Being a writer means seeking out mystery, discovering beauty, sharing experiences, and wrestling with words to tell the truth about our lives simply and honestly.

     As a poet, author and writer-in-residence, I enjoy many different styles of writing ranging from poetry and history to fiction and journalism. With 15 years of experience as a journalist and freelance writer, I've published more than 1,500 articles for newspapers and magazines throughout North Carolina and won several awards from the N.C. Press Association. Over the years as an arts reporter, I interviewed such writers David Sedaris and Charles Frazier as well as notable entertainers such as the Grammy Award-winning Indigo Girls and Tony Award-winning Linda Lavin (star of the TV show "Alice"). I served as managing editor for Smoky Mountain Living magazine and edited short stories by Lee Smith, Ron Rash, Fred Chappell and Silas House.

   My poems have been included in numerous journals and anthologies including The New Southerner, Great Smokies Review, Bay Leaves, Pinesong, Sow's Ear and The Sound of Poets Cooking. I've published two poetry chapbooks and produced a CD of my poems. 

   I also serve as a statewide manager for student poetry contests for the NC Poetry Society and the Poetry Council of North Carolina. I'm listed on the touring artists directory for the N.C. Arts Council and the United Arts Council of  Raleigh and Wake County. 

   As an author of local history, I've written or co-written three books on Haywood County in western North Carolina. I'm currently working on a new book of historic photographs on my hometown of Canton, NC (due out in 2013 through Arcadia Publishing). 

   Since 1998, I've been performing and teaching poetry in schools, festivals and conferences throughout North Carolina. I teach writing workshops and residencies throughout the year and also perform poetry for schools, festivals, church and civic groups, and private parties. 

   Take a tour through this website and check out my schedule of upcoming events as well as sample writings and a list of the educational services I provide.