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Back by Demand: "Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian" Book Reading at Unity of Fort Myers on Nov. 11 at 2 pm
"Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian" is a collection of 83 true stories of survival, heroism, humanity and resilience by 80 victims of Hurricane Ian, whose lives changed the day the monster storm devastated communities throughout the southwest coast of Florida a year ago. These first-person, true accounts of residents in coastal communities ranging from Marco Island and Naples to Tampa are heartfelt, sad, harrowing, uplifting and, sometimes, even funny.
When first presented at the book's launch in September at The Alliance for the Arts, the performance by members of the Tamiami Tale Tellers, a troupe of professional performers, attracted a sell-out audience to hear short selections from each of the stories. Now, the rest of Fort Myers and surrounding area can hear that performance, and free of charge with open seating.
“These stories and photos are vivid, wrenching accounts but also tales of compassion, kindness and generosity, as well,” says Jeanne Meeks, the South Fort Myers, FL resident and author who headed this special publishing project for GCWA.
She estimates that of the book's contributors, some 95% were victims of the storm, with 80% sustaining catastrophic damage. About five of the stories involve victims becoming rescuers, she noted. There are several from responders--volunteers who, while having little or no damage themselves--went out to help.
“These stories show that while the houses of Fort Myers may have washed away, its heart is still beating,” notes Fort Myers resident Claudia Geagan on the book’s back cover.
Robert N. Macomber, well-known author of naval historical fiction, has written the foreword to the anthology. The hurricane exploded his Pine Island home, and he had to be evacuated from it. "I am proud to be part of this literary endeavor, for the heart of it is a powerful, vivid story," says Macomber on the book's back cover. Noted modern artist Leoma Lovegrove has provided the artwork for the cover of the book and tells her personal story in an essay. The storm destroyed her popular gallery and studio on Matlacha. "Who knew my body and soul had a reset button? These Hurricane Ian stories found my life’s reset button and helped me move forward," says Lovegrove.
Copies of the book will be on sale at the Nov. 11 performance. The book is now also available at retail stores including at Barnes & Noble and at McIntosh Books at the Bell Tower mall, as well as the Alliance for the Arts Gift Store, Leoma Lovegroves's gallery, Copperfish in Punta Gorda and Annette’s Book Nook on Fort Myers Beach.
Collecting these stories has been a labor of love for nonprofit Gulf Coast Writers Association. Hurricane Ian inflicted damage on all levels of society, all ages, all backgrounds in a wide area of southwest Florida. So GCWA reached out to all. No story should be forgotten.
Founded in 1995, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, Inc. (GCWA) provides a forum for fellowship, education, and information for writers, editors and associates. Based in Fort Myers, the 28-year-old organization attracts members from throughout Southwest Florida, including Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel and Punta Gorda. At monthly meetings in South Fort Myers, speakers and workshops offer expert advice to members and the public on such topics as writing techniques, publishing, and marketing. GCWA's website is www.gulfwriters.org. Follow GCWA on X (Twitter) at @GCWA_SWFL.
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