Local Women Feature in 'Atlanta's Real Women'

By Patch Editor Faye Edmundson

Two writers who live in Chateau Elan have compiled and edited 14 stories of strong, courageous and resilient women sharing their challenges and experiences in "Atlanta’s Real Women.” 

The idea for the book emerged around co-author Linda Hughes’ kitchen table on a hot day last summer as co-author Christine Martinello and several of their friends sipped iced tea and discussed their disdain for the reality TV show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Then one of them suggested they should write a book about “real” women like themselves.

A booksigning for “Atlanta’s Real Women” is scheduled Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Inn at Chateau Elan in Braselton from 1-3 p.m. 

The book features the stories of co-authors Hughes and Martinello and 12 other extraordinary women. Some of the women whose stories appear in the book came from the group gathered around the kitchen table. “As we were talking,” Martinello said, “we realized that real women have amazing stories, too.”

The co-authors proceeded to invite other women they knew and liked to tell their stories in the book. “Everyone we asked was honored to be asked to be included,” Martinello said. 

Sharing their stories helps women realize they’re not alone, Martinello said. “We’re all here for each other.”

"The women wrote their own stories,” Martinello said. “We wanted our stories to be told in our own voices. Linda and I compiled and edited them.”

Martinello relates her own story about growing up in a large family and overcoming tragedy to build a happy life for herself. Martinello is the owner of Training Solutions International and author of the best-selling “The Momager® Guide: Empowering Moms to Leave a Loving Legacy.” She is a former Moms Talk columnist for Duluth Patch.

Hughes, a professor at Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, has authored eight books including two that won major writing awards. In her chapter in “Atlanta’s Real Women,” she reveals what she learned from her father’s stay as a patient in the "loony bin" when she was a child.

LuAnn Cooley of Social Circle and Kathryn Gray-White of Watkinsville share their stories too. 

Cooley holds a Doctorate degree in Adult Education and is a former college instructor. Today she spends her time "homesteading." Her chapter offers steps to health and well-being. 

Gray-White is a college professor with a doctorate degree in history education. Amongst many other topics, Kathryn teaches about the Salem Witch Trials and the disrespect of women that instigated them.

Find out more about each of women featured in the book at http://pinterest.com/atlrealwomen.

The soft cover book contains 234 pages and sells for $19.95. Deeds Publishing of Atlanta published the book, which became available Aug. 1. Copies may be ordered on the website.