Mississippi State University students and faculty enjoyed a visit from prominent Mississippi author Annetta P. Lee over the summer.
Lee, author of such novels as “A Bitter Rose” and “Fragment in the Sand,” made an appearance Wednesday, July 23, to discuss her books. The public program took place in the John Grisham Room of Mississippi State University’s Mitchell Memorial Library. MSU Libraries and Richard Holmes Cultural Diversity Center co-sponsored the two-hour event, which ended with a special autographing session by Lee with copies of her books.
During the program, Lee spoke on her background and the influences that led her to write and gave her own personal interpretations of the subject matter of her books. She also answered audience questions regarding what steps she took in order to write and become published.
Lee, a 1973 Alexander High School graduate grew up on her grandparents’ Starkville-area farm. She attributed her writing style to being influenced by authors such as Victoria Holt, Agatha Christie and Mark Twain.
“Holt had the romantic suspense, Christie had the mystery, the hunt and hunger, while Twain had the flair,” Lee said.
Lee said she wanted her stories reveal personal value and decisions.
“I wanted my stories to scream out that we all have value; we all have choices,” Lee said.
Lee described the books as Christian/Inspirational Fiction, dealing primarily with the complexities of relationships and the road to wholeness.
In addition to speaking on her books, Lee also gave her own advice to members of the audience interested in becoming successful writers.
“Keep reading,” advised Lee. “Keep buying books. Stay interested. Stay hungry. Crave it. Crave it and work for it despite all your rejections and disappointments. As long as you have something to say and learn how to say it, you will be published.”
However, Lee also warned the audience to expect difficulties when trying to get a work published.
“I still feel terrible about rejections,” said Lee. “I still get rejections for ‘Fragment in the Sand’ even a year after it was published. Rejections always sting.”
Despite the rejections she has faced over the years, Lee still encouraged others to remain positive and not give up trying, saying, “The more rejections I receive, the sweeter the one acceptance.”
Niani Colom, Associate Publisher and Senior Editor of Genesis Press, outlined her views on the reasons Lee was a successful published writer. She said Lee’s writing style was unique in that it combined romantic suspense with Christian romance containing interesting plot developments.
One attendee of the presentation, Catherine Tate, said of Lee, “I feel that she gave us an insight of the things that inspired and guided her to this gift. She gave us great pointers on how to let the pen flow with our innermost feelings. I’m grateful she shared that with us,” she said.
“Path of Thorns,” Lee’s latest work, is expected in 2004. Genesis Press will distribute it. For more information on Annetta P. Lee and her works, visit www.annettaplee.com.
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