MARION-One of America’s most beloved storytellers will make her way to Marion Saturday. Author, television and radio personality and playwright Kathryn Tucker Windham will be at Tallulah’s to sign books and make new friends.

Returning to Marion, Windham said, was very exciting.

“I love to visit Marion,” Windham said. “It is a beautiful town and I have some really good friends there.”

The signing will begin at 10:30 at Tallulah’s, located on the historic courthouse square in downtown Marion.

Storeowner Jennifer McMilllan said they were thrilled when Windham agreed to appear.

“We’re really excited about having her come,” McMillan said. “We have already pre-sold 100 of her books, most of which were copies of 13 Alabama Ghosts.”

Making new friends, Windham said, was the main reason she still enjoyed traveling. She said she loves to see who her readers are and get to know them.

“I love to do book signings and public appearances,” Windham said. “It is always nice to meet new people and see who is reading the books.”

Windham said she would also have her ears open to anyone who has a new tale to pass along.

“I am looking forward to hearing some stories,” Windham said. “I always like to hear new stories that people want to tell me.”

Windham is best known for her books about the infamous Jeffrey and other ghosts, which have captured the interests of readers for decades.

An accomplished photographer, Windham has successfully documented the history of the state through visual expression and colorful storytelling.

Windham has received numerous honors including induction into the University of Alabama College of Communications Hall of Fame, the Governor’s Award for the Arts, The Alabama Humanities Award and the National Storytelling Association’s Circle of Excellence Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. She has also received national acclaim for segments on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.”

Books available for purchase and signing include It’s Christmas, Thirteen Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey, The Bridal Wreath Bush, Encounters, Common Threads Twice Blessed, Count Those Buzzards, Stamp Those Grey Mules! and Treasured Alabama Recipes.

Despite her many accolades, she has always remained accessible for her fellow Alabamians. McMillan said it only took a phone call to set up the event.

“All we had to do was contact her,” McMillan said. “We called her up and she said she would love to come.”

Saturday’s book signing will kick off a series of appearances by Southern authors. McMillan said they plan to have Wayne Flint and Mary Wood Brown at future events.

Judging from public reaction, McMillan said, there should be a good crowd.

“We are expecting a good crowd,” McMillan said. “If presales are any indication we should have very good attendance Saturday.”