Author Talks
David Armand
David Armand was born and raised in Louisiana. He is an associate professor of English and Creative writing in the Department of English and World Languages. He holds an MFA from the University of Arkansas. From 2017-2019, he served as Writer-in-Residence at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he currently holds the Leola R. Purcell Endowed Professorship in English.
The Roads We Travel is a memoir told in the style of Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, Stephen King's On Writing, and Ellen Gilchrist's The Writing Life. Instead of approaching the pedagogy of creative writing in the traditional academic, prescriptive manner, Armand uses his own life's journey to becoming a successful writer and teacher as a way to pass on what he's learned over the years about what makes good writing work (as well as what makes some writing unsuccessful).
But, as previously mentioned, the text is not prescriptive in nature; however, it seeks to teach by inspiring readers, even those who are not necessarily writers themselves, but simply people who want to read a story of perseverance and hope and determination.
Sandra Scalise Juneau
From Sicilian family traditions that have endured centuries of displacement and change, Louisiana native, Sandra Scalise Juneau traces the origins and symbolism of this cultural treasure.
Author of the book published in 2021 by LSU Press, Celebrating with St. Joseph Altars, Mrs. Juneau draws from her experiences of learning from her two Sicilian-born grandmothers for bringing to life this unique expression of devotion.
On January 13th, Sandra presented at the Madisonville Branch, with intricate artworks and vintage photographs from the last century of Saint Joseph Altar displays in Sicily, New Orleans and the Northshore.
Chris Champagne
Chris Champagne, a graduate of the Orleans Parish School system and of the University of New
Orleans with a BA in History, gave a presentation of his book and his reflections on the untold sights
of Louisiana. His book, Secret Louisiana - An Unusual Guide, brings readers to a world of hidden
and quirky of Louisiana.
On December 16th, 2025, Chris held a presentation discussing his book and travels at the Covington Branch.
In March of 2026, he held an author talk on his other book, Secret New Orleans.
Jourdana Webber
Jourdana Webber is the bestselling author of Unconventionally, Elle. A corporate dropout and audacious dreamer, she crafts swoony, heartfelt romances filled with humor, vulnerability, and the kind of messy, magical love that feels real. Her work celebrates women’s voices, resilience, and the power of found family.
On November 5th, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jourdana Webber visited the Causeway Branch for a Q and A session for patrons.
