SoWal...the book

**Donna** · 05-02-2006, 11:48 AM

I have taken the suggestions of some of you to heart and am contemplating writing a little volume of character sketches, naturalist essays, history, and folklore about the South Walton beaches and the surrounding area. Although I wouldn't expect the book to find a publisher, it might be of interest to the local shops. I did this once with a little wine country cookbook, which was really intended to be a Christmas card of sorts, and it went through four publications before I just lost interest in keeping in on the shelves. Always thought it sold to tourists for lack of our area having a Jr. League or the obiquitous JL cookbook. But this gives me the idea of including recipes in the SoWal book and combining them with the stories. FYI, I have the seafood gumbo recipe from Doug's long since out-of-print D&K Cafe Bookbook. They had one copy left, which belonged to the kitchen, and I hastily scribbled that recipe over a late lunch several years back.

Okay, here's what I need from you posters...ideas and interests, your thoughts about what you'd like to know or read about as pertains to our area. No one is going into this book as a real person or situation, for obvious reasons...no names. Let me know your thoughts and maybe I can get an outline started and write while we are there in October. It will be a labor of love.

**Jdarg** · 05-02-2006, 11:51 AM

I'll sit down and think harder a bit later today, but I just wanted to say

YIPEEE!!! Go Donna!

**Paula** · 05-02-2006, 12:10 PM

I agree. Go Donna! I'm grading papers now so I can get to SoWal with a clear conscience and no work to do, but will think about this some more and post.

I think you'd want universal themes, history of the area, nature stories featuring the uniqueness of the area lakes, trees, dunes, animals, fish; stories about the hurricanes over time.

**kathydwells** · 05-02-2006, 12:10 PM

YEAH!!!!!!!

Can't wait.....

**Cheering472** · 05-02-2006, 12:13 PM

Include pictures please, lots of pictures both old and current.

**Rita** · 05-02-2006, 12:26 PM

I've been collecting stories and such from posts and graytonbeach.com and putting them together in an attempt to get my daughter interested in the history and character/flavor of the area. I hope this will help her appreciate the area more. Your book would be just what I need!

.

**audie** · 05-02-2006, 12:37 PM

i always like to hear about ghost stories and urban legends from places we visit and like to purchase books about them if they are available. just an idea....

**Miss Kitty** · 05-02-2006, 12:58 PM

it's a dream come true! Donna, how about the South Walton Three Arts Alliance? I have just finished The Way We Were, Recollections Of South Walton Pioneers and they published another one I read while down there. I bet Brian could get some info for you!

**kathydwells** · 05-02-2006, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by Sueshore

it's a dream come true! Donna, how about the South Walton Three Arts Alliance? I have just finished The Way We Were, Recollections Of South Walton Pioneers and they published another one I read while down there. I bet Brian could get some info for you!

Miss Kitty! How in the heck did you find time to read a book while you were down there? You miss social butterfly had too much going on the read!!!

**Miss Kitty** · 05-02-2006, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by kathydwells

Miss Kitty! How in the heck did you find time to read a book while you were down there? You miss social butterfly had too much going on the read!!!

Darlene...I only read ONE book and started another!!!! In the old days, I would read like 11 books in two weeks! Now that my nest is empty, I don't have to binge read!!!

It is so good to have you back!

**kathydwells** · 05-02-2006, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by Sueshore

Darlene...I only read ONE book and started another!!!! In the old days, I would read like 11 books in two weeks! Now that my nest is empty, I don't have to binge read!!!

It is so good to have you back!

Oh, ok. I gotcha!!! It is so good to be back to somewhat "normalcy". It is funny what life throws at you sometimes, and it is amazing how the body can function with little or no sleep and very little nourishment if it has too. It was a rough couple of weeks, but now I am back and ready to rock and roll again!!!!

**kurt** · 05-02-2006, 01:49 PM

The stories you've relayed to us are great because they are personal. Keep them downhome and feel free to embellish. Or just make ^#*$ up.

Some short interviews with local characters would be good and help thicken it if needed. You can do this by correspondence if necessary by sending a few questions.

Make humor the common theme.

**Kimmifunn** · 05-02-2006, 01:50 PM

You need a chapter about "Josh Wogan".

DD · 05-02-2006, 02:39 PM

Yahoo, Donna!!!! This is sooooooooo exciting!!!!!

Area folklore, ghost stories, mysteries, most unforgettable characters, etc. I just loved your Christmas story. And, your nature descriptions! Oh man, I can hardly wait!!!!!!

**Allifunn** · 05-02-2006, 06:51 PM

What a GREAT idea, Donna....GO FOR IT!!!!! I want a signed copy!

**Jdarg** · 05-02-2006, 07:10 PM

Maybe the last chapter (if you are going chronologically) would be about SoWal.com!!!

**Franny** · 05-03-2006, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

The stories you've relayed to us are great because they are personal. Keep them downhome and feel free to embellish. Or just make ^#*$ up.

Some short interviews with local characters would be good and help thicken it if needed. You can do this by correspondence if necessary by sending a few questions.

Make humor the common theme.

I agree with Kurt. I have met and talked to several wonderful gentlemen who have so much to share about Sowal. They remember sowal 50-60+ years ago and they have a lot of humor! These memories will be gone if not written down. You make us proud Donna!

**Ocean Lover** · 05-03-2006, 10:43 AM

Luv it. I've enjoyed all your stories in the past and would buy the book in a heartbeat. I can already picture it on the front table at Sundog. I remember when I first discovered the area there just wasn't/isn't alot documented. This would be a wonderful opportunity to share past history, fun stories and memories from locals and past locals. I like the idea of showing the progression and growth of Sowal. There used to be talk of lack of community when I first joined the board just a little over a year ago. Notice no one ever mentions that anymore. Sowal.com has brought so many people together.
Old pictures collected from old timers would be great. I love to see and hear what it used to be like. Good luck and happy writing!!!

**Curtis** · 05-03-2006, 11:00 AM

How bout some art by local artist to go along with the stories? Just a thought................

Curtis

**jessifunn** · 05-03-2006, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by Kimmifunn

You need a chapter about "Josh Wogan".

no way! here is one better a chapter about how the funns rented a house in patones and all the shinanigans (sp) that went on.

**Donna** · 05-03-2006, 11:45 AM

Just want all of you to know that I am keeping these posts as ideas. This is the brainstorming phase of the project, where no idea is rejected. I'm vascilating between having the book non-fiction vs. a fictional account that includes some key occurrences and loosely drawn characters. Another idea is a format much like a scrapbook, with photos and local art and recipes, profiles of some beach characters, and descriptions of some turning point events in the history of South Walton. I can't leave out some tales of the North County, because much of the history of SoWal is based on that area and its long-time residents.

Oh, and how could I forget...the dogs of Grayton and its suburbs! Miss Kitty, tell your gorgeous Mollie to get ready for her closeup!

DD · 05-03-2006, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by Donna

Just want all of you to know that I am keeping these posts as ideas. This is the brainstorming phase of the project, where no idea is rejected. I'm vascilating between having the book non-fiction vs. a fictional account that includes some key occurrences and loosely drawn characters. Another idea is a format much like a scrapbook, with photos and local art and recipes, profiles of some beach characters, and descriptions of some turning point events in the history of South Walton. I can't leave out some tales of the North County, because much of the history of SoWal is based on that area and its long-time residents.

Oh, and how could I forget...the dogs of Grayton and its suburbs! Miss Kitty, tell your gorgeous Mollie to get ready for her closeup!

I love all these ideas! Please keep us posted on your progress

.

**Cork On the Ocean** · 05-03-2006, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by Donna

Another idea is a format much like a scrapbook, with photos and local art and recipes, profiles of some beach characters, and descriptions of some turning point events in the history of South Walton. I can't leave out some tales of the North County, because much of the history of SoWal is based on that area and its long-time residents.

Oh, and how could I forget...the dogs of Grayton and its suburbs! Miss Kitty, tell your gorgeous Mollie to get ready for her closeup!

Wonderful idea! Kinda like Sark's books.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0684...09#reader-page

So Fun and Free- just like Sowal!

**pk305** · 05-03-2006, 11:36 PM

How exciting!!! Donna, really like the scrapbook format you mentioned. Would love to read some interesting, humorous stories of things that have happened down here!! Lots of little vignettes....and "did you know" tidbits, maybe....also recipes would be great, photos! Will be happy to share as I get inspired and remember some things or as I hear them....I've gifted several friends with THE WAY WE WERE and it's always a hit!! Sooooo glad you are inspired to do this....terrific!!!