My publisher wanted a few photos for the book, and since I happen to be related to three very good photographers who know how to make me look much better than I do in real life, I grabbed the first one I saw, which happened to be my husband, and we ran out the door. I promise you, I was having one of the most spectacular hair days ever, full of fluffy curls, and then, the first full day of summer humidity hit, and I looked like someone had dumped a bucket of warm water on my head.
But where to go? I needed a beautiful setting, but I also wanted a place that had a really “cool” factor. And then, it hit me. Our friend Rita lives in a charming cottage where Fannie Flagg just happened to (reportedly) write Fried Green Tomatoes! I know! I don’t believe in “vibes” or “good luck,” but let me tell you, to sit on that porch and do a little work where one of my all-time favorite writers worked? . . . Oh, lucky ducky stars! Woo-hoo! It has to be a good thing, don’t you think???
The current owners have done extensive remodeling to the old house, but the beautiful curved porches remain the same.
I have to say, “reportedly wrote” because no one knows for sure, but all the long-time neighbors claim that is just the way it happened. (and small-town neighbors know everything, honey). Fannie Flagg grew up down the road from us in Foley, and over the years has owned several houses and condos here in town. When she gets into a writing project, she always likes to get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and settle into the sweet, slow (good) life of Alabama.
Once she sold her properties here, she would usually rent a place to stay while she wrote. This was the house she used for Fried Green Tomatoes. Can you say, “charming?”
A new kitchen was added over the years, in addition to a small swimming pool.
Even though the house is a small cottage, the party I attended had over 100 people and everyone had plenty of room. (hooray for a good porch!).
This is my new favorite spot in town. If I ever go missing, just look real good on this porch before you go lighting candles or anything.
When Fannie Flagg was here a few months ago, I mentioned I had recently been to this house and did she really write FGT here? It had honestly been so long, and there were so many different locations where she worked on different projects, she wasn’t really sure. I couldn’t remember the exact address, so that didn’t help.
The house is absolutely charming, and I would tell you it could be yours because it’s for sale, but I think it just sold the day we were there taking pictures! (Bob, did you surprise me? What a sweetie pie you are!). In addition to holding good memories about one of the best all-time selling books ever, this house also holds good memories of happy times for many who have called it home.
Well, my work on the book has hit a few snags I’ll tell you about another time, so I’ve been locked away rewriting like crazy. The main problem has been that both my publisher and editor don’t speak the same kind of Southern I do, so . . . we’ve needed a translator. I swanee!!! — and no, you may NOT change that to, “I declare!” that completely changes the meaning! Overall, I’m still on track to have my book out by November. I’ve already scheduled a few speaking engagements, so if you are interested in having me visit your club or church or monster truck show, let me know! Hahaha!
And now, I’m going to fly out to Los Angeles and sit on Fannie Flagg’s current porch and write. It’s got to help somehow. (“The Day Fannie Flagg threw me in Prison” will be a great story!).
Click HERE to read the story I wrote about Fannie Flagg dealing with her dyslexia.
And HERE is my story about the time Fannie Flagg called me!!! (and it wasn’t a wrong number)!!!
Help me vote – which photo do you like for the book? #1-standing with the flag, #2-on the porch, #3 sitting on the steps? I like #3 sitting on the steps, except my arms look like big hams. It’s like I’ve said before, women over a certain age have to be careful wearing strapless and sleeveless frocks. Oh dear, I broke my own rule. Where’s a good sweater when you need it?
#1
Thanks, baby. You make me look good.
yes, I think #1 also
I forget what he was saying, but obviously, Bob was cracking me up.
Definitely No. 1! When you reach my age, you will be glad you chose this one, trust me. ?
Trust you completely!
Your husband doesn’t make you look good Leslie Anne, you are a natural! Either one or three, both are great just different. Use both, front and back. Please, you’ve never made a bad pic and I know how good you look. Happy day………
PS; love this house………
The secret to never making a bad picture is to just not show the others! You should see my trash can! Thanks honey!!
Honestly, you can’t go wrong. They are all great. Love the dress! I like #3, but I also like #2 because it invites you in. And #1 catches a fun moment and I have a feeling the book captures some fun moments in the south.
I didn’t help at all, did I?
Ha. Very fair.
Guess I wouldn’t make a good judge on American Idol or the Voice:)
I may just have to flip a coin, although I guess the publisher will have the final say.
I like the one by the flag. They are all really great! Can’t wait to see your new book. Hope to catch one of your future speaking engagements here in town.
Thanks Beth.
Which picture? I like the one with the flag and the one with the screen door…the screen door really is “Southern” I think.
I’ve told you before how much I have always loved Fannie Flagg, but now that you’ve shown this house…I might have to snoop around there too! I used to watch her on tv when she was our “weather girl” in Birmingham, before Fried Green Tomatoes, but those were already being fried up at the restaurant there in Irondale. That’s still one of my favorite places to eat, although I haven’t been there in a few years. I think it’s time again.
I’m hoping that book comes through in time for our Fall Market 2017, Down in the Delta!!! Those silly people, slowing things down because they don’t understand our language…..
I know!!! Crosssing my fingers I can be with you at the Market!
I vote for #1 or #3. Your arms do NOT look like hams but it wouldn’t matter ’cause everyone will be looking at those gorgeous gams.
To me, #2 looks like you’re sneaking into the house after curfew.
Sneaking in after curfew? What does that mean? hahahaha!Thanks Margie.
#3 looks so very Southern, but #1 looks so very Sass! I’d go with sass!!
I like your style!
I vote # 1. It has a definite Southern appeal with a little mischievous fun. Can’t wait for the book!
Fannie is from Foley?? How ’bout that! I’m partial to photo #1 …
Yes, she was a cheerleader, then at halftime, would run march in the band (saxaphone, I believe).
One with screen door….cropped so you are closer. All are fantastic and show your grace, style and beauty. Married to a great photographer is just another great asset.
Can’t wait to read your newest book!
It’s all the photographer, believe me. He must have moved me around a hundred times to get the right light.Perfectionists make good photographers. That’s why I just point and shoot! Thank you Savan!
I love #1 flag photo but Savan is right, you look good; we ? Southern!
Proud of you!
Thank you Pat!!
It depends on where it is going! I think#1 for cover or where you need a larger photo. #3 I love but I wish it was closer. Can’t wait to see the book!!
I’m not really sure where they will use it. Hopefully, not the cover!! I don’t see that at all. Maybe on a little, tiny bookmark! Thanks Lee.
While like a little leg and the American flag, I love the one on the steps!
It is such a beautiful gate and fence, it kind of frames things. Thanks for the input!
Leslie,
I have to say #1. You look like you are welcoming us to the porch!
Love love your blog. Keep up the good work and humor!
My husband and I visit LA (lower Alabama, for you Northerners) several times a year. I KNOW that screen door and have coveted it for years now. And, Girl, those are not “hams”. Those are major guns. I vote #3 for sure!
Bam-Bam! I like your interpretation! Thanks Lee Ann!
I like #3, So peaceful, so quiet, so relaxing just the right amount of sun and shade. What a place to spend the day. I’ll join you as soon as possible !!
Come on down!
I gave you right name to the person in charge of programs for Newcomers of Eastern Shore. Hopefully she’ll be getting in touch with you!
Sounds great. Can’t wait. Thank you darling!
Well, here I am, late again, digging this out of my junk mail! #3 is my choice, I think you look like the essence of a Southern belle, and the wreath on the gate and the porch steps, just screams welcome y’all, come on in! You look great in all of them, and the house is beyond charming!
Great photos! I love the house and it only makes it better that Fried Green Tomatoes was written there! And I like the first picture the best!
Thanks!