Book now for Preservation Houston author events with writer Steve Berry
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 -- and help conserve Houston's first flag

Preservation Houston is partnering with bestselling author Steve Berry and his History Matters Foundation to present a luncheon and a separate writers’ workshop to raise funds to conserve the City of Houston’s first flag.

Berry will be the featured speaker at Preservation Houston’s 2012 Spring Luncheon next Wednesday, May 23, at 11:30 a.m. at The Parador, 2021 Binz. Berry will discuss the work of his History Matters Foundation and tell his story of rejection – 12 years, 85 rejections – and what it took to persevere, eventually landing novels on the New York Times bestseller list with nearly 14 million books in print in 51 countries and 37 languages.

Luncheon reservations start at $200 for Preservation Houston members. [Click here] for luncheon details or to download a reservation form. Reservations may also be made by calling 713-510-3990. The deadline for reservations is Monday, May 21.

Berry will also present “Lessons from a Bestseller,” a four-hour workshop teaching the craft and business of writing. The author will present his “Four C’s of Writing” and answer the questions he has been most frequently asked. The workshop will be held from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 23, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main Street.

Admission to the workshop is $95 per person. [Click here] to see a complete schedule for the workshop and to download a reservation form. Reservations may also be made by calling 713-510-3990. The deadline for reservations is Monday, May 21.

Berry will be in Houston promoting his new book, The Columbus Affair, which the Associated Press has called his best yet and "a thrill ride." Berry will be signing copies of The Columbus Affair at both events. Books to be signed must be purchased at the luncheon or workshop. [Click here] to read the AP review.

Fees from the luncheon and workshop will help fund the conservation of the City of Houston's first flag. The Houston city flag was designed by W.A. Wheeldon, a retired railroad employee. Wheeldon’s design, which incorporated the city seal and the Lone Star of Texas, won a public competition in the summer of 1915. The flag made its debut during the Independence Day parade that year. Preservation Houston will donate the restored flag to the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library.