Controversial author Rich Merritt returns to South for readings

Attorney and former Marine Rich Merritt will be returning to his Southern roots March 26-30 to read from his new novel, Code of Conduct. Merritt will be appearing in Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville and Raleigh, as well as in Greenville and Clemson, SC.

Drawing on his own experiences as a gay Marine, Merritt has crafted an extraordinary story of love, loss, duty, betrayal and hope. Code of Conduct is a deeply compelling exploration of the power of loyalty – to friends, lovers, country, and the unwavering dictates of our own hearts. The novel follows a cadre of gay men, mostly in the military, as they choose to “come out” – or not, face the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, confront the threat of HIV/AIDS, and find themselves part of a mystery (is it murder or suicide?).

Merritt was born in Greenville, and was educated in religious schools. His background – including a stint at Bob Jones University, which ended in expulsion – made it difficult for Merritt to accept his own sexuality. He went on to do so, while also excelling in the Marines, finishing law school, and overcoming addiction. The author is presently an attorney in New York.

This is Merritt’s second book; the first was a memoir, Secrets of a Gay Marine Porn Star. He is now in talks to develop both books into stage plays, movies or television series.

Merritt’s tour stops:

Wednesday, March 26, 7 p.m.
OutLoud! bookstore
www.OutLoudOnline.com
1703 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37203
615-340-0034

Thursday, March 27, 8 p.m.
Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse
www.OutwriteBooks.com
991 Piedmont Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-607-0082

Friday, March 28, Noon luncheon
(Private event)
Clemson Gay-Straight Alliance
http://people.clemson.edu/~cgsa/new/index.php

Friday, March 28, 6 p.m.
The Open Book
www.theopenbookonline.com
110 South Pleasantburg Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
864-235-9651

Saturday, March 29, 3 p.m.
White Rabbit Bookstore
www.WhiteRabbitBooks.com
309 West Martin Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-856-1429

Sunday, March 30, 3 p.m.
White Rabbit Bookstore
www.WhiteRabbitBooks.com
920 Central Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28204
704-377-4067