The Book Is Available Now!
— “A Gathering Of Voices”, the new book from…
Longwood Writers Workshop
A moving Anthology containing a varied collection of personal, vibrant, introspective, and lyrical stories from a diverse and seasoned group of six dedicated writers. Their storytelling unfolds with grace, humor, and universal truths. These stories resonate with memories of struggles they’ve waged, of battles they’ve won and lost, and of their many experiences that illuminate their mature wisdom and their hard-won resilience.
The compelling narratives in this book speak to all ages of readers who are looking for confirmation that the challenges and adversity presented by life’s struggles can be overcome with hard work, a never-ending belief in oneself and the willingness to persevere through every hardship.
Chas. Floyd Johnson
Charles Floyd Johnson has a long-standing and successful career as a Producer in the Entertainment Industry. His most notable projects include such hits as NCIS, JAG, Magnum P. I., and The Rockford Files.
Denise Billings
Denise Billings has contributed articles to several publications and Before, During & After the ‘C’ Word an anthology, her recently published book, Road Trip: A Memoir was a finalist in the 2024 Black Authors Matters TV Awards.
Denise Nicholas
Denise Nicholas has been applauded for her portrayals of complex, resilient women on film, television and the stage. She is also the author of the acclaimed novel, “Freshwater Road.”
GW Williams
GW Williams has held a number of significant management roles. She is currently working on a multi-narrator novel inspired by memoir and completely agrees with her first namesake, Gwendolyn Brooks, that “Writing is delicious agony.”
Hattie Winston
Hattie Winston, acclaimed actor, singer, Television and Broadway veteran, has a career that spans more than five decades and yet her love of the creative experience is as fresh as it was when she first began. As Stephen Sondheim has noted “art isn’t easy” but to Ms. Winston it has brought great joy.
Otto E. Stallworth, Jr. MD.
Otto Stallworth began his slow retirement in 2015 and pursued his hidden love for writing through a Master of Fine Arts program at UCLA. He completed a screenplay, “Murder at BeautyWorld”, which will be the title of his murder mystery book. “SUNSETS by Otto Jr.
EVENT
The Longwood Writers Workshop: From Left to Right: Hattie Winston, Charles Floyd Johnson, Denise Billings, Denise Nicholas, Otto E. Stallworth, Jr., MD and GW Williams.
Photo by Karine Simon of Karine Simon Photography
BOOK RELEASE CELEBRATION
Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 3:00pm
REVIEWS
1. **Rocky Carroll, Actor and Director, NCIS**
– “Hats off to the Longwood Writers Workshop! A Gathering of Voices is a remarkable collection of personal, vibrant, introspective, and lyrical stories from a dedicated and diverse group of talented writers. Their amazing stories unfold with grace, humor, and hard-won truths.”
2. **Jeff Stetson, Author of *The Meeting* and *Blood on the Leaves***
– “Six gifted artists, seasoned by heartache and joy, share their passionate stories in this moving anthology, revealing the depth of their emotional experiences while demonstrating their resilience in transcending pain and disappointment in their journeys to discover true happiness, friendship, and faith. In the end, these stories remind us that memory is indeed long, and therein lies its power to overcome even the most formidable obstacles. I highly recommend.”
3. **Christopher D’Angelo Benson, Associate Professor, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University. Author of *Death of Innocence* and *The Story of the Hate Crime That Changed America***
– “A powerful collection of compelling narratives that are both granular and global, inviting us into an intimate connection with exceptionally well-drawn characters who provide a larger-than-life take-away – the full rich, multidimensional life of Black America. These writers’ lived experiences inform, illuminate, and elevate our appreciation of everything from the strength of the Black family to the oppression we have overcome, and they resist those who believe they are better qualified to tell our stories. Their narratives demonstrate the truth of the African proverb that ‘the lion has an entirely unique perspective on the tale of the hunt.'”
4. **Paul Levine, Author of the Jake Lassiter and Solomon vs Lord Series**
– “A Gathering of Voices is the perfect title for this stirring anthology from half-a-dozen perceptive writers whose unique voices speak universal truths. These powerful stories resonate with memories of struggles waged, of battles won and lost, and of the painful experiences that forge wisdom and clarity. Highly recommended.“
Longwood Writers Workshop
Get the Book
Contact