Hello from the Mountains, One Year Anniversary of Being on Vocal

I’ve been part of the Vocal community for about a year now, and it has been a true joy to meet other writers and read their incredible works. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself, share a little of my story, and give you a glimpse into what shapes my writing.

I was born and raised in the Western North Carolina mountains, in a small, close-knit community called Spillcorn. My early life was far from easy. Up until I was about 14, my family lived in poverty. My father was a moonshiner, and unfortunately, he loved drinking more than making it, which often made him a harsh and mean presence in our lives. My mother was a homemaker until I was ten, when a shoe factory opened in nearby Hot Springs, and she began working there to help support us.

Despite the challenges and there was many, I pursued education with determination. After high school, I attended East Tennessee State University and Western Carolina University, earning a degree in Health Care Administration. I became a Registered Nurse and later worked as an administrator overseeing nursing facilities for many years until I retired in 2010.

Writing entered my life in a way I never expected. My favorite spot to write is a patch of land on my Granny’s farm that she called “New Ground,” an open, flat field full of wild strawberries. I remember sitting there as a child, listening to the wind rustle through the trees, watching the sunlight dance across the mountains, and letting my imagination wander. Granny used to tell stories about the old days, about the herbs she used for healing and the magic she believed in, and I would retell them to anyone who would listen. I also remember sneaking wild strawberries from the field and racing back to the house before Granny noticed. It was in those moments, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and the warmth of family, that my love of storytelling began.

Growing up, I always told stories of my friends, family, and life in the mountains. My friends and family encouraged me to write those stories down and eventually publish them. Little did I know that this would spark a lifelong love for writing.

In 2022, I published my first Appalachian cookbook, My Life on a Plate: A Journey Back to Spillcorn. The book is filled with stories of growing up in the mountains and sharing my Granny’s beloved recipes. Granny was an incredible woman, and her wisdom inspired much of my work. In fact, she was an Appalachian Granny Witch, someone who could heal, deliver babies, and make tinctures for colds and flu. My book The Magic of the Mountains was inspired by her, celebrating her knowledge, strength, and the mystical traditions of Appalachia.

Since then, I have explored other facets of Appalachian culture and expression through writing. I wrote Bloodroot and Coal Dust, a book of poems inspired by Appalachia, and Beautiful and Brutal Things, my latest book of poetry, which I am especially proud of because it took over a year of dedicated writing and editing.

Poetry, for me, comes naturally. While I have taken courses to refine my craft, true poetry emerges from the soul. I write every word myself, with no AI assistance, not even for accuracy checks. The only AI I use is for creating images on FreePik when needed.

Now that my latest book has been published, I plan to enjoy retirement again, exploring new places and experiences. I love learning about different cultures and trying foods from around the world. In fact, this coming weekend I am leaving on a ten-day cruise to Belize. I also hope to create a coffee table book featuring photos from my travels, which include 32 countries and all the United States except Hawaii, which is still on my list.

I believe every writer on Vocal should tell their story. Our experiences shape the words we write and give readers insight into what drives us. Sharing your story matters because it preserves your memories, connects you with others, and reminds us all that every life, no matter how ordinary it may seem, is filled with magic, strength, and beauty.

As my Granny used to say, “The mountains teach us patience, and patience teaches us stories.” My story isn’t over yet. As I approach the big 60 mark in a couple of years, I know my pen will continue to write my journey with every passing year, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Much love and gratitude to each of you who take the time to read my poems and stories. I look forward to another year on Vocal hopefully it will be much more amazing than the last year.