Styron on writing, from The Paris Review

I've always been interested in what writers say about writing. This classic with with Styron is one of the best--from the dismissal of "teaching" creative writing, to the ambiguous issue of a "Southern" perspective, to just getting it done. It's worth a few minutes to read even now.

Outrageous slander of vets by NYT

The NYT has crossed far over the line with this op-ed slandering veterans, especially Vietnam Era, because a few of them may have links to right-wing groups. Not only this the very promise utterly specious in its methodology, it adds yet another burden and stigma to the MILLIONS of veterans who served their country and especially those who were wounded or died doing so. I am sure the veterans communities of America will rise up in the same kind of anger I feel towards this outrageous bullshit and condemn the New York Times as it so rightly deserves.

Living and learning in Baton Rouge, 1968

I received a nice invitation today to be a guest speaker at the Louisiana Book Festival next Nov. 1 in Baton Rouge to discuss my new novel "South, America." Thinking of going back to the city where I went to grad school at LSU (government) reminded me of "The Chord of G," a personal essay I wrote for the late, great Southern Magazine back in '89.

 I had almost forgotten what life was like for me back in '68, sharing a house with a Vietnam vet and learning something important from my neighbors. You can also see "The Chord of G" and other pieces, on my author webpage, RodDavis Author.com 

A preacher with more than two suits

"Any preacher with more than two suits is living a lie."--Gaye Adegbalola nails it. Heed, Sunday TV pulpits. Watch, listen. This is the way I heard it in the small churches of Georgia and Texas growing up.

Praise for "South, America"

From NewSouth Books: Award-winning author Rod Davis's new novel "South, America," is Southern noir at its best. Just published by NewSouth Books, "South, America" is being compared to the works of James M. Cain and Mickey Spillane. The mystery is set in pre-Katrina New Orleans.

Southern Literary Review calls "South, America" "masterful." Tony Dunbar, author of the Tubby Dubonnet series, says, "It's a riveting read."

Rod Davis has won numerous book awards including the PEN/Southwest fiction award in 2005 for "Corina's Way," also published by NewSouth Books.

"South, America" is available from NewSouth Books in paperback and ebook: 
http://www.newsouthbooks.com/south-america. 

"South, America" gets delivered

Nothing like coming back from your laps around the park to find a UPS box at your doorstep, with copies of your new novel inside. Thanks, NewSouth Books. Another great cover!

"South, America: A Jack Prine Novel" now available!

I'm happy to announce that South, America: A Jack Prine Novel is out available from NewSouth Books as an e-book or trade paperback. Here's the release with ordering info. Click to order and enjoy!