News

Mixed feelings lately... As Burning Books on Fenwick Street becomes increasingly popular, partly because the political situation I invented for the novel is coming true, I'm pleased that I guessed right. I'm also horrified that my fiction is coming to resemble modern American reality.

When I was writing the novel, I was vaguely aware of a growing secessionist movement in the green hills of Vermont. Once an independent republic (1777-1791), Vermont was the logical choice for a (fictional) rebelious state. And then, shortly after the book was published, I was doing some research when I came across a grassroots organization known as the Second Vermont Republic.

Dedicated to carving Vermont away from the United States and setting up an independent republic (partly based upon the Swiss model of localized government), SVR has put forth some intriguing ideas and has backed them up with a wealth of convincing arguements. Although there have been half-hearted movements to seperate from the US (Hawaii, Puerto Rico), and symbolic attempts (Key West, Martha's Vineyard), the Second Vermont Republic actually has a well-reasoned plan, solid legal grounds, competent leadership, growing support, and a not-bad shot at success.

If any further material in Burning Books comes true, I hope that the Second Vermont Republic becomes a reality. We're going to need her.

March 6, 2004

SPECIAL APPEARANCE

Lee Dravis will be visiting Fenwick Street Used Books and Records in downtown Leonardtown, Maryland from 1 to 3pm on Sunday, March 14th.

Lee will be signing copies of both Burning Books on Fenwick Street and Key Monster. Joining Lee will be bookstore owner Joe Orlando who will be celebrating the 1st anniversary of his establishment, as well as Celtic-influenced guitarist Jim Tozier.

Burning Books on Fenwick Street will bethe topic on today's Talk to America program on the Voice of America and WorldNet TV. Author C. Lee Dravis will discuss the political possibilities of his novel before a live, international television audience. The program will be simulcast on AM/FM, shortwave and the Internet.

Virginia writer C. Lee Dravis hosts a book release party and signs copies of his new political thriller, Burning Books on Fenwick Street, at Oasis on the Occoquan, Annapolis Way, Woodbridge, Va., on Saturday, September 13 from 1 to 3 pm.

Former CNN anchor Mary Tillotson has requested a copy of the new novel by C. Lee Dravis, Burning Books on Fenwick Street. Ms. Tillotson is currently the host of "Talk to America", a daily discussion program broadcast live on Worldnet TV and the VOA radio network. Ms. Tillotson said she is looking forward to reading the novel, with an eye toward a future interview with the author on her television and radio program.

The second novel by Washington writer C. Lee Dravis was released today by PublishAmerica. Burning Books on Fenwick Street, was conceived as an answer to the infamous, racist Turner Diaries, and paints a bleak, yet hopeful, depiction of an America that has succumbed to its darkest fears and prejudices. Set just a couple of elections from right now, Burning Books on Fenwick Street, imagines a nation where the Ten Commandments have been elevated above the Bill of Rights, and diversity has been abandoned. In this age of political warfare, terrorism and a failing economy, this important new novel poses intriguing questions about God, love, racism, patriotism and where America might go next.

C. Lee Dravis has been writing short fiction for over thirty years while working as a talk-show host, reporter, radio personality, and award-winning broadcast engineer. His debut novel, Key Monster, A Novel of Key West, was acclaimed by readers and critics.

Burning Books on Fenwick Street is available directly from the publisher, and will be available from most e-tailers, and at select bookstores. Bulk orders can be placed from Ingram, Baker & Taylor, and Broadart Co. (ISBN 1-59286-885-1)

The latest novel by Lee Dravis, Burning Books on Fenwick Street, is scheduled to be released by AmErica House (under the Publish America imprint) in August 2003. Dravis' debut novel, Key Monster, was published in 2000 and received critical acclaim from readers and reviewers.

Burning Books on Fenwick Street tells a frightening tale of an apocolyptic America under the threat of terrorist attack. It is available directly from the publisher, and will be available from most e-tailers, and at select bookstores. Bulk orders can be placed from Ingram, Baker & Taylor, and Broadart Co. (ISBN 1-59286-885-1)

Key Monster, the debut novel from Lee Dravis, will be featured on "Mosaics" on the Voice of America radio networks. VOA broadcasts world-wide on AM, FM, shortwave and satellite.

Key Monster, A Novel of Key West, will be released by AmericaHouse at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 23 at 6pm. The release party will be hosted by William Royce, a producer at the Voice of America and longtime Press Club member, to honor the debut novel from Lee Dravis. Dravis is a former reporter and radio anchor from Northern Virginia.

Carl Hiaasen has agreed to read Key Monster, A Novel of Key West, the debut book by Virginia author Lee Dravis. Mr. Hiaasen, a well-known columnist for the Miami Herald, is the author of numerous novels and reportage, including Strip Tease, Lucky You, and Tourist Season.

Stuart Woods, a sucessful mystery author noted for his series featuring attorney Stone Barrington, has also requested a copy of Key Monster.

Lee Dravis

NEWS & NOTES