Is Union becoming the literary hub for Mississippi? We have seen several novice authors emerge in our little city in past few of years.
Several writers come to mind. Marthalene Germany Harris, who grew up in Union, is multi published. She is what l call a true wordsmith. Her free-verse poetry ranges from the homespun, reflecting her Neshoba County roots, to the deeply philosophical and thought provoking. But unlike some free- versers, she is never “out there,” with gibberish scribbling you were forced to read in some poetry appreciation class. Her poetry is personal as you can see a part of yourself in her words.
Virginia Welch of Union has published a contemporary Christian romance novel that has worked out well for her. She is currently working on another one.
Kudos to Teresa Blount, who spent hours researching and documenting the history of Union. Without her dedication, our history may very well have been lost. Union native Johnny Neil Smith has published at least three novels that l know of. Another Union native who lives on the Coast, retired Air Force officer Will Clark, has written several nonfiction political books, focusing on current events as they relate to the Bible. His writing is sobering.
Retired IRS agent Joe Ezelle who grew up in Union published a book chronicling his experiences with the IRS. Joe’s words will keep you turning pages as he guides you through the the dangerous world of tax collection where revenuers are not welcome.
My friend Rev. Rick Benson has recently published a fiction novel which l look forward to reading. Then there is Benjamin Shelton. The son of Tracey and Rev. Chris Shelton, who recently graduated from Union High School. Benjamin is currently writing a weekly piece for the Newton County Appeal. He has won several awards for his work and if you have ever read him, you would know why.
Then there’s yours truly. I write mostly local history and folksy down home stuff. I have my own genre l call “cornbread.” I have one nonfiction Mississippi history book published. I have written two more with publications pending. That’s a fancy way of saying, “ain’t nobody interested in publishing my books.”
Have you ever had the urge to write? If so, grab a pen and a piece of paper and go for it.
Mississippi has more Pulitzer Prize recipients per capita than any other state. Some people might wonder why. The answer is easy. We have so much to write about here in Mississippi.
