Lights! Camera! Action!

 No, I wasn't in a movie.  And while I'd love to announce that something I've written has been optioned for a film, that's not the case either. 😊

But not long ago, Arkana Journal invited me to participate in their “Contributor Spotlight.”  They asked me a few questions about my essay “The Trees Of Mississippi: A Strange and Bitter Crop” (featured in issue #8 of Arkana) and one about my writing influences. See the following for specifics.

--How did composing this piece leave you feeling once it was finished?

--Legacy appears as an important theme in this work.  What legacy do you wish to leave the reader with this piece?

--Which authors influence your writing the most and why?

If you're interested or even mildly curious about my responses, you can visit the Contributor Spotlight Lori D. Johnson link HERE.

ANOTHER NICE SURPRISE . . . PUBLICATION WISE

My essay, "The Trees of Mississippi: A Strange and Bitter Crop" appears in the latest issue of Arkana: A literary journal of mysteries and marginalized voices (Issue #8 / April 28, 2020).  If that alone wasn't cause for celebration, the essay was also selected as the winner of the Arkana Editor's Choice Award in Creative Nonfiction.  Talk about a nice surprise!

In addition to reading the essay, you have have the option of listening to me read it.  Reading my nonfiction isn't my strong suit, but I think I deserve a few points for effort.  Besides, how will I ever get better if I'm not willing to take the risk of putting myself out there and being, well, less than great? LOL  😄

The pics feature here are of some of the trees I saw on my last visit to Water Valley, Mississippi.  All, but one of the photos, captures trees I spotted on land owned by my family--The Hawkins.