After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the Mississippi Book Festival returns at long last to the grounds of the state capitol in Jackson on Saturday, August 20. It looks, in a word, spectacular. Details here.

I’m delighted to be returning to Lafayette next Wednesday, August 10, to read once more at Beausoleil Books, in their wonderful monthly series of Pour It and Poet. As always, the reading starts at 7pm (ish), with a fantastic open mic afterwards. For more information, visit Beausoleil Books online, or better yet, stop in one of the best independent bookstores in Louisiana for more details.

byFaith Magazine has a new essay on the intersection of beauty and theology, available in both the print edition and online.

The team at Crime Capsule has just learned that we’ve won a 2022 Gold Communicator Award of Excellence from AIVA for our launch series of episodes, our interview with Joshua Suchon on the murder of Tina Faelz. We’re incredibly honored, and as we approach the end of our first full season, we’re grateful for the encouragement to continue bringing these stories from the country’s past to light.

All current episodes of Crime Capsule can be streamed on all major platforms, or listened to directly on the Evergreen website.

I’m a proud supporter of One Book One New Orleans, a fantastic nonprofit devoted to community outreach and literacy efforts in the city, with a specific focus on adult education and supplying reading materials to incarcerated men and women. Their annual gala is next Wednesday, June 1, at Sidecar Patio and Oyster Bar, and is a great place to learn more about the organization and get involved. Details available at the OBONO website.