A few days ago, we received word that Richard, my editor, placed second in the Appalachian Narratives for Our Time essay contest judged by Appalachian author Silas House. His essay is entitled "From Moonshiner to Lawyer" and discusses the challenges of growing up within a moonshining family.

Richard is an extraordinarily good story teller. I bugged him for years to start a blog sharing some of the stories he's gathered over his life. A few months ago, he finally did. His blog is called Hopkins Writes. If you're at all interested in true Appalachian stories, and especially moonshing stories, I highly recommend you hop over there and read his blog.

This announcement couldn't have come at a better time. Today is Richard's birthday, and believe me when I say that learning of his placement in the contest was a really awesome present for him.

I'm so proud to call Richard my friend. He's been super supportive of me throughout my writing career, and now I have the opportunity to pay back some of the help he's given me. Congratulations, Richard. You deserve it!