• DEEP-DIVE INTO TIMELY AND POPULAR SUBJECT: Author covers topic of community gatherings, which are of particular interest and popularity in the post-COVID landscape
• POTENTIAL FOR PROMOTION THROUGH SIBA: Author is the director of the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance and has excellent relationships with SIBA booksellers and book publishing and retail professionals nationwide
• PERSONAL NARRATIVE: Author weaves together personal anecdotes of her own experience along with practical advice for readers interested in hosting their own gatherings

Linda-Marie Barrett is a writer, editor, and book industry professional who now serves as executive director of the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA). She edited and contributed to the regional bestselling serial novel Naked Came the Leaf Peeper, called ?a blur, a buzz, a local-grown tall tale, and an absolute delight? by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love. She has been hosting her Black Swan Salon since 2017. She lives with her husband in Asheville, North Carolina.