Most good writers are good readers, according to John Sledge, architectural historian and former book editor with the Mobile Press-Register for 17 years. This portrays the basis of his upcoming workshop at the April 13 Pensters Writing Group meeting; “Southern Bound: A Gulf Coast Journalist of Books, Writers and Literary Pilgrimages of the Heart,” his recent book title and workshop theme, focuses on connecting readers with classic literature and offers successful examples to writers.

“The title of the column goes to what books can do — help us understand our identity — especially books about the South and southern history,” he explained. “I’m interested in writing about those things in a special way; The title bound up what it means to me -- an extended intellectual journey into the South.

He hopes to help aspiring writers find their inner voice through the study of other writers and works, he offered.

“ I want to introduce them to writers or topics that they haven’t thought about or want to explore,” he divulged. “I will talk about the kinds of books and writing that move me.

He said that one Pensters member recently shared with him a piece she’s been working on.

He replied, “Have you ever read Eudora Welty’s ‘Delta Wedding?’”

He said that when writers study authors who share their similar style or themes, aspiring writers can learn from what’s been successful.

“Know what’s been done well and what’s failed,” he suggested. “I don’t know any writers that aren’t good readers as well; this will help them to look to classics and find inspiration.”

Pensters President P.T. Paul said Sledge’s widespread knowledge as a book reviewer is invaluable to writers wishing to be published.

“If anyone has a finger on the pulse of the literary arts, it would have to be the book reviewer,” she divulged. “It is his job to pass judgment on those books deemed worthy of printing and distributing by publishers whose very existence depends on the whims of the reading public. The book reviewer is therefore placed squarely in the middle – between those who sell and those who buy – with his reputation and livelihood always at stake. It is a job that many might find too demanding and potentially damning to pursue, but one that John Sledge has performed with grace and poise for over 28 years. There is much to be learned about writing from a man who has read and written about enough books to fill 700 columns, and John Sledge has generously agreed to share his wit and wisdom with the Pensters Writing Group. I look forward to attending what surely must be considered a master class in writing on April 13, and I will be taking notes.”

Pensters members agreed that they’re excited to learn from Sledge’s expertise.

Member Karen Kurtz said she has followed Sledge’s advice on books through his column and looks forward to more information.

“I first saw John’s byline about four years ago in the Press-Register,” she recalled. “At that time, my husband, Mark, and I were snowbirds, so I scoured the newspaper avidly to find out more about the Gulf Coast. John’s active style drew me into his articles and book reviews. I particularly like the balance in his reviews, which always encourage me to read more; I also share John’s interest in storytelling as well as history.”

Member Bob Glennon agreed.

“John's name first became familiar to me for his work on the Mobile Historical Development Commission and his articles and book reviews in the Mobile Press-Register were a regular part of my weekly news gathering,” he explained. I could see that he had a passion for Mobile and its history. In his book reviews, he approached his reviews as open-minded, yet not offensive in candid, constructive reviews. He made me read ‘good stuff’ that I would have ignored and kept me from reading poor quality material that on the surface appealed to my interest. I'm a history buff and read non-fiction regularly. Now as a writer, I have become more creative in my presentation of our history by hanging out and studying with my fiction writer colleagues.”

And writing group members may find several more benefits from such events, Sledge added.

“For some people it is (beneficial), especially to aspiring writers because when asked to read works in progress, loved ones are not interested or say, ‘its great,’” he revealed. “Peers understand challenges and read with a more objective eye and gently make suggestions. Since writing is a solitary act, this social activity is a chance to see how people react to it in a group like that.”

The Pensters meet on the second Saturday of each month, September through May, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 11 on the University of South Alabama Baldwin County campus at 111 St. James St., Fairhope. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Paul at 251-625-3504 or email at PTPhantazein@gmail.com.