MERIDIAN —    Yes, that’s right. Vicksburg resident and author, Teresa Lynn, has chosen to include Meridian in her ongoing book tour that features her most recent release, "River Rat." I’m certain you know which river is always featured in Teresa’s work. I hope you will come out TODAY to Weidmann’s between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and meet Teresa, a suspense novelist of the old school.

    According to her website, Teresa’s first novel, "To Dismiss with Prejudice," was released in 2001, and published as a reprint in 2009. Both novels are part of Teresa’s, Lucy DelRose Mystery Series. What could be of more interest to Mississippians, and indeed, the entire south, but mysteries surrounded by the muddy waters of the Mighty Mississippi River?

    Book synopsis from Teresa’s website: http://www.teresalynn.net:

    "'River Rat' is a 2011 winner of the 6th Annual Dixie Kane Contest novel about a young single mother raising her seven year old son while running her business as a commercial fisherwoman on the Mississippi River. When she discovers her ex-husband dead beneath her marina, she is determined to shield her son from the horrors of her past life with him.

    "She finds herself seeking the help of an attractive half-breed Indian who does his best to try and domesticate the wild side of her nature, defying her efforts to maintain her fishing business in a male driven environment. A blonde-haired, blue-eyed game warden vies for her affections, sending the half-breed Indian on a jealous rampage to win her or himself. She wrestles with alligators, snakes, and the raging Mississippi River to protect her son from Florida drug dealers who threaten his life in exchange for something her ex-husband lost the night of his death."

    Whew! I don’t know about you, but this action packed novel certainly grabbed my attention. It’s a 21st Century read about the hard life so many Mississippians live, but the main point is the protagonist, Lucy DelRose, is a survivor. Yes, she is a courageous woman, mother, business owner, widow and survivor. Teresa is now working on the third novel included in the series entitled, "Grabbling."

    Mark Twain said, “Write what you know.” Eudora Welty said, “Write about what you don’t know about what you know.” Teresa’s, Lucy DelRose Mystery Series, includes both of these writing theories. Teresa was employed over five years as a legal assistant. Through that opportunity and position, she witnessed the result of many true crime scenarios through the eyes of an attorney’s office and his staff.  

    Since 1998, Teresa and her husband have operated a successful boat and trailer business located on the Mississippi River. Taking these two life pathways, Teresa added her skills as a writer to create a multi-faceted character – one who is believable, fleshed out in such a way to keep the reader enthralled – turning those pages or clicking the computer to read paragraph after paragraph in order to saturate every word, every action, and the entire time rooting for Lucy as she tackles life threatening problems – the story of a survivor.

    Teresa is a winner of WRITERS WEEKLY, Winter 2012 24-Hour Shorty Story Contest, for her short story, "Partner." She is the winner of the 2012, 3rd Annual 10-Minute Play Project at the Vicksburg Guild for her comedy play, "What’s Wrong With Harry?" She also won the 2011, 2nd Annual 10-Minute Play Project, for her comedy play, "The Anniversary." She was fortunate to have six scenes in the hit movie, "O’Brother Where Art Thou."

    There is no doubt that Teresa is a gifted writer, but I really admire her dedication to community. Teresa is all about Vicksburg. She donates much of her time to Vicksburg history and the arts. She is an avid supporter of the Vicksburg Theatre Guild, and Vicksburg Christian Schools Association. In addition, she is active with the Gulf Coast (Mississippi) Writers Association, Sisters in Crime Organization (writers group), Romance Writers of America, and the Killer Nashville Writers.

    As you can see, Teresa is one busy lady; however, I have never made a trip to Vicksburg since I first met her in 2005 that she has not taken time to show me around. I especially enjoy the Warren County Courthouse Museum, the quaint shops located downtown, the beautiful murals displayed on Vicksburg’s flood wall, river boat tours, the Vicksburg National Military Park, the beautiful historic homes (the pilgrimage each April), Southern Cultural Heritage Center, The Jacqueline House African American Museum, and most recently opened, The Old Depot Museum and the lower Mississippi River Museum and Riverfront Interpretive Center.

    Now aren’t you just itching to go to Vicksburg – one of the great state of Mississippi’s most beautiful treasures? Stop by Weidmann’s TODAY between 11-2 and enjoy a little part of Vicksburg in the person of novelist, Teresa Lynn, who has traveled to the Queen City. Let us give her a warm Meridian welcome!