LaToya Watkins’ latest book is the 2024 story collection, Holler, Child (Tiny Reparations Books), which was long-listed for the National Book Award.

In the eleven brilliant stories, Watkins presses at the bruises of guilt, love, and circumstance. Each story introduces us to a character irrevocably shaped by place and reaching toward something—hope, reconciliation, freedom.

In one story, “Cutting Horse,” a horse suddenly appears in a man’s suburban backyard to existential effect.

In the title story, a mother is forced into an impossible position when her son gets in a kind of trouble she knows too well from the other side.

“Part of what makes Watkins’ collection so enveloping is her mastery of the slow reveal.” – Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Atmospheric and cinematic, Holler, Child is well worth your time.” — The New York Times Book Review

“…turns painful subject matter into thoughtful, transcendent art… an unforgettable collection.” —The Washington Post

“Spellbinding, buoyant” – Texas Monthly

Watkins’ debut novel, Perish, was published to great acclaim in 2022.

Her latest novel, The Book of Chuck, is forthcoming in August 2026.

LaToya Watkins is the 2025-26 John and Renee Grisham Writer-in-Residence at the University of Mississippi.

Brooklyn-based, Florida-born Wiley Gaby (formerly Goldenchild) writes heartfelt hurtin’ songs and delivers them with tear-stained, emotional vocals—exploring “balladeer vulnerability and melodrama by swelling into high notes and emoting with sly finesse” (NPR Music).

His releases include the LP (as Goldenchild) Bridges.

“…case study in combining country with pop music and coming out with something that is heartfelt and mature. In other words, real country music.” — Rachel Cholst, Adobe & Teardrops

Dre Walker is a North Mississippi-based R&B/Blues performer. He and his band, the Mississippi Boyz, are known for consummate stage presence and energetic live shows.

Releases include the singles, “Down Home Country Boy,” “Lipstick on the Mirror,” “Move Tonight” and “Bootz.”