Author Michael Lister hopes to get twice the bang for his new novel, “Double Exposure.” Not only is he donating all profits from the book to environmental protection and local conservation efforts, but also he’s organized a traveling cultural/arts event around the book’s release.
“This book is a gift,” Lister said. “Well, I guess they all are, but there’s something special about this one. It’s a literary love letter to this area I so love.”
The area is the Apalachicola River basin, and it’s deep inside these dangerous river swamps that the novel’s suspenseful tale of life and death survival unfolds. A wildlife photographer, Remington James, comes across a shocking crime when he ventures into the swamp to test new equipment. He’s hunted through the night by psychotic killers, while trying to survive the dangers of the natural world.
“I see the river system the same way — fighting to survive, and I’m trying to do my small part to make sure it does,” Lister said. He added that the primary menace in the story comes from other human beings, but the land itself is dangerous and deserves respect.
The novel is lyrical and literary, written in a sparse but evocative prose reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy‘s “The Road.” Lister is rightfully proud of the work, which he calls a contemplation of life and death, art and meaning. It’s a paradox, he says, that the very places that connect with us through beauty and spirit are also so often deadly.
Lister decided to give away his proceeds for “Double Exposure” during this past holiday season. The tough economic times meant many people were struggling to buy gifts, and he was inspired to give away more than 1,000 copies of his novels.
“It was one of the very best experiences of my writing career so far,” Lister said. “The response was stunning. The books went so fast, and then I started getting e-mails and thank-you notes. They were so complimentary of the books, but also they were so moved that it had been a gift. It felt so amazing that I knew for the rest of my life, I would look for ways to give back using the gift of writing.”
Lister plans to donate profits from “Double Exposure” to protect the habitat and wildlife of the Apalachicola River basin. He hopes to give to established groups including the Nature Conservancy, Apalachicola River Keepers, and Big Bend Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as the Mother Earth Fund.
“It feels so good to bring some attention to the river and the swamps and the endangered species of vanishing Florida,” he said. “Nothing feels better than giving — and to give my very best in this novel, then give the profits from it to help protect the land and animals it honors ... it’s indescribable.”
Lister has arranged a traveling multimedia show to help debut the novel around the region. Events will feature readings from “Double Exposure” alongside art, photography, film and music inspired by the river lowlands. The book will also be rendered into audio and e-book formats, and has been reworked for the stage.
“Few things give meaning to our lives the way art does,” Lister said. “That’s one of the things the book is about and something I’m continually exploring.”
Lister and other artists will pool their talents: Sept. 3 for an Environmental Film Festival at the Tupelo Theatre, Wewahitchka; Sept. 5 at Gaskin Park, Wewahitchka; Sept. 8 at the Bay County Public Library, Panama City; Sept. 10 at The Rabbit Hole, Panama City; Sept. 12 at Books-a-Million in Panama City and Borders in Panama City Beach; Sept. 15 at Palm Tree Books, Port St. Joe; and Sept. 19 at the Gulf Coast Writers Conference, Panama City.
Jason Hedden, assistant professor of theater at Gulf Coast Community College, adapted “Double Exposure” as a play, which will be performed Nov. 18-22 at GCCC in conjunction with an art/photography exhibit.
“It’s so exciting to see another artist adapt and interpret my work,” Lister said. “(Hedden) is doing an amazing job. It won’t be a traditional play as much as a dramatic presentation of the book. It’s very cool. I hope everyone will go see it — I just want them to read the book first.”
