 Author Mignon F. Ballard – Background InformationBorn close to Halloween, Mignon Ballard grew up telling ghost tales in the local cemetery with her sister and friends. Now she shares her stories through her books. 
In addition to her six books in the popular Augusta Goodnight Series, Ballard is the author of six other mysteries for adults: RAVEN ROCK, CRY AT DUSK, DEADLY PROMISE, FINAL CURTAIN, THE WIDOW’S WOODS, and MINERVA CRIES MURDER. An inspirational Christmas fantasy, THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE, was published by Bella Rosa Books in the fall of 2007. Her award-winning mystery for young readers, AUNT MATILDA’S GHOST, was republished by Silver Dagger Mysteries in 2000, as was RAVEN ROCK, her first mystery for adult readers. Ballard’s only mainstream novel, THE WAR IN SALLIE’S STATION, was released in trade paper by Five Star/Thorndike in 2001. A short story, “Waiting for Pixie,” was included in a mystery anthology, MALICE IV. Ballard has also published stories in “Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine,” “Mary Higgins Clark Mystery Magazine,” “Woman’s World,” “Instructor,” “Mature Living,” “American Girl,” (Duke University) “Archives” and others. Several of her books have been published in foreign countries, and her story, “A Natural Conclusion,” received the 1998 Styles Award sponsored by Agatha Christie Ltd. Of the UK for an unpublished story in the Christie tradition. Mignon also wrote the script and many of the lyrics for Bandstand Tales, a two-act musical based on the history of Fort Mill, S.C., presented by the local Playhouse in May 2006. This successful production was followed by an updated version, Bandstand Tales II, in May 2007. To view photos of the play, go to www.fortmillplayhouse.org and click on photos. She taught for several years as an approved artist with the Artists-in-the-Schools Project in SC. When time permits, she enjoys visiting local classrooms and speaking to interested groups in the area. 
A native of Calhoun, Ga., Mignon Ballard received her degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. She lives with her
husband Gene in Fort Mill, SC., where she enjoys spending time with her friends, as well as walking, baking, and bridge, and is
active in her church and community theater. She and her husband have two grown daughters and five grandchildren, whom she has
carefully avoided frightening (so far) with bedtime stories. Being with her five grandchildren is always a joy. 
Family Anniversary Celebration at Wild Dunes |