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LOCAL WRITERS: POETRY

An Epic Journey: Haymarket teacher’s poetic anthology weaves myth and modernity

Michele Evans of Haymarket debuts "Purl" at an intimate book reading.
In the Ancient Greek epic poem “The Odyssey,” Odysseus’ men strap him to the mast of the ship so he could hear the sirens’ song without being enticed and lured into a watery …
BOOKS & LITERATURE
Katherine Gotthardt

Bristow Author Katherine Gotthardt Releases 13th Book 'The World Has Changed from When I Last Was Here'

  Louisa County, Va: Author and poet Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt has released her 13th book, The World Has Changed from When I Last was Here (ATW Publishing), a collection of award-winning and …

LOCAL LIT: POP FICTION

Prince William Teacher Debuts 'Snow Monkey' Comic Book

Comic writer Jason Shaw displays a preview of "Snow Monkey" issue 1, with the Aaron Bartling cover, and Red5's Free Comic Day edition, at Fair Winds Brewing Co., April 27.
Jason Shaw, Osbourn Park English teacher, will celebrate his comic debut with the release “Snow Monkey,” issue no. 1 on May 7, with a book signing at Comics & Gaming in Gainesville …
"Gathering Storm" is J.D. Toepfer's newest book in his "Highway to Hell" series.

Bristow Author Publishes Third Book in Nightmarish Series 

Highway to Hell Local author publishes third book in nightmarish series  BY KATHERINE MERCURIO GOTTHARDT    When it comes to the place of eternal suffering, John …
LOCAL LIT: NONFICTION

From Country Boy to Country Hero: Decorated veteran recounts life as a Vietnam medevac pilot

Douglas Moore as a young military pilot.
Col. Douglas E. Moore of Haymarket considers himself a country boy from Arkansas, but there’s more to him. Not only did he serve his country honorably as a pilot and soldier, but he also wrote …
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I have spent the past 6 months reading hundreds of poems by young people – I was surprised to find hope, not despair

The 177 young poets featured in a new anthology range in age from 10 to 21.
Young poets wrestled with loneliness, fractured families, violence and other challenges – but also showed an unwillingness to surrender to despair.

The 25 books startups and founders bought most in the first half of 2026, according to Brex spend data

Brex reports on the 25 books most purchased by founders in the first half of 2026, highlighting a shift towards biographies and essential management skills.

Mississippi Book Festival has grown from its beginning as a literary lawn party

The annual Mississippi Book Festival in Jackson draws more than 8,000 book lovers and provides a counter-narrative to negative stereotypes, as well as year-round programs to develop the state's next generation of writers.

Fear not: There isn't anything that needs saving.

Despite all the likes, literallys and dropped g’s, English isn’t decaying before our eyes

Throughout the history of the language, what has been considered ‘bad’ speech often becomes ‘proper.’ You just have to give it time.

Writing and publishing: Getting it right

Writing is much more than putting pen to paper; so is publishing. And the first doesn’t guarantee the second. But one can hope. After doing the first since I was a child and enjoying the fruits of the second for more than a few decades, I learned a valuable lesson a few weeks ago when […]
Fascinating Reads

George Plimpton’s 1966 nonfiction classic ‘Paper Lion’ revealed the bruising truths of Detroit Lions training camp

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) and Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) show off their athleticism on Sept. 7, 2025.
George Plimpton, then a 36-year-old literary editor, endured the brutal realities of a professional football quarterback despite barely ever playing the sport.
(BookTrib) - “Over the Hills and Far Away” by Daniel MackJohn Merlan is nearing retirement with an irregular heartbeat, a dwindling roster of therapy clients and a growing suspicion that the …
(BookTrib) - “Palm Beach Confidential” by Susannah MarrenIn the latest entry in her Palm Beach novel series, Susannah Marren returns to the glittering, watchful world of Palm Beach, where …
(BookTrib) - “Redemption Initiative: The Good Samaritan” by C.L. MorrisseyOnce, Desi Delgado was exactly the kind of criminal society feared: violent, impulsive and consumed by addiction. Eight …
(BookTrib) - “Day of Wrath” by Otho EskinThere are secrets within the Church. Some are worth killing for.When Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn arrives at the city’s cathedral, he …
(BookTrib) - “a written self-portrait: ‘On Psychosis’ a Novella Vol. I” by Louis GaleIn the first volume of Louis Gale’s experimental series, readers enter the restless mind of Amstel, a …
Podcasts about Books, Authors & Reading
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Stories about short stories

Our greatest actors transport us through the magic of fiction, one short story at a time. Sometimes funny. Always moving. Selected Shorts connects you to the world with a rich …

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Interviews with authors

The Penguin Podcast is a fortnightly interview series where we speak to authors about what drives them: from where, how and why they write, to their inspirations, aspirations, and …

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Revisit older books

The literary podcast presented by John Mitchinson and Andy Miller. Brought to you by Unbound. Visit www.backlisted.fm

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