NOTES from the BIG CHAIR

He certainly was the quintessential soldier...

He is British Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe (his statue is in Savannah), founder of Fort Frederica on beautiful St. Simons Island, Georgia. More on him in just a moment...
Anyway, just returned from the island where I shared with writers from around the country the finer points of non-fiction writing, developing ideas, querying editors, etc. at the Southeastern Writers Association 2005 conference. It was a marvelous gathering - the second time I've taught at this conference since 2003 - saw many friends from two years ago (met a few new ones), and the talent among those in attendance was simply far better than what I've found at other conferences.
Beyond that, enjoyed long predawn strolls on the beach (Thursday morning at o-dark-thirty with the lighthouse and the full moon was particularly nice); also afternoons and evenings on the beach; hanging out at Brogen's, Mullet Bay, Gnat's Landing, and one or two other watering holes; and two visits to the former British garrison at Frederica. The fort was constructed in the 1730's - under the direction of Gen. Oglethorpe - as a stronghold to defend against the Spanish in Florida who had their eyes on the Carolinas.
Oh, and aside from being the prototypical British Army officer and founding Fort Frederica, Oglethorpe is credited with founding the entire state of Georgia. Here is more about him.

Semper Fi,
WTSjr