Lanier Library’s quarterly Literary Open Stage will take place Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at the library. The featured reader this month is local author Maryneal Jones, who will entertain the audience with a short mysterious story about Tryon, which she promises features her signature satire and wit.

Maryneal Jones of Columbus has been writing and editing for more than 60 years. A national award-winning journalist, she was the first woman and first layperson in 150 years to be named editor-in-chief of The Advocate, a weekly newspaper published by America’s Methodism. For that decade-long body of work the South Carolina Christian Action Council gave her its highest award for influence on church and society. She is also the author of a biography, magazine articles, essays and institutional histories.

Since retiring here in 1994, Maryneal has been active in little theater, and the community chorus, and represented Columbus in the drafting of Polk County’s 20/20 Vision Plan.

She is the widow of United Methodist clergyman William Moore Jones, and has two sons and five grandchildren.

Established and emerging writers are invited to share their work, finished or in progress, at the library’s quarterly Literary Open Stage. Readers can sign-up for ten-minute spots beginning at 6:30 p.m., with readings at 7 p.m. There is a ten-reader limit. This is an eclectic evening of listening for non-writers as well—everything from fiction and creative non-fiction, to poetry. It is a fun way to meet some of the abundant writing talent in the region!

The next Literary Open Stage will take place Jan. 4 at 6 p.m.

– submitted by Clare O’Sheel