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.”
MothUP Atlanta: Phobias! 7:30 p.m. May 24. Storytelling. Free. Manuel's Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave. Atlanta. 404-525-3447, http://manuelstavern.com.
What’s your worst fear? Heights? Spiders? Clowns? Germs swarming on every doorknob? The number 13? Conquer your demophobia (fear of crowds) and tell what the terror made you do!
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