RedPubPod

“I have a good memory…”   And Earl’s not kidding. Charlotte native and lifelong fan Earl Gulledge joins Richard and Patty to explore the mid-century Queen City—when neon signs brightened the streets, the skyline was still taking shape, and “hauling around town” was a way of life.   Part memoir, part history, and part urban love letter, Charlotte: Haulin' Around Town Streetside captures the city’s transformation from streetcars to skyscrapers. Earl, a retired architect (and proud octogenarian with a sharper memory than both hosts combined), dives into how Charlotte grew—and what got lost along the way.   This episode isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a thoughtful examination of a city's soul, what we choose to preserve, and what we pave over. As Richard says, “You watched Charlotte grow up!” And Earl did—firsthand.   Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and listen to a true primary source share stories that built the Queen City.   Check out Earl’s book here, packed with rare, never-before-seen photos that make Charlotte history come alive.   REDPUBPOD HOSTS:  Richard Eller — Executive Director, Redhawk Publications  Patty Thompson — Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications    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!   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/    #Charlotte, #NorthCarolina, #Charlottehistory, #QueenCity, #NorthCarolinaHistory, #SouthernTowns, #SouthernCities, #EarlGulledge, #RedhawkPublications, #NewBook, #Memoir, #RedPubPod

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.

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,