David-Matthew Barnes

Festival Appearance:

• David Barnes, Saturday, 1:15 at Local Prose Stage

David-Matthew Barnes is the author of the young adult novel Mesmerized and the forthcoming suspense novel Accidents Never Happen, both published by Bold Strokes Books. His literary work has appeared in over one hundred publications. He teaches courses in English, theater and speech at Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin.

Mesmerized, 2010

While being punished for writing a controversial article in her high school paper, Serena Albright is befriended by the enigmatic loner Brodie Wiles. Serena witnesses the first time that Brodie meets Lance Royal, who is secretly rehearsing to compete in The Showdown, the biggest dance contest of the year. Immediately, Serena is drawn into their world, inspired by the love she recognizes between them. Through her close friendship with Brodie and Lance, Serena finds comfort for the grief and guilt she feels over the brutal death of her older brother, the victim of a hate crime. Frustrated that her deep-in-denial parents spend endless hours in front of the television and refuse to acknowledge the death of their son, Serena accepts the challenge to have a face-to-face meeting with the boy who killed her brother.