"Waltons" creator and children's book author to hold joint book signing and discussion at University of Richmond

March 14, 2007

Earl Hamner, University of Richmond alumnus and creator of "The Waltons" and "Falcon Crest" television series, will join award-winning children's book author Cynthia Cotten for a joint book signing and discussion at University of Richmond March 27. The event will be held in the Alice Haynes Room of Tyler Haynes Commons at 7:30 p.m.

Hamner's most recent book pays tribute to the many women who have enriched his life. "Generous Women" features Hamner's mother, wife and daughter and also honors other important females in Hamner's life, including friends, neighbors, teachers, writers, editors and entertainers. Hamner is a Virginia native who based many of his "Waltons" characters on family members.

Cotten has written several children's books and has published a new novel, "Fair Has Nothing to Do with It," which will debut at the event. Although it will be officially released at a later date, copies of the book will be available for sale. Her other books include "This Is the Stable," "Snow Ponies," "Abbie in Stitches" and "At the Edge of the Woods." Cotten's son is a junior at University of Richmond.

Both authors will participate in a reading and discussion titled "Works in Progress: Two Writers and Their Stories." Irby Brown, professor of English, emeritus, will moderate a discussion of the authors' work and the publishing industry. The book signing will follow.

Both authors will have books available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public, but seating will be limited. For more information or to reserve a seat, call (804) 289-8496.