Last night I was seated next to Bobbie Ann Mason at a holiday gathering. I’ve known her for years now but last night she told me that she’s reading my latest book. Her work has been so foundational for me. First _In Country_ and then, my favorite of hers, _Feather Crowns_, which I think is one of the most underrated American novels. I read it when I was 22 years old and really starting to find my own voice as a writer. Its influence has never left me. When I was a teenager she was THE writer who was putting working class rural people on the map in a new way. She’s one of the main writers who let me know that working class rural people’s stories matter, too. So to know she’s reading my book...well, Reader, it moved me. Sometimes it is wonderful to meet your heroes. When you do, be sure to tell them how they’ve changed you. 📸: @homegrownpress