Book Written For Water Disaster Relief

New York Times Best Selling Author Julie Cantrell, along with 17 other bestselling authors, took part in writing a new book for the Water Disaster Relief in response to the October flooding in South Carolina.

Cantrell, who resides in Oxford, accompanied the other writers in contributing uplifting essays, short stories, poems and novel excerpts, which are all water themed in honor of the cause.

Author Nicole Seitz came up with the book idea after her own experience with the South Carolina flooding, where her brother-in-law lost most of his home.

From here, Seitz reached out to the 18 writers with an idea that developed into “When You Pass Through Waters,” which was published November 17.

For Julie Cantrell, the project was something she is honored to have been a part of.

“The best part of being a writer is being given the opportunities to use our words to help others,” Cantrell said. “None of these authors will benefit in any way from this book, and all proceeds go directly to storm relief.”

Along with Cantrell, Lisa Wingate was also chosen to be a part of the project.

“Nicole reached out to quite a few of us, and I had just returned from a book tour in North Carolina and South Carolina when the rains started, so I felt very connected to the people in the places affected,” said Wingate.

Wingate said the process was fairly simple and was sure to note that Seitz’s speediness was to thank for that.

“It’s almost surreal to see it already on shelves as a book,” Wingate said. “For an author, there’s no sweeter moment.”

Bret Lott, another handpicked writer, says that the opportunity to contribute to the cause was much too great to pass up.

“It seemed to me that a book one can hold onto and return to for solace and inspiration while dealing with the ongoing effects of the flood is the perfect thing to make,” Lott said.

“When You Pass Through Waters” is available at Barnes and Noble and on Amazon.

Olivia Wells is a senior print journalism major at the Meek School of Journalism and New Media. She can be reached at otwells@go.olemiss.edu.