 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 seven books in the popular Augusta Goodnight Series, Ballard is the author of six other mysteries for adults and an award-winning mystery for young readers, AUNT MATILDA'S GHOST. Her only mainstream novel, THE WAR IN SALLIE'S STATION, was published by Five Star/Thorndike in 2001, and an inspirational Christmas fantasy, THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE, was released by Bella Rosa Books in 2007. 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, and the Playhouse plans to produce the play again in May 2010. To view photos, go to www.fortmillplayhouse.org and click on photos. The first in a new mystery series set in a small Georgia town during WWII features Miss Dimple Kilpatrick, longtime first-grade teacher at Elderberry Grammar School. Fastidious in her dress and distinctive in her manner, she turns the town of Elderberry upside down when she suddenly disappears on one of her early morning walks. Look for MISS DIMPLE DISAPPEARS from St. Martin's Minotaur in the fall of 2010 to be followed in 2011 by MISS DIMPLE RALLIES TO THE CAUSE. 
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, S.C., where she enjoys spending time with friends and family, 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. She taught for several years as an approved artist with the Artist-in-the-Schools Project in S.C. and when time permits, enjoys visiting classrooms and speaking to interested groups in the area. Being with her five grandchildren is always a joy. Back to the top |