What makes a good poet? Never underestimate the impact of a great instructor who both nurtures and challenges their students. In this episode, Patty and Richard dive into the art and craft of poetry with two writers who represent both sides of that relationship — the teacher and the student.

Scott Owens, a longtime poet, instructor, and owner of Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse in Hickory, joins the conversation to talk about his 24th published book, “Elemental.” Alongside him is his former student, Gray Lee, a Lenoir-Rhyne University student and former Redhawk Publications intern, celebrating the release of their first chapbook, “Becoming.”

The discussion explores everything from writing routines to inspiration — or the lack thereof. Scott shares insights into poetic forms and the discipline behind his writing, while Gray offers a fresh perspective on creativity as a more spontaneous, organic process. Together, they remind us that there’s no single “right” way to write poetry — just the courage to begin. HINT: Want to dive into the art of poetic forms—tankas, sonnets, sestinas, and villanelles? You’ll learn about them in this episode… Does the form create the poem? Or do the words dictate the form? Depends! Poetic license…

Patty even turns the mic toward Richard Eller, Executive Director of Redhawk Publications and author of numerous nonfiction works, to explore how his historical writing process differs from that of poets.

SURPRISE: Gray learns their poem has been nominated for the Pushcart Award 2026 season. Congrats!

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Lenoir-Rhyne University, whose dedicated instructors continue to shape and inspire new generations of writers. JOIN US: If you hear this before the end of October, please join Gray at Taste Full Beans for the book launch of “Becoming” along with Tuesday, October 28th, at 6:15 p.m., address below. Partial proceeds will benefit OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley, a nonprofit that nurtures and powers the LGBTQ+ community.

And of course, a massive shout-out to our sponsor, Taste Full Beans — not only the best coffeehouse in town, but also a proud supporter of local literature and home to Redhawk Publications books. Be sure to stop by, grab a cup, and tell the amazing folks there that RedPubPod sent you!

REDHAWK PUBLICATIONS CO-HOSTS:

Richard Eller, Executive Director, Redhawk Publications & RedPubPod Engineer

Patty Thompson, Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications

Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café

29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC

(828) 325-0108

https://www.tastefullbeans.com/

Don’t forget to FOLLOW, SHARE, LIKE, & SUBSCRIBE to RedPubPod! Show some love for the written word by talented writers because carefully chosen words in the proper order can change the world.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/

#RedPubPod, #RedhawkPublications, #ScottOwens, #GrayLee, #Elemental, #Becoming, #Poetry, #Poems, #Publishing, #Authors, #Writers, #Poets, #NorthCarolinaPoets, #TasteFullBeans, #CatawbaValleyCommunityCollege,

Author Jason Parker and editor Tom Rash drop by the RedPubPod studio to dive into PROSECUTOR BOY, Jason’s memoir! What follows is a laid-back, insightful, and often hilarious conversation. Redhawk Publications hosts Patty Thompson and Richard Eller, who are in their element, riffing with Jason and his editor not only about the ups and downs of the writing journey, but also about the bigger picture—history, culture, and what it meant to come of age as a Black man in the segregated South.

So much gets covered here that you’ll definitely want to grab the book. Honestly, that’s all we need to say—get your copy at https://tinyurl.com/prosecutorboy.

We want to thank Taste Full Beans for being our exclusive podcast sponsor. Support owner/poet Scott Owens and his merry team when you visit Downtown Hickory, North Carolina. Look up the rave reviews online - we'll wait. They’re probably the best coffee shop in our county! Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by for excellent coffee, food, and – surprise - Redhawk Publications books. And be sure to tell the awesome folks there that RedPubPod sent you!

Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café

29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC

(828) 325-0108

https://www.tastefullbeans.com/

Don’t forget to FOLLOW, SHARE, LIKE, & SUBSCRIBE to RedPubPod! Show some love for the written word by talented writers because carefully chosen words in the proper order can change the world.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/

#Writers #authors #memoirs #newbook #booklaunch #NorthCarolina #history #segregation #SouthernStories #Southern Voices #Lawyers #RedhawkPublications #RedPubPod #JasonParker #ProsecutorBoy #TomRash #editor, #Editing #CatawbaCounty #Prosecutors #LawyersWhoWrite

Academic Writer turned Published Author Jane Everson discusses her debut book:

Everyday Women, Extraordinary Wisdom

We’re excited to have North Carolina author Jane Everson in the studio today. Gather 'round as she shares her writing journey—one that almost led her down the path of Scandinavian murder mysteries. (Yeah, imagine that!) Lucky for us, she chose instead to spotlight everyday women—and the result is nothing short of magical.

Jane chats with Redhawk Publications editor Patty Thompson and special guest host Michelle Morgan from Hickory’s own Women’s Resource Center. She walks us through her leap from academic writing to crafting a more personal, narrative-driven book—one filled with real women’s voices from all walks of life and corners of the country.

Aspiring writers, take note: Jane drops some solid wisdom about navigating tone edits, collaborating on book cover design, and the underrated art of not rushing into your next project. It’s all about letting the current book breathe (and sell!).

There’s a lot to learn in this episode—about writing, resilience, and the special bond between Jane and the Women’s Resource Center, which will host a fundraiser/book launch in August 2025. Tune in for a generous dose of inspiration, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes book talk..

Get your autographed copy of Everyday Women, Extraordinary Wisdom by Jane Everson from Redhawk Publications here

If you have some time, please check out the Women’s Resource Center in Hickory, NC. It’s a treasured and valued non-profit in the Foothills of North Carolina, servicing women in a four-county region. It’s a safe space with no judgment that focuses on the well-being of women by providing support to help them thrive.

We want to thank Taste Full Beans for being our exclusive podcast sponsor. Support owner/poet Scott Owens and his merry team when you visit Downtown Hickory, North Carolina. Look up the rave reviews online - we'll wait. They’re probably the best coffee shop in our county! Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by for excellent coffee, food, and – surprise - Redhawk Publications books. And be sure to tell the awesome folks there that RedPubPod sent you!

Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café

29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC

(828) 325-0108

Don’t forget to FOLLOW, SHARE, LIKE, & SUBSCRIBE to RedPubPod! Show some love for the written word by talented writers because carefully chosen words in the proper order can change the world.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/

REDHAWK PUBLICATIONS CO-HOSTS:

Patty Thompson, Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications

Michelle Morgan, Executive Director, Women’s Resource Center

Richard Eller, Executive Director, Redhawk Publications and RedPubPod Engineer

#RedPubPod, #RedhawkPublications, #JaneEverson, #EverydayWomenExtraordinaryWisdom, #Author, #Publishing, #BookLaunch, #DebutBook, #Writers, #NorthCarolinaWriter, #WomensResourceCenter, #WomenStudies, #WomenWriters,