From the Introduction to Finding the Lost Country: The Life of William Gay “Some folks dwell in the shadow realms of the creative imagination, where synchronicity is as common as day and night, as sunlight and moonglow. William Gay and J.M. White are anomalies. There is no rational explaining of their lives, of their works. The self-educated […]
Books of Note: “Finding the Lost Country: The Life of William Gay” by J.M. White and “Francine” by Joe Taylor
February 7, 2026 by Leave a Comment
“Bloodroot: Poems” by Bill King
February 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment
The bloodroot plant with its white flowers that herald spring evokes the deep forests of Appalachia, which are sacred groves for poet Bill King, who grew up in and lived his life in Appalachia. His collection Bloodroot: Poems (Mercer University Press 2023) is a record of this life, one of challenges but sustained joy buoyed by a […]
“The Athlete Whisperer: An Improbable Voice in Sports” by Andrea Kirby
February 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment
To be truly captivating, a personal memoir needs to have at least these three things: an interesting baseline story, meaningful insight, and a strong voice conveyed well in quality writing. In all those ways, Andrea Kirby’s new memoir, The Athlete Whisperer: An Improbable Voice in Sports (FriesenPress 2025), excels. The baseline story tells readers how […]
“The Coaches’ Wives” by W. Scott Jones
February 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment
High school football is a world unto itself, especially in the South, especially in a small town. The Coaches’ Wives, by W. Scott Jones, draws the reader into that world, where everything revolves around the Friday night games, and where love and heartbreak, winning and losing, and success and tragedy all play a part in […]
Writing opportunities from Julie Cantrell
January 13, 2026 by Leave a Comment
THREE big opportunities for YOU to write, publish, and create in 2026. ——————- LAST CALL FOR WOMEN’S WRITING RETREAT IN FRANCE ——————– ONLY 2 spots left! Here’s your last chance to join fellow NYT bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson and me for a week of writing, relaxing, and exploring in beautiful Arcachon, France. If you’ve been needing […]
January 2026 Books of Note
January 11, 2026 by Leave a Comment
“Cinnamon Beach” by Suzanne Kamata “Multicultural family” does not adequately describe the relationships among the characters in Suzanne Kamata’s Cinnamon Beach (Wyatt-MacKenzie, 2024). Characters who are Indian American, Black, Japanese, American Japanese, white, hearing impaired, and gender fluid people this novel. Add in family members with chronic illnesses related to aging, and the character who […]