Charles Seabrook was an environmental writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for 35 years, and Ann Litrel is a nationally recognized nature artist. Together, they have created a stunning new coffee table book to help with your in-state travel plans.
They recently combined to release their new book, 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die, which just last week was named a 2026 Georgia Author of the Year winner in the Specialty genre. Georgia Writers Museum recently spoke with both prior to their July 7 Meet the Author presentation at GWM.
GWM: What got you interested in nature reporting in general?
Seabrook: When I was 12 years old and had saved up enough money, the first thing I bought was Birds of America by John J. Audubon. I still have it. I always checked out nature books from our school library to read. I also knew at an early age that I wanted to be a writer, and perhaps in the back of my head I wanted to be a nature writer.
GWM: What is the goal for 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia?
Seabrook: The primary goal at first was to showcase Ann’s artwork, but then, after we discussed the book, our goal also became telling people about these great natural places in hope that they also would appreciate what we have in Georgia.
GWM: When researching Georgia’s most amazing settings, what was your most unexpected discovery?
Litrel: I got to experience the Okefenokee Swamp on a three-day kayak trip led by Sheila Willis, a self-proclaimed “swamper” whose family has lived in that wetland almost 200 years. And that I was able to explore Oaky Woods WMA with John Trussell, the man who worked 20 years with local leaders and government officials to preserve this amazing blackland prairie in the South.
GWM: What one thing did the creation of the book teach you?
Seabrook: If you have a well-thought-out idea and present your idea in a convincing, coherent manner, you can get your book published. The UGA Press got back to us in only about a week after we sent them our book proposal. They liked it, and we signed a contract a few months later.
GWM: Can you give us a sneak preview of your next project?
Litrel: A long-brewing project is emerging from my longtime work as a native plant gardener, the years I’ve spent restoring my suburban yard with native plants for wildlife and helping to certify my entire neighborhood as a wildlife habitat.
Seabrook and Litrel will be the Meet the Author presenters at Georgia Writers Museum on Tuesday, July 7, with doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. program start. They will discuss their new book, 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die, followed by a book signing opportunity. Tickets are $45 each or $40 each for two or more, and all tickets include a gourmet meal created by Chef Brent. Visit georgiawritersmuseum. org to register and pre-order a copy of 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die.
- Contributed