Paul Wilborn is an author, musician, and arts administrator.
His new novel, The Everlasting Life of Charlie Wall, was published in April by St. Petersburg Press. His debut novel, Florida Hustle, earned a starred review from Kirkus and was named one of the “100 Best Indie Books of 2022,” by Kirkus. His 2019 short story collection, Cigar City, won the Gold Medal in Fiction from the Florida Book Awards.
Recent musical appearances include the Suncoast Jazz Festival, Stovall House, Radio Theater Project, Dunedin Public Theater, freeFall Theater and the New Tampa Performing Arts Center.
Paul’s Word and Music performances feature a full short story from his debut collection, plus songs by his pop band, Front Porch Picnic at each story break. The story is read by Eugenie Bondurant, star of The Hunger Games, The Conjuring – The Devil Made Me Do It, and Marvel’s Werewolf By Night. Along with Paul on piano and vocals, Front Porch Picnic features former Atlanta Rhythm Section guitarist and vocalist, Robin Sibucao.
Paul was an award-winning reporter for the St. Petersburg Times, The Tampa Tribune and the Associated Press in Los Angeles. He is currently executive director of the Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College. A Florida native, Paul and his wife live in St. Petersburg.
Word of South is looking forward to hosting Paul Wilborn for a repeat visit to the Festival! He’ll be in collaboration with the novelist Rhett DeVane in our session on humor in literature.