Anne George graduated from Howard College (now Samford University) in 1948, after transferring from Judson College. After meeting her husband Earl George, she settled in Birmingham and began working at the Birmingham Public Library. She then taught chemistry, Spanish and English for many years. She became writer-in-residence for the Alabama State Council for the Arts and pursued a doctorate from the University of Alabama after having received a master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
George was a proud southern author. Her website states: “Anne George has never lived anywhere but Alabama. Therefore she is the graduate of the Univer-sity of Alabama, has two deviled egg plates, and keeps her silver flatware (Rosepoint by Wallace) polished.” Her writing unabashedly reflected her roots, and her mystery novels are set in recognizable cities around the state, from Birmingham to cherished Gulf destinations Point Clear and Fairhope, and her novels are spiced with southern humor and wisdom. In her novel Murder on a Girl’s Night Out, a character contemplates: “One of the first lessons I learned after marriage was, ‘Don't lie, but don't tell everything’. It allows a certain amount of dignity to remain in the relationship. It is also a kindness.”
Along with her award-winning mystery novels, the Southern Sisters Mystery series, George was also a renowned poet. She was nominated for both a Pushcart and a Pulitzer Prize, and her work was published in numerous literary magazines along with being published in six volumes. She also founded the Druid Press, which sought to publish the work of authors from around the state. George published the first of seven bestselling mystery novels at the age of 69, proving that it is never too late to pursue a personal dream or tell a great story.
Despite her success, George acknowledged that writing was a difficult task for her: “Writing is the hardest work in the world,” she said, “I’ll take the garbage out, cook, clean the house—anything to put off having to sit down at the computer. But I have to do it. I’m compelled to.” Her perseverance in following her passion and perfecting her talent despite the many distractions at hand can be an inspiration for all Alabamians, no matter their gifts.