The grand opening of The Hive, where local author Lauretta Hannon will conduct workshops for budding writers, drew a crowd of roughly 150 on Saturday.

Author of The Cracker Queen: A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life, Hannon opened up shop on the second floor of the Powder Springs Florist downtown. 

The name symbolizes bees, who have knowledge, soul and work together, she said. 

“It’s about sisterhood, listening, writing and telling,” she explained. “The idea is to work together.” 

Her supporters and fans are giddy over the prospect. 

“She’s amazing, entertaining and is spreading love,” said Dekie Hicks, who traveled to Powder Springs from Rome. “She has a good platform, and she speaks to women but men love her.” 

Hicks’s husband, John Shulz, considers Hannon “fun.” 

“She has such a high energy level and exudes humor,” he said. 

The Cracker Queen is about Hannon's tumultuous life growing up in Warner Robins and is the second book she’s authored. Her first, Images of America: Powder Springs, was published as a fundraiser for the Seven Springs Museum. 

A commentator on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” and Georgia Public Radio’s “Georgia Gazette,” Hannon has received several marketing and promotions awards and has worked public relations throughout Atlanta. 

With workshops at The Hive beginning Sept. 17, writers will be able to participate in a series of discussions and writing activities to advance their skills and learn about ways to get published. Hannon calls the workshops “The Down Home Writing School."

Hannon also signed books on Saturday, and women of all ages slipped on colorful beehive wigs and fellowshipped with other supporters. 

“I love the sassiness of it all,” said Myra Crawford of Douglasville. “Through her, I’ve realized we all have a story to tell.” 

Hannon said she was excited and humbled by the crowd that spilled down the stairwell and over into the floral shop.   

“It was nuts," she said, "but it was a joy."

See a photo gallery of Saturday's grand opening by clicking here.