007. This highly successful program began five years
ago and promises to be better than ever.
The Academy is designed to educate citizens and business owners
about the Snellville Police Department and how officers enforce
local and state laws. This free 10-week course consists of weekly
meetings on Tuesday nights at the Snellville Police Department.
The sessions include both classroom and hands-on instruction. Among
the topics to be covered will be Traffic Law and Traffic Stops,
DUI Investigations, Firearms Safety and Weapons Training, Building
Searches, and Crime Scene Investigation. A Ride-Along program and
Tour of the Gwinnett County Jail are also included.
Graduates of the Academy are also eligible to become members of
the Snellville Police Academy Alumni Association (SCPAAA). The Alumni
Association meets with the Chief of Police and other Department
members once a month at the Snellville Police Department.
If you are interested in attending the next Snellville Citizens
Police Academy please contact Detective Tim H. Colgan, Course Coordinator,
at 770-985-3562 or by email: tcolgan@snellville.org.
Group shifts date
of spring clean-up to March 24
A spring clean-up at the Norcross Housing Authority is set for
March 24, starting at 10 a.m. This clean-up was originally set for
March 10. It is a cooperative venture of The IMPACT! Group and Gwinnett
Village Community Alliance. Join the volunteers from throughout
the area in pruning, raking, and planting small shrubbery around
the residences!
This event is supported by funding from Safeco Insurance. The IMPACT!
Group and Gwinnett Village Community Alliance are local nonprofit
agencies committed to promoting homeownership and community involvement.
Sign up for the event by Friday March 16 , 2007 by contacting Tom
Enright, Community Involvement Manager at 678-808-4448 or by email
at tom.enright@theimpactgroup.org.
County
offers symposium on selling to government
Gwinnett County's Purchasing Division will hold an all-day symposium
on April 13 to acquaint potential suppliers with the County's procurement
procedures.
Purchasing Director Scott Callan says: "Gwinnett County is
a $1.3 billion dollar-a-year consumer and it is time that the business
community takes note. Businesses that bid to provide goods or services
have a stable consumer in us."
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration
Center Auditorium, the morning session will focus on how to do business
with the County. In the afternoon, participants will break into
smaller groups focusing on construction and capital projects, small
business opportunities, and technology and procurement.
Current projects open for bidding are available online at www.gwinnettcounty.com
under the Financial Services department along with explanations
of bidding procedures
- An invitation: What
Web sites, books or restaurants have you enjoyed? Send us your
best recent visit to a restaurant or most recent book you have
read along with a short paragraph as to why you liked it, plus
what book you plan to read next. --eeb
Primitive
Baptist movement has roots in early 19th century
The Primitive
Baptists emerged in Georgia and elsewhere as a distinct denomination
during the early 19th century in response to the growing importance
of missionary efforts in the Baptist church. The Primitive Baptists
opposed such efforts, embracing a more conservative theology that
relied upon such established ideas and traditions as the Calvinist
doctrine of predestination and a literal interpretation of the Bible.
In 2005 there were approximately 12,000 Primitive Baptists in Georgia
and about 425 churches serving them.
Camp Creek
Primitive Baptist Church |
Inspired by the revivals of the Second Great Awakening, many Baptist
congregations in the early 19th century began to form mission societies.
Some conservative Baptists disagreed with the idea of missionary
work, however, since such efforts contradicted the traditional Calvinist
doctrine of predestination. Formal opposition in Georgia to these
new "institutions of the day" began as early as 1819,
when the Piedmont Association resolved to have "nothing to
do with missionaries."
In 1829 the first open schism over missions took place in the Hephzibah
Association (in Augusta and Richmond County), when the anti-mission
churches withdrew and formed the Canoochee Association. In 1836
most of the Baptist associations in Georgia divided over the anti-mission
controversy in what was known as the "big split." By 1848
almost all Baptist bodies in the state had aligned themselves with
one side or the other. The chief organ of the southern anti-missionaries,
the Primitive Baptist, published in North Carolina, gave its name
to the movement in the Deep South, including Georgia. The name "Primitive
Baptist" reflected the anti-mission Baptists' desire to preserve
the original, or primitive, Baptistry of apostolic times. The Primitives
chiefly disagreed with the deemphasis of the doctrine of divine
sovereignty and a perceived over-reliance on money, church bureaucracy,
and the validity of human efforts toward salvation.
Despite their frequent divisions, most Primitive Baptists agree
in maintaining a strong adherence to predestinarian theology, although
they do not label themselves as Calvinists. Other tenets include
strict church discipline; a bi-vocational, unsalaried ministry;
rhythmic, chanted, extemporaneous preaching; stark meetinghouses;
feet washing; and a slow, a capella style of congregational singing,
usually from words-only hymnals. The singing style in such churches
bears a close relationship to the shape-note singing tradition,
exemplified in the various editions of the Sacred Harp.
All you need to arm
yourself with when you are writing
"Write with nouns and verbs, not with adjectives and adverbs.
The adjective hasn't been built that can pull a weak or inaccurate
noun out of a tight place."
-- Classicist Author William Strunk (1869-1946), who wrote
The Elements of Style.
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
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MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com
© 2007, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum
is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible
social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett
County, Ga. USA.
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