I am an Adjunct Instructor of History, English, and Communications at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, where I teach multiple sections of American History along with Introduction to English and Communications. In October of 2019, I opened a new and used bookstore in Dahlonega, Georgia. Since that time, Bear Book Market has served the literary needs of Lumpkin County and beyond. In November of 2020, I applied and received permission to create an LLC for a publishing company. I currently serve as Editor-in-Chief and owner of Springer Mountain Press headquartered in Dahlonega. Additionally, my novel, The Palms, was published in August of 2019 through Adelaide Books out of New York City, New York, and I was nominated for Georgia Author of the Year 2019 for first novel. A chapbook of my poetry, Marshalls of What Dark Principality, was published in 2020. Finally, in the fall of 2021, Adelaide Books will publish my second novel, Though I Walk.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
May parents have been married for almost 50 years and I have an older sister named Whitney.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do (or did if retired)?
The most rewarding career pertain to both teaching and operating the book store. I love to see that look on a student’s face when they “get it.” The same goes for helping that person find their next favorite book. They are both equally rewarding.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community and your favorite dishes there?
Spirits Tavern is my favorite with Pueblos coming in at a close second.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? And if you moved here, where were you from originally?
I’ve worked in this community since 2019. I am originally from Marietta, Georgia.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community and why?
Jessie Massey because she introduced me to so many amazing people in Dahlonega.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would like to go back to Ireland and spend a month writing in seclusion.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is tied with Tombstone and Troll 2. My favorite TV shows are Top Gear and The Grand Tour
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t quit before the miracle happens.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Visit Chernobyl
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Killers
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Brad Walker’s Pottery because it is the oldest on the square.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Cormac McCarthy and I’d like to take him to Spirits Tavern. The reason I choose him is because he is my literary hero.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Grateful Days because it is a fun atmosphere.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still in Dahlonega and selling books.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am an author and poet.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Visiting the Fjords in Norway outside of Flam.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October – Halloween – and October 31st
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Spirits Tavern
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My father.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Old books
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, love, and cookies
