Books by the River

Arts and Music Series / 1 Season

Explore the inspiration and passion that it takes to create a Southern story. Host Holly Jackson engages with Southern Authors through in-depth interview as they tell humorous and heartwarming stories, share their love of reading, and offer advice for aspiring writers. This season, take a deeper look into what it takes to write Southern stories.

26m 30s / TV-PG

Leonard Pitts Jr.

S1 E104 / 26m 47s / TV-PG

Holly Jackson sits with 54 Miles author, Leonard Pitts Jr. Pitts discusses his creative process for the writing of the book and what inspired him to generate the novel’s core idea. 54 miles is set against the backdrop of racial tension and violence. The story follows Jesse, a black teenager, and Claire, a white journalist as they navigate the aftermath of a racially charged incident.

Kimberly Brock

S1 E103 / 26m 30s / TV-PG

Holly Jackson sits with author Kimberly Brock to discuss The Fabled Earth, a novel set in Southern Georgia’s Cumberland Island circa 1952. Brock discusses her inspirations for the novel, including being a frequent traveler to the Island. She also discusses her creative writing process and how she finds success in what she writes.

Mary Kay Andrews

S1 E102 / 27m 32s / TV-PG

Holly Jackson sits with author Mary Kay Andrews to discuss Summers at the Saint. Andrews shares insights into her creative process, inspired by small-town life, second chances and the power of reinvention. Summers at the Saint blends humor, romance and emotional depth, offering a heartwarming story of personal transformation and the unexpected beauty of new beginnings.

Joseph McGill Jr. & Herb Frazier

S1 E101 / 27m 39s / TV-PG

Holly Jackson sits with authors Joseph McGill Jr. and Herb Frazier to discuss Sleeping with the Ancestors. McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, discusses his experience staying overnight in former slave quarters. Frazier describes the challenges of writing on a sensitive topic. Both reflect on their journey and the book’s impact.

Supported by