Author events, May 22-28

Theater and literary arts at the Decatur Arts Festival. May 23-29. See website for exact dates, times and locations of events. http://decaturartsfestival.com/?page_id=35.

A full week of talks, readings, signings, special guests and exhibits includes a memorable look at Atlanta’s legendary underground political newspaper, the Great Speckled Bird (1968-1976).

Chris Schweizer, "Benjamin Franklin's Pants: Impediments and Benefits of Creating Visual Narratives From Historical Sources." 3 p.m. May 22. Talk. Free. SCAD, Ivy Hall, 179 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-253-3324, www.artofrestoration.org/events/calendar.cfm.

SCAD professor and cartoonist Schweizer ("The Crogan Adventures”) discusses the nuts and bolts of creating historical fiction.

Justin Cronin, "The Passage." 7:15 p.m. May 23. Talk and signing. Free. Decatur Library Auditorium, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-370-8450, Ext. 2225; www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

Cronin’s epic story about a vampiric virus carries a message about the way people maneuver through loss, grief and love.

Renea Winchester, "In the Garden With Billy: Lessons About Life, Love and Tomatoes." 6:30 p.m. May 23. $5. Reading and signing, includes food and refreshments. Book Exchange, 2956 Canton Road, Marietta. 770-427-4848, www.bookexchangemarietta.com/Events.html.

Winchester tells the story of her remarkable, unexpected friendship with Billy, an elderly widower and local farmer, and how it grew -- through the simple, down-to-earth rituals of working in the garden. Joining Winchester will be Mary Alice Monroe (“The Butterfly’s Daughter”).

Mary Alice Monroe, "The Butterfly's Daughter." 7:15 p.m. May 24. Decatur Library Auditorium, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-370-8450, Ext. 2225; www.georgiacenterforthebook.org. Also appearing: 7 p.m. May 25. Reading and signing. Free. Foxtale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989,  www.foxtalebookshoppe.com.

Monroe’s novel incorporates the lore of the monarch butterfly as it follows four women's transformational journey across the United States to Mexico.

Star Jones, "Satans' Sisters." 7:30 p.m.  May 24. Reading and signing. Free. Outwrite Books, 991 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-607-0082, www.outwritebooks.com.

A no-holds-barred sendup of daytime talk shows by an original co-host of “The View.”