Just as Jimmy Buffett put Florida on the pop music map, Tim Dorsey has been writing about his beloved Florida a book a year for 20 years. And not unlike Buffett, he has quite the following. This year’s title “The Pope of Palm Beach,” is similar to his last 19 extremely successful novels; it follows the adventures of his famous partners in crime, Serge and Coleman.
Serge’s role is to catch the “bad guys” with some antics that could describe him as a bit insane. Coleman goes along for the ride as a self-proclaimed “stoner.” (or heavy pot smoker if you will).
Dorsey brings in quite the crowd when he comes to town for a book signing as he did last month in Madeira Beach and St. Pete Beach. His stature is as giant as his personality and if he ever decided to give up writing crime novels, he could make it as a comedian.
Unlike some authors who decide to just throw in the towel one day and give writing a try, Dorsey plotted his path since his first gig as editor of The Auburn Plainsman. After graduation, he carefully plotted his path as a police reporter in Montgomery, Alabama, and then on to the Tampa Tribune.
“I always knew I would be a novelist,” says Dorsey, I just decided working as a news writer would give me good training.”
The Pope of Palm Beach is a bit more sentimental than his other books in that it focuses on his hometown of Riviera, a small town in Palm Beach County, Florida. There has been talk of movies or television series but it’s not the main goal. Dorsey seems perfectly content to wander the state he loves so dearly while entertaining many along the way.
Over 40 fans stood in line to have their book signed in Madeira Beach, each telling him in their own way, how very much they have enjoyed each book and implored him to get started on number 21!
www.timdorsey.com
Article by Tricia Leimbach