Washington Post journalist to speak at Literary Festival

Neely Tucker, a veteran journalist who writes for the Washington Post, will speak at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 3 p.m. in conjunction with the 2016 Lewisburg Literary Festival.
Tucker has talked motorcycles with Billy Joel, sipped moonshine with blues guitarist Buddy Guy, and shared a meal with West Virginia billionaire Jim Justice, all in the line of duty. He is currently covering the 2016 U.S. Presidential campaign for the Post, and will offer some of his insights about this year’s unusual political contest.
In addition to writing feature stories for the Post, Tucker has written three books. His 2004 memoir, “Love in the Driest Season,” combines the story of his years covering civil wars and violent uprisings around the world with the story of his adoption of a young girl in Africa. His two novels, “The Ways of the Dead” and “Murder, D.C.,” are crime stories set in the capitol city.
A Mississippi native, Tucker lives with his wife, three children, and a Rottweiler just outside Washington. When he’s not writing he says he’s usually out for a long run, riding his motorcycle, or sipping bourbon on his back porch wishing the New Orleans Saints would win more football games than they actually do.
Also speaking at the festival is Sara Gruen, author of the novel “Water for Elephants,” which has sold 10 million copies in 40 countries, and was adapted into a popular movie. Gruen will speak at Carnegie Hall on Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.
Festival events are free; however, tickets are needed to see the mainstage authors as space is limited. Tickets may be obtained by calling the Greenbrier County Visitors Center at 888-716-5082, or dropping by during business hours. Limit six tickets per person.
For more information about all the goings on with this year’s Lewisburg Literary Festival, visit www.LewisburgLiteraryFestival.com or check them out on Facebook for the latest news and updates at www.facebook.com/LewisburgLiteraryFestival.