M.J. Simms-Maddox, Ph.D., author of “The Priscilla Series” will be the featured presenter at the North Carolina Writers’ Network regional meeting Thursday, Feb. 27.

Simms-Maddox has published four novels, the first three of which comprise “The Priscilla Trilogy.” Set in the 1980s, the series chronicles the coming-of-age and the adventures of an African American woman who is abducted from her comfort level in the American Midwest to the savannas and wilds of southern Africa—Zimbabwe and apartheid-ruled South Africa where she finds herself on the run.

Simms-Maddox wants others interested in writing to begin writing whatever is on their minds. That was what she did when she wrote her first novel, “Priscilla Engaging in the Game of Politics.” She learned she had the ability, but that her writing required editing into a novel.

Upon completing her second novel, “Mystery in Harare – Priscilla’s Journey into Southern Africa,” one of her editors told her she had written a thriller. This story, like the first, draws on what the author knew as a former legislative aide in the Ohio Senate, terrorism during the 1980s, and her work as a political scientist.

Vincent Vezza, regional representative for the NCWN Cabarrus/Rowan Chapter, encourages published authors and writers to join a “Writers Night Out” which is hosted on the fourth Thursday of every month. “This is an opportunity to consider ways to leverage your writing beyond the publication of a book.”

The chapter will meet at the French Express Café, 2087 Dale Earnhardt Blvd. in Kannapolis from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Seating is reserved, please phone/text to 980-621-0398 if you plan to participate.