The Rockmart Library hosted a book signing on January 23. The following authors were present:

David Hightower

Mr. Hightower was born into a hillbilly household with roots in the Kentucky mountains on his mother's side and the north Georgia mountains on his father's side. He was raised on farms in the foothills of the Appalachians in Bartow County, Georgia. He became serious about poetry while serving in the army and continued to write during his years as an English teacher at Rockmart Middle School and at Cass High School where he was the advisor for the yearbook, newspaper and literary magazine. His poetry uses images of the Appalachians and nature to express the universal themes of life. His book of poetry is titled, "The Hanging Man Dreams".

Jonathan Maxwell


Mr. Maxwell is an Atlanta-based freelance writer and editor. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in psychology from Berry College, as well as a Paralegal Certificate from North Metro Technical College. Aside from reading and writing, his interests include cooking, cinema, cycling, legal and technical issues, and national politics.

His first book is titled, "Murderous Intellectuals : German Elites and the

Nazi SS". His second book, "Piltdown Man and Other Hoaxes", is a generally lighthearted examination of infamous scientific frauds through history.

Margaret Ingram


Mrs. Ingram is a native of Alabama and has lived in Rome, Georgia since 1970. She received her BS degree from Berry College, a Master's Degree in Art Education from University of Georgia and a Master's

Degree in School Guidance and Counseling from West Georgia College.

Margaret is married to Richard Ingram. They have four children, nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She has been writing most of her life, and recently published a children's book titled, "Invasion of the

Sparkspitters". Margaret also illustrates both her books and her husband's.

Richard Ingram


Mr. Ingram is a native of Ashland, Alabama and graduated from Clay County High School. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Valley Forge CVA-45 during the Korean War. He received a BS degree from Auburn University and his Masters and Doctorate Degrees from the University of Georgia. He is married to Margaret Ingram. Following thirty-six years as an educator in Alabama, Georgia, Newfoundland, and The Bahamas, he is retired and lives in Rome, Georgia.

Richard enjoys traveling, reading, writing, doing projects around the house, getting together with friends and spending time with the family. He is the author of the children's book, "Land of the Giddiwonks".

William E. Austin


Mr. Austin is the author of a book about his father titled, " Gone But Not Forgotten". His father, William Oscar Austin, Jr. was in attendance at the book signing in lieu of his son. The book is a

true story about the life of Oscar Austin which tells about an alcoholic father, living through The Depression and the terror of World War II. His own battle with alcohol and malaria ends with peace and salvation. Joining

Oscar at the book signing was Helen Palmer who, with her encouragement, was instrumental in making the book a reality.

Cindy Lewis Smith


Ms. Smith was born and reared in Findlay, Ohio. She writes, sings and records western style music using the name "Texas Red Mollie". She lived in Texas for eight years where she wrote a weekly

newspaper column. She's a member of Single Action Shooting Society, Ohio Fast Draw Association, The Classical Fast Draw Society and Doc Holliday's Shadows of the Past. Cindy volunteers at the Booth Western Art Museum in

Cartersville. She currently resides in Cartersville. Cindy and T. B. Burton have authored the book, "Time In Contention : A Western Love Story".

T. B. Burton


Mr. Burton lives in Canton, Georgia. He is a life member of Single Action Shooting Society, The Classical Fast Draw Society (being 2005 World Champion in Cowboy Action Class), The Ohio Fast Draw Association and the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. T. B. portrays the legendary "Doc Holliday" in gunfight re-enactments with Doc Holliday's Shadows of the Past.