Cooper's Signatures Author Series begins 2nd decade of bringing noted authors to The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The John Cooper School begins its second decade of providing a much-anticipated luncheon event that features a keynote author, the opportunity to talk to and purchase books from visiting authors as well as promote literacy in the greater Houston area. The 11th Annual Signatures Author Series, sponsored by The John Cooper School Fine Arts Council, will feature Gillian Flynn, author of Gone Girl and other suspense thrillers, on December 4 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

About This Year's Featured Author

Gillian Flynn is the author of the runaway hit Gone Girl, an international sensation that spent more than 100 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. Her work has been published in 40 languages, and Gone Girl was later made into a major motion picture starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike and directed by David Fincher. Flynn adapted the novel herself, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe.

Flynn made her mark in the literary world by writing gripping psychological thrillers. Her 2006 debut novel, the literary mystery Sharp Objects, was an Edgar Award finalist and the winner of two of Britain's Dagger Awards; the first book ever to win multiple Daggers in one year. Flynn's second novel, the 2009 New York Times bestseller Dark Places, was a New Yorker Reviewers' Favorite, Weekend TODAY Top Summer Read, Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2009, and Chicago Tribune Favorite Fiction choice.

Flynn has received many accolades for her work. Booklist called Gone Girl "a gritty, riveting thriller with a one-of-a-kind tart-tongued heroine." Contemporary horror/mystery writer Stephen King said, "Gillian Flynn is the real deal, a sharp, acerbic and compelling storyteller with a knack for the macabre."

Flynn will have her newly released book at the luncheon, "The Grownup," an Edgar Award-winning short story and an homage to the classic ghost story.

A History of Success

The John Cooper School has sponsored the highly popular Signatures event for the past 10 years, featuring such best-selling authors as Barbara Bush, Dave Barry, Mitch Albom, Anthony Bourdain, John Grogan, Nicholas Sparks, Candace Bushnell, Kathryn Stockett, Jodi Picoult and Tyler Florence.

Supporting Local Literacy Organizations

The 2015 Signatures luncheon will also feature 12-15 visiting authors, book signings and the silent auction of a piece of furniture created by a Cooper alum, Cody Bohan (Class of 2015) that will be signed by Flynn. As is tradition, a portion of the proceeds from the event will be given to a local literacy organization. The 2015 beneficiary is the Montgomery County Memorial Library System's "At Home With Books" program for senior citizens. Organizations that have benefitted from previous Signatures events include Literacy Volunteers of America, the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation and the Montgomery County Food Bank.