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Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu
Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)
| TSU student publishes book |
| State
University senior Jason Woodham started writing a novel in the
summer of 1999 as a way to fight boredom. With the publication
of that novel this spring, Woodham hopes to continue writing
as a way to make a living. An English major from Ozark, Woodham, 23, is enjoying the excitement surrounding the publication of his first novel, "What Warriors Will Stand" by LaVa Publications in Webb. "I read a lot of science fiction growing up, and I always have had a very active imagination," Woodham said. "I just started writing it the summer after graduation from high school (from George W. Long High School in Skipperville). I have never been the type of person to give up on something, so I decided to go ahead and finish it." Woodham sent the manuscript to seven publishers, but Ann Varnum, perhaps best known as a Dothan television personality, who owns LaVa Publications was the first to make him a concrete offer, Woodham said. "I had interest from other publishers, but no firm offers," he said. "I’m glad it worked out this way." Woodham said he received valuable advice from several TSU faculty members, including Michael Orlofsky, associate professor of English. Mr. Orlofsky sat down with me and read it through aloud and offered me a lot of helpful hints," Woodham said. Woodham also collaborated with TSU classmates Carlyn Bowser and Joe Blythe to create the cover art for the book. The futuristic novel tells the story of six warriors sent into battle by a good king determined to preserve his subjects’ way of life. The plot also contains romantic elements, as one of the warriors is betrothed to the king’s daughter. Woodham is already working on a sequel to "What Warriors Will Stand," as well as a novel based on the regional stories told by his grandfather. "I would like to have a writing career," he said. "I guess a lot of that depends on the success of this first book." Woodham is also considering a teaching career, and is currently completing his internship at Elba High School. He said being a published author helps him with his students. "They really respect me for that," he said. "I was kind of expected to be perceived as a nerd." |