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,

In this episode of RedPubPod, retired criminal attorney and author John Rhea discusses his writing journey. John admits to some half-hearted attempts at writing in his earlier years—but the world waited patiently. Was it worth the wait? Lifer absolutely was. And we’re lucky it’s finally out in the world.

With razor-sharp dialogue and a plot that’s nothing short of “final level,” Rhea masterfully weaves two timelines: a past-tense narrative running parallel to a present-day storyline. At the center is an incarcerated protagonist—who just happens to be an attorney himself. It’s raw. It’s rich. It’s heartbreaking and deeply engaging. This is the kind of novel that could only have come from years of thoughtful development and serious craft honing.

John walks us through the steps he took to become the writer he is today, giving props to the editors, influences, and supporters who helped shape his work. His commitment to writing and sharing his actual process is evident in every word he shared. John reads a short passage, and it leaves Tim and Patty straight-up breathless. (And while you can’t see their faces—because, y’know, it’s a podcast—trust: they were shook. Comes with the territory of being a former trial attorney, John shares with the team!) Patty even manages to wrangle Richard Eller into the conversation about first readers and their importance in the writing process.

Folks, this is a novel that has been decades in the making. We at Redhawk Publications are proud to have Lifer in our collection.

Get your autographed copy of Lifer by John Rhea now from Redhawk Publications here!

Shout out to the Great Smokies Writing Program (UNC – Asheville) and the great Tommy Hays, who got the ball rolling for John! Congrats Luke Hankins, who is now the director of the Great Smokies Writing Program. Check them out here!

Your RedPubPod hosts are:

Patty Thompson, Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications

Tim Peeler, Renowned poet and Redhawk Publications editor

Richard Eller, Executive Director, Redhawk Publications and RedPubPod Engineer

We want to thank Taste Full Beans for being our exclusive sponsor. In fact, they are our only sponsor! We are truly grateful for that. Please remember to support Scott Owens, poet and coffee shop owner, when you visit Downtown Hickory, North Carolina. Check out the reviews—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 creative writing because carefully chosen words in the proper order really do matter. If they didn’t, there’d be only books with pictures!

#RedPubPod, #RedhawkPublications, #JohnRhea, #JohnRheaLifer, #Author, #Publishing, #BookLaunch, #DebutNovel, #Novelist, #Writers, #NorthCarolinaWriter, #UNCAsheville, #GreatSmokiesWritingProgram, #TommyHayes #LukeHankins, #TimPeeler, #RonRash, #RichardEller, #AustinAllran, #JasonParker,

In this episode of RedPubPod, we welcome Georgia poet Rupert Fike to discuss his powerful new poetry collection, All Things in Common, published by Redhawk Publications. With special guest host Cecilia Woloch an internationally renowned poet and Fulbright scholar—this lively conversation explores Fike’s poetic chronicle of "The Farm," a legendary counterculture commune he helped found in the 1970s.

Cecilia shares how her late cousin, poet Bart Solarczyk, helped her connect Rupert to Redhawk. Rupert reads from his collection while reflecting on communal living, spiritual awakening, and the hard-won lessons of idealism. Filled with laughter, insights, and history, this episode celebrates poetry, memory, and the stories that shape us.

All Things in Common by Rupert Fike is available now from Redhawk Publications here!

We encourage you to check out Cecilia’s website to learn more about her and her writing here!

Beloved poet Bart Solarczyk may have passed on, but his words are still with us. Find his books and many other Redhawk Publications books here.

RedPubPod is thrilled to have Taste Full Beans as our premier sponsor in Downtown Hickory, North Carolina. If you’re ever in town, swing by for fantastic coffee, food, and Redhawk Publications books. 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 creative writing because carefully chosen words in the proper order really do matter. If they didn’t, there’d be only books with pictures!

Check out our Facebook page for our latest releases and featured events:

REDHAWK PUBLICATIONS CO-HOSTS:

Patty Thompson, Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications

Cecilia Woloch, internationally renowned poet and Fulbright Scholar

GUEST AUTHOR:

Rupert Fike, Author: All Things in Common

#RedPubPod, #RedhawkPublications, #RupertFike #AllThingsInCommon #Poetry, #Publishing, #Authors, #Writers, #Poets, #TheFarm #GeorgiaPoets #CecliaWoloch #BartSolarczyk

In this insightful and entertaining episode of RedPubPod, Richard and Patty sit down with local author Chris Nelson, whose debut short story collection, Where You Are From, is already making waves. Chris's path—from bouncer to paralegal to English instructor to published author—is a fascinating ride through real-life plot twists, all grounded in a deep sense of place.

While many writers talk about “place,” Chris embodies it. If you pick up his book, you’ll see what we mean. He captures the slow rise and sharp decline of a small foothill town in Western North Carolina with such precision that you can almost see the empty textile mills and smell the rust of faded dreams. The writing is tight, haunting, and wholly authentic—a collection that entertains while quietly teaching a history lesson about what happens when industry leaves and doesn’t come back, when generations collide, when transitions make it hard to move forward, and when you realize not making a choice is still a decision.

In this episode, Chris discusses why he occasionally cloaks real towns with pseudonyms, how his friends and family reacted to seeing pieces of their world on the page, and what it’s like to reflect life in the Foothills with both candor and care.

Of course, having Richard on hand adds a layer of regional context (because, let’s be real, the man is a walking history book of all that is west of I-77). And yes, Patty had a moment with second-person narration. She may have called it fourth person at first, but hey, cut her some slack—she’s writing this in third person as she types. Or am I?!

This episode isn’t just about crafting short stories—it’s about reckoning with your roots: the good, the bad, and the beautifully complicated. And, while Lenoir might be his oppressor, what amazing stories come from Chris’s first tormentor.

Enjoy this one, friends. And if you’re from the Foothills, you’re going to feel this one in your bones.

SHAMELESS PLUG: Join Chris Nelson, Redhawk’s Patty Thompson, along with author Rhonda Browning White, for an unforgettable evening of storytelling and literary insight on Tuesday, June 10th at 7 pm at the Lincolnton Cultural Center, Lincoln, NC. The authors will read from their respective books and engage in a lively discussion about the writing life. They’ll be joined by Redhawk Publications’ own Patty Thompson, who’ll weigh in on the process of publishing and the state of small presses. It’s a free event, and you aren’t doing anything else! Come on out!

Where You Are From by Chris Nelson is available now from Redhawk Publications here!

REDHAWK PUBLICATIONS HOSTS:

Patty Thompson, Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications

Richard Eller, Executive Director & Podcast Engineer

RedPubPod is thrilled to have Taste Full Beans as our premier sponsor in Downtown

Hickory, North Carolina. If you’re ever in town, swing by for fantastic coffee, food, and

Redhawk Publications books. 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 creative writing because carefully chosen words in the proper order really do matter. If they didn’t, there’d be no book bannings!

Check out our Facebook page here for our latest releases and featured events

Go to our commerce site here to see our entire list of titles available for sale

#RedPubPod, #RedhawkPublications, #ChrisNelson, #WhereYouAreFrom, #ShortStories, #ShortStory, #CreativeWriting, #Publishing, #Authors, #Writers, #NCWriters, #AppalachianVoices, #FoothillsNC, #CaldwellCounty, #LenoirNC, #WesternPiedmont,

In this vibrant episode of RedPubPod, we sit down with the brilliant and bold Maeve Fox, a North Carolina poet whose debut collection, Letting Go of Me, is turning heads and opening hearts. This convo is hosted by Redhawk Publications' own Patty Thompson and featuring special guest Jay Orlando (author of Tangled Lineage and featured poet on RedPubPod episode #033), and deepens into the power of transformation, identity, and poetic vulnerability.

Maeve shares the story behind her collection—a poetic journey that spans life before and after her transition—blending fierce honesty, Appalachian grit, and lyrical finesse. From birds crashing into windows to the wild textures of sound shaped by her synesthesia, Maeve gives us an unforgettable glimpse into her creative process.

Jay and Maeve chat about the power of writing communities, the thrill of live readings, and the beauty of letting poetry be raw, messy, and authentic. Plus, Maeve reads from her book, including the standout piece, “Of All the Things Before, After, and In Between.” Lots of chills and near tears as Jay surprises Maeve by reading one of her poems from one of her books; it’s a masterclass in hearing vulnerability in word form.

This episode is about more than poetry—it's about finding voice, honoring growth, and flying free.

Grab your headphones and get ready to vibe with the newest voice in Appalachian poetry.

Letting Go of Me by Maeve Fox is available now from Redhawk Publications here

Check out Jay Orlando’s collection, Tangled Lineage, while you are at it here

REDHAWK PUBLICATIONS HOST:

Patty Thompson, Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications

SPECIAL CO-HOST:

Jay Orlando, Author

RedPubPod is thrilled to have Taste Full Beans as our premier sponsor in Downtown

Hickory, North Carolina. If you’re ever in town, swing by for fantastic coffee, food, and

Redhawk Publications books. 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 poetry because carefully chosen words in the proper order really do matter.

Check out our Facebook page here for our latest releases and featured events

Go to our commerce site here to see our entire list of titles available for sale

#RedPubPod, #RedhawkPublications, #MaeveFox #JayOrlando, #LettingGoOfMe, #TangledLineage, #Poetry, #Publishing, #Authors, #Writers, #NCPoets, #LGBTQPoets #TransPoetry #TransPoet #LGBTQPoetry #AppalachianVoices #AppalachianPoets #QueerVoices, #QueerPoets

“That’s what’s important about poetry; you have to wager something you can lose.”

Award-winning author Michael Loderstedt reveals the key to impactful poetry

Welcome to another episode of RedPubPod, where poetry, art, and a little bit of Southern charm collide in the most unexpected ways. Hosted by Acquisitions Editor Patty Thompson, this episode features a dynamic duo: poets Tim Peeler and Michael Loderstedt.

Tim, a writer since his college days at East Carolina University, kicks things off by introducing Michael, who he brought to the podcast. Michael, a creative soul from the Southern Outer Banks, shares how growing up on a quiet island (think salty air, vast skies, and lots of time to think) shaped Why We Fished. They bond over their love of art in all its forms—whether it’s the sound of a ukulele or a freshly written poem. Michael reveals the deeply personal inspiration behind the poem “Calling My Stepfather One Year After Mom Died,” and Tim gets into why good poetry isn’t about shock value.

It's not just Michael who has stories to tell. Tim, the son of a preacher and a lifelong lover of literature, shares how his upbringing in a book-filled house influenced his poetic voice and the inspiration behind Life and Times of Gudger.

Lastly, things take a fun turn when Patty asks the big question: What do these two poets think of Kendrick Lamar? Spoiler alert: Tim’s been a fan for years.

So, please grab a coffee (or something stronger; we don’t judge) and tune in to this lighthearted yet insightful conversation about poetry, art, family, and why these things come back to a good story. Trust us, it’s more than just words.

Check out Michael’s book Why We Fished

If you would like a copy of their new limited edition of Life and Times of Gudger, Tim or Joe can be reached at tpeeler4382@gmail.com

HEY! RedPubPod is thrilled to have Taste Full Beans as our premier sponsor in Downtown

Hickory, North Carolina. If you’re ever in town, swing by for fantastic coffee, food, and

Redhawk Publications books. 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 poetry because carefully chosen words in the proper order really do matter.

Check out our Facebook page for our latest releases and featured events

Go to our commerce site to see our entire list of titles available for sale here

#RedPubPod, #RedhawkPublications, #TimPeeler, #MichaelLoderstedt, #WhyWeFished, #LifeandTimesofGudger, #Poetry, #Publishing, #Authors, #Writers #NCPoets