Book Lovers of the South, it's time to get on your knees. There's news today that Wanda Jewell has been diagnosed with breast cancer. If you have any pull with any Deity, make the call.
Wanda heads up SIBA, the Southern Independent Booksellers Association. She's as fierce a fighter for those besieged institutions as you'll find. She is creative, diligent and relentless. Even if you shop at B&N, you owe her thanks (and probably an apology). Her work hasn't just helped Southern bookstores survive, but over the years, Wanda's efforts have helped turn many a first-time novelist into a bestseller. Wanda has reshaped the Southern literary landscape.
Wanda has never been interested in being known to anyone but her bookstores, but she is a giant in the industry, and her name is gold.
Keep her in your prayers.