The publication of Short Story America Anthology, Volume I, marks another major milestone in Beaufort resident Tim Johnston’s quest to revive the great American literary art form.

When Beaufort writer Tim Johnston launched his website Short Story America a couple of years ago, I interviewed him about his mission to rescue a dying literary art form.

“The short story didn’t lose popularity because authors forgot how to write stories that entertain, move and matter,” Johnston told me during that conversation.

CJ Lyons says she let out “a fan girl squeal of delight” when Erin Brockovich, a fan of her books, asked her to co-write Rock Bottom.  Since then, their second book, Hot Water, debuted in October with rave notices.  CJ’s e-book, Blind Faith, debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and has been purchased by St. Martin’s Press.  This has been an exciting few months for CJ Lyons, a Hilton Head resident, who will be the featured author at the USCB Lunch With Author Series on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at the Sea Pines Country Club.  Lunch is served at noon.  The all-inclusive price is $42.  Reservations are made at 843-521-4147 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

My grandfather, Herman Henry Von Harten, had a nickname, as did most men in Beaufort in the early 20th century. It’s hard to imagine now, but there were once vast hordes of Lowcountry men who smelled of sea-salt and tobacco and went by names like Skeeter, Skipper, Sonny, Spanky, Bubba, Buddy, Buster, Buck, Bo and, my favorite, Zoo.