Christmas of 2018, I introduced a guest writer, Forest Riggs, with his Christmas short story. Forest isn’t a novice writer like myself, but a skilled writer who has written for several Texas magazines and newspapers in and around the Houston, Texas area. Recently, Forest released his new book Galveston – Memories & Related Stories. The book, published by Outskirts Press, is available on Amazon as a paperback or ebook. You also may purchase a copy through Barnes and Nobles, Ingram, Abe Books, eBay, and several local books stores in the Galveston and Houston area.

Here is a quote from the manuscript:

“The sand-covered oasis in the Gulf of Mexico represents an almost mythical and magical place, where man, nature, and Providence have come to the crossroads many times since its earliest beginnings.”

Book Description:

A galloping romp through the memories and stories of a man who has held a colorful relationship with Galveston Island since his very early years. From first-hand stories told to him by the direct descendant of an enslaved woman bought and sold in Galveston, and the heart-wrenching memories of a 1900 storm survivor, to the hilarious adventures he and his brother shared while spending summers on the island with paternal grandparents. Raconteur Riggs has woven a rich tapestry of tales and memories of the magical island, including early history, pirates, slavery, gambling, natural history, hurricanes, love, loss, ghosts, and a myriad of other topics. Sharing from his personal adventures, Riggs takes the reader on a roller-coaster journey through emotions that run the gamut of human experiences, and all associated with the tiny island in the Gulf of Mexico. A must-read for those who enjoy adventure, romance, and pure fun, as told through the memories of a young boy, adolescent, and adult who has held strong to every piece of a Galveston story that became part of his life.

Quote:

“Events that would normally cripple and probably even destroy other cities and locations, have only served as growing pains, or better, the impetus for the timeless and monumental metamorphosis.”

 

 

Forest told me he wrote the book because Galveston has been such an integral part of his life. Over the years he had wonderful experiences and combining that with the rich island history, he wanted to tell the tales. He tried to include stories that in one way or another connected to his life. Having been a science teacher, he wanted to do a little educating when and where he could.. hence the “biology lessons.” In the various places he worked and lived, he always talked of Galveston and recalled his adventures. His twice-monthly column “Across the Causeway” deals only with Galveston and everyday life. So many were asking him for a collection of the stories, he decided to put them into a book. 

Author Bio:

Forest Riggs is one of the original co-creators and contributors to OutSmart Magazine. He has contributed to numerous other publications including This Week in Texas, The Houston Press, Ranger Rick Magazine, The Texas Triangle, Catholic Herald, and Guideposts Magazine, as well as many newspapers and journals in Texas, California, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. His popular column Reflections and Recollections appeared monthly for many years in Houston’s holistic magazine The Uptown Express. Since 2015 he has written a twice-monthly column in Houston’s Montrose Star. “Across the Causeway” has become a popular and well-received chronicle of life on Galveston Island. Mr. Riggs, a wildlife biologist, and educator has taught for the National Wildlife Federation and in both public and private schools in the U.S. and abroad. He has presented programs in educational settings, libraries, and civic meetings as well as participating in several theatre projects. Mr. Riggs currently resides in Galveston, Texas where he keeps busy writing, gardening, fishing, home restoration, cooking, and entertaining friends.

Quote:

“As I stroll down the beach or walk along the seawall and watch families at play, or drive down a tree-lined Broadway admiring the architectural masterpieces along the route, and all framed in colorful oleanders, I reminisce of the stories, incidents, and variables that have come together for me. It is this amalgam of these things that congeal and form what I simply refer to as my “Galvestonism.”

 

 

Forest told me he has finished a collection of short stories and plans to release another book in 2022. It is titled, “Moonlight & Trumpet Vines: A Collection of Southern Short Stories.”

 

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