The Southern Collective Experience

09/12/2025

Family D L Yancey II lives to brighten the lives of children.

🎶📚 New Episode of Bessie’s Book Club drops tomorrow! 📚🎶

We’re excited to welcome DL Yancey II, author, musician, and community voice, as our next guest in the series. ✨

In this episode, DL reflects on his own children’s book, The Adventures of King: My Red Guitar, sharing how music, storytelling, and faith inspire his work and connect to the themes of identity and creativity.

📅 Premieres tomorrow (Wednesday)!
📍 Watch right here on our page, and catch the full series at bessiesmithcc.org/bessies-book-club

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with a local author and artist! 💜

09/10/2025

The Blue Mountain Review IS OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS IN ALL GENRES: https://bluemountainreview.submittable.com/submit

09/10/2025

Our spot in Brasstown, N.C.is The Crown Brasstown

09/05/2025

THE TIME IS NOW!

UCLA Extension Writers' Program allows me another quarter to share all the trade secrets in THE BUSINESS OF WRITING: www.uclaextension.edu/writing/creative-writing/course/business-writing-writing-x-4652e

In the 3-hour workshop 2 weeks ago, 34 people showed up and we touched on a plethora of road-tested facts and procedures to succeed in the industry of letters.

I only teach what I know works. With over a decade of experience, I’ll show you how to navigate this treacherous landscape with confidence.

SIGN UP TODAY!

09/02/2025

The incomparable Richard Blanco

"Like thirst, like hunger, we ache with the need to save ourselves, and our country from itself."

Grateful to feature in the empowering "Americans Who Tell the Truth" exhibit, by artist Robert Shetterly, with the above excerpt of my poem "Como Tú / Like You / Like Me" on the portrait.

Friends in can view the exhibition at Brigham Green in Belfast on the evening of September 12th. There will be live music, and Robert will introduce the portraits with large-scale projections above the Green. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy all Robert has created; a beautiful reminder that the truth is the highest virtue of democracy.

Supported by Maine Arts Commission, Belfast Community Media, and Our Town Belfast. Visit the link for event info, and explore resources for educators: https://americanswhotellthetruth.org/events/brigham-green-activating-main-street/