Blog
The Ponder Brothers
For more than three decades in the latter part of the 20th century, the Democratic political machine led by Zeno and E. Y. Ponder wrested control from Republicans and thereafter controlled pretty much everything in Madison County.
“Met Her on the Mountain”: Prologue
Enjoy a sneak peek of “Met Her on the Mountain” and read the prologue.
“Drifting Into Darkness”: Prologue
Enjoy a sneak peek of ‘Drifting Into Darkness’ and read the prologue.
A Look at Present-Day Mars Hill, North Carolina
Not to be outdone by Marshall, the hilltop college town of Mars Hill has become part of the Madison County boomlet as well.
The Evolution of Madison County
In the years since Met Her on the Mountain was published in 2013, Madison County, North Carolina, has experienced an economic and cultural renaissance.
The Donation of My “Met Her on the Mountain” Research
Decades ago, when I started researching what would become “Met Her on the Mountain” in Madison County, North Carolina, I was advised to seek out the county’s foremost folklorist, Richard Dillingham.
Murder Times Two
On April 5, two of my nonfiction crime books will be released: Drifting into Darkness: Murders, Madness, Suicide, and a Death “Under Suspicious Circumstance from NewSouth Books of Montgomery, Alabama, and an updated, paperback edition of Met Her on the Mountain: The Murder of Nancy Morgan from the University Press of Kentucky.
Book Club Appearances
I've started appearing at book clubs here in Central Florida, a first for me, and it's been fun to get some direct feedback and support. Several weeks ago, at the invitation of a neighbor, I met with her group at a nearby Japanese restaurant. The half dozen women...
Launch & NC Tour
I'm just back from our reading and signing tour of North Carolina. About a week before we left we had a launch party in Orlando at our temple, where we drew nearly 100 -- thanks in part to free food (including my wife's zucchini and banana bread) and a local bluegrass...
Hello to all
Hello to all. Frankly, I’m new to blogging, but presuming anyone out there has any interest in my comings and goings, at least as it relates to Met Her on the Mountain, I’m going to give it a try. I’ll start right after our book launch party Oct. 8 at the Congregation...