Author/Actor To Headline Mark Twain Library Annual Meeting In Redding

**News release submitted by Mark Twain Library**

June 19, 2022

On Friday, June 24th at 6 pm, author Mary Dixie Carter will speak at the Mark Twain Library’s Annual Meeting, which is held each June to report on the Library’s operations and services as well as elect new board members.

Mary Dixie was invited to entertain and enlighten attendees this year after Virginia “Ginny” Keim, who is a member of the Library’s Leadership Society, heard her present her debut novel The Photographer at New York’s noted literary guild, The Lotos Club.

“I was entranced by her,” remembers Ginny. “She is so engaging, and it was such a thrill to hear her talk about how the book came to life.” Ginny thought the book was so riveting, she read it in two sittings. “I was talking to her afterwards and I thought ‘this is the kind of book my friends in Redding would like to read and wouldn’t it be nice for her to come to Connecticut.’”

It turns out Mary Dixie didn’t have to come far since she has a house in Connecticut. That’s just one of the connections Ginny felt made Mary Dixie’s invite to the Library in Redding that much more apropos.

Mary Dixie Carter is the daughter of “Designing Women” star Dixie Carter and the step-daughter of actor Hal Holbrook – who famously portrayed Library founder, Mark Twain on the stage. Mary Dixie Carter trained as an actor herself, mainly working in theater, before focusing on writing. She also worked as a journalist for a time as a publishing director at the New York Observer, which was founded by her father. Mary Dixie credits both her acting and journalism experience for giving her the tools to become a successful novelist.

The Photographer, which was published in 2021, is currently being developed into a television series. The book has been described as a psychological thriller about envy and obsession as well as a “suspenseful character study” and “a cautionary tale.” According to Kirkus Reviews, the book is “As sharply focused and mesmerizing as a magic trick and a good deal creepier than most.”

For those interested in learning more about Mary Dixie Carter’s work, Library Director Erin Dummeyer will be hosting a book discussion on The Photographer on Thursday, June 23 at 1 pm at the Library. Both e-books and print books are available at the Library. Registration is limited to 25 people. Erin will be holding a lively discussion and encourages everyone to attend, even those who have not yet read it but are just curious to learn more about the book and its author.

Register for the book discussion online or call the Library at 203-938-2545 for information.

**News release submitted by Mark Twain Library**