I am of the South. We all know what that means (at least, those that should know). Much as been said of the South and its peculiar culture…for example, its peoples' love of the land and their special affinity and passion for food, drink and violence. I would argue those are traits shared with many cultures, past and present. Southerner's simply have uniquely held fast to these base elements of human kind, and have seen them transcend all levels of their social order, all somehow coexisting, and sometimes, in the case of violence, flourishing into social legitimacy. Whether a feast or victuals, bourbon or corn liquor, self-defense or premeditated murder, we have always seemed as much at war philosophically with our own souls as we are with everybody else...even our own people. We have always resented “outsiders” who would try to define us. And that remains the case. We are a region of extremes and contradictions. Therein lies the allure. Stories arising from these experiences have become art, and often myth. This rich roux of human experience can only, in my opinion, be properly depicted by those that are, or have been, a part of it. Southern writers have often been our conscience and voice, creating a diverse and expansive body of work that is Southern Literature. Find a true Southerner, and you'll find the truth - and remember, it's not the way he talks...it's the way you listen.

I hope to share with you, through this special medium that is the Internet, my own vision of the journey through life as a Southerner. I’m no “Southern Writer”. But I'll talk…if you'll listen. Click on the thumbnail pictures above to read my site dedication and two short stories, "The Speck And Plank" and "The Toothache Tree."