RedPubPod

RedPubPod #051 “Soup was on the stove… while the storm raged outside.” with Tony Robles

In this episode, Redhawk [https://redhawkpublications.com] chats with notable North Carolina-based poet Tony Robles about “Soup for the Storm,” his latest poetry collection born in the dark (literally), written by candlelight in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. These aren’t polished-from-a-distance poems; they are raw, immediate, scribbled-in-the-moment snapshots of survival, community, and the strange, beautiful ways people show up for each other when everything falls apart. He recalls helicopter evacuations, chainsaw heroes, turkey soup legends, and neighbors who don’t wait for help—they become help out of necessity. Robles talks about losing (and finding) his poems, writing through chaos, and why he sees himself less as a “poet” and more as a traveler collecting human stories. Listen up, prospective authors: Tony also talks about how to secure grants for writing. He emphasizes the importance of getting out and doing the work to market a book. Writers need to become their own best marketers, which means going from bookstore to coffee shop to library! Tony is dedicated. That’s the kind of knowledge you won’t find just anywhere. Only right here on RedPubPod. Just sayin’... And we acknowledge when we make faux pas. Yeah, we almost sent out the book with a name that could have caused trademark issues for Redhawk Publications. That was fun! (Not really...)  Bonus: the book gives back, the stories hit hard, and there’s a guy named Po’Boy you won’t forget anytime soon. If you like your poetry a tad gritty, a little soulful, and deeply rooted in real life, this one’s for you. Get your copy at: https://tinyurl.com/SoupForTheStorm [https://tinyurl.com/SoupForTheStorm]   DON’T FORGET: Saturday, April 25th, 2026, should already be on your calendar. You will get to meet Tony, Ron Rash, Joseph Bathanti, Hilda Downer, Virginia Evans, Meagan Church, Joy Calloway, and so many more. The City of Hickory will hold its 2nd Annual Literary Festival, and Redhawk Publications friends and family will be in full force. Get info on the Hickory Lit Fest at https://www.hickorync.gov/hickory-literary-festival [https://www.hickorync.gov/hickory-literary-festival]   REDPUBPOD HOSTS:  Tim Peeler – Associate Editor, Redhawk Publications [https://redhawkpublications.com]  Patty Thompson — Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications [https://redhawkpublications.com]   Please don’t forget to visit RedPubPod’s sponsor, Taste Full Beans, the best little coffee shop in all of North Carolina! Be sure to stop by and let the super-friendly staff know you heard about “TFB” from your favorite literary podcast, RedPubPod! It doesn’t hurt that they sell Redhawk Publications books, so buy one while you are sipping on some coffee.   Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café 29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC (828) 325-0108 https://www.tastefullbeans.com/ [https://www.tastefullbeans.com/]   Please FOLLOW, SHARE, LIKE, & SUBSCRIBE to RedPubPod! Show some love for the written word by talented writers because carefully chosen words in the proper order can change the world.    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/ [https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/ [https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/]

RedPubPod 050: “I love it when I can read a poem and discern who you have read.”

For our 50th episode, RedPubPod hands the mic to two master-level poets who came to co-host… and accidentally became each other’s best critics. With new books recently released by Redhawk Publications, [https://redhawkpublications.com] Scott Owens (The Song Is Why We Sing) [https://redhawkpublications.com/The-Song-is-Why-We-Sing-p811116256]and Michael Hettich (Waking Up Alone) [http://michaelhettich.com] begin with what feels like a mutual admiration society. It quickly deepens into a candid examination of craft, free of pretense. Influences are acknowledged. Lines are scrutinized with care. “I love it when I can read a poem and discern who you have read,” Michael observes, opening the door to an engaging exploration of poetic lineage, influence, and originality. Scott hears traces of Galway Kinnell and Li-Young Lee in Michael’s work, while Michael aligns himself with the Deep Image movement and the New York poets. Scott describes Michael’s poems as driven by “intentional unmindfulness,” shaped by an observant, associative narrative style. The conversation then turns. When asked about his own influences, Scott readily names Galway Kinnell—his favorite—and Mary Oliver, from whom he learned the value of accessibility. Michael acknowledges that there may be a touch of Billy Collins in Scott’s work. Scott graciously accepts the note, but hopes it’s not with the punchline-driven variety common with Collins. The exchange between these two is generous and gracious. This episode extends well beyond conversation. Poems are read aloud to one another—not performatively, but intimately. Listeners hear the pauses, the breath, the searching mind at work. Both poets speak candidly about their “feral mind” approach to language: allowing the associative imagination to roam freely, trusting surprise, and making room for play alongside intention. Patty has the rare privilege of stepping back and letting this podcast salon unfold. Over the course of an hour, the episode becomes an ode to poetry—both the journey and the destination. As a milestone installment, it offers a fitting tribute to fifty episodes: two accomplished poets modeling how to read one another closely, question thoughtfully, agree and occasionally disagree with grace, and sustain a sense of wonder and wildness on the page. Grab a notebook. You’ll want to jot down the reading list—and perhaps circle a line or two to borrow later. Michael shares that he may just do that! Many thanks to the North Carolina Poetry Society for awarding Michael’s book, “Waking Up Alone,” the 2025 Lena M. Shull Award. He finds the words for loss when there are none. He does this masterfully. Michael is a very worthy recipient.      DON’T FORGET: Saturday, April 25th, should already be on your calendar. You will get to meet Scott, Michael, and so many more. The City of Hickory will hold its 2nd Annual Literary Festival, and Redhawk Publications friends and family will be in full force. If you are a Redhawk author, we will have a table, free, so again, plan to attend.    We get to thank Scott twice. Not only as our guest host and author, but also because RedPubPod is sponsored by the best little coffee shop in all of North Carolina, Taste Full Beans! Be sure to stop by and let the super-friendly staff know you heard about “TFB” from your favorite literary podcast, RedPubPod!   Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café [https://www.tastefullbeans.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=984622763&gbraid=0AAAAADopRUhwuwWwSqCPETP6nq-6HPePG&gclid=CjwKCAiAnoXNBhAZEiwAnItcG3tb0kzXxJ2QyOymzsq3awqpVnwNAH2Dscpc0xgEigzp8MTIzjzuJBoC-X4QAvD_BwE] 29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC (828) 325-0108   Don’t forget to FOLLOW, SHARE, LIKE, & SUBSCRIBE to RedPubPod! Show some love for the written word by talented writers because carefully chosen words in the proper order can change the world.    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/ [https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/ [https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/]    #NorthCarolina, #RedhawkPublications, #RedPubPod, #Poetry, #Poets, #NCPoets, #NCPoetrySociety, #ScottOwens, #MichaelHettich, #PoetryInfluences, #WritingProcess, #CreativeWriting, #LiteraryFestivals, #CatawbaValleyCommunityCollege

RedPubPod 049: Todd Rafael Cimino and Hailie Tagner, Akula Literary Partners

“Every drama should make you laugh at least once, and every comedy should make you cry at least once.”   In this episode of RedPubPod [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://redhawkpublications.com/&ved=2ahUKEwiw8un415-SAxUgm4kEHckoJwIQFnoECCkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3thhG62FXPIhImX78THLAe], we talk storytelling—why it works, why it matters, and why it still beats doom-scrolling every time. We’re also officially kicking off an exciting new partnership between Redhawk Publications [https://redhawkpublications.com/] and Akula Literary Partners [https://akulalit.com/index.html], a near-nonprofit collective focused on lifting up women writers, writers of color, and LGBTQ+ voices across fiction, screenwriting, poetry, and music. (Yes, we love a mission with purpose.)   Our guest is North Carolina-based screenwriter and Television Academy jurist Todd Rafael Cimino [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2576176/bio/], who has done the thing—working on projects like Miami Vice, Lost in Translation, Big Little Lies, and Nine Perfect Strangers—and lived to tell the tale. Todd shares how Akula’s mentorship-first model came to be, what the creative industries really look like from the inside, and why rejection is basically a rite of passage. Spoiler: community and relationships still matter more than algorithms, submissions portals, or whatever LinkedIn is trying to sell this week.   We also preview upcoming literary projects, including Rivertown, a deeply personal, politically charged novel set in North Florida during the 2004 election era. Written with an episodic, TV-ready structure, it sparks a great conversation about how storytelling shifts when writers move between novels, film, and television—and why genre-bending, redemption arcs, and emotional truth are non-negotiable if you want work that actually sticks.   Joining the conversation is Hailie Tagner, editor at Akula Literary Partners and intern at Redhawk Publications, who somehow (and somewhat sneakily) landed in the orbit of both. Hailie brings questions straight from current screenwriting students at Catawba Valley Community College, prompting Todd to reflect on the unexpected depth of local talent and how education can be a real on-ramp—not just a buzzword—to opportunity. We wrap things up with thoughts on documentary storytelling, guilty-pleasure TV (no judgment), and the shared Redhawk/Akula goal: telling stories that broaden perspectives, celebrate diversity, and linger long after the credits roll.   Redhawk’s next Screenwriting & Film Adaptation Workshop will be held on Wednesday evenings, February 18th – April 8th, 6 pm – 8 pm. For eight weeks at only $75, it truly is, as Patty says, a bargain!    To register or get more information: https://tinyurl.com/Spring2026Screenwriting.    Folks, put Saturday, April 25th, on your calendar now! The City of Hickory will hold its 2nd Annual Literary Festival, and Redhawk Publications friends and family will be in full force. If you are a Redhawk author, we will have a table, free, so again – don’t miss this one!    And as always, we are honored to have RedPubPod sponsored by Scott Owens, the new Poet Laureate for the City of Hickory, as well as the owner of the best little coffee shop in all of North Carolina, Taste Full Beans! Be sure to stop by and let the super-friendly staff know you heard about “TFB” from your favorite literary podcast, RedPubPod!   Guests in this episode :  Todd Rafael Cimino - Screenwriter, Founder of Akula Literary Partners [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://akulalit.com/&ved=2ahUKEwi93avw15-SAxUow_ACHd2eG6AQFnoECBIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2vX06DUkiOog373LLgpQB-], Instructor Hailie Tagner – Editor with Akula Literary Partners and Intern with Redhawk Publications    Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café [https://www.tastefullbeans.com/] 29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC (828) 325-0108     Don’t forget to FOLLOW, SHARE, LIKE, & SUBSCRIBE to RedPubPod! Show some love for the written word by talented writers because carefully chosen words in the proper order can change the world.    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/ [https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/ [https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/]    #NorthCarolina, #RedhawkPublications, #RedPubPod, #FilmMaking, #Screenwriting, #NCFilms, #FilmAdaptation, #AkulaLitPartners #AkulaLiteraryPartners, #LakeNorman, #SherrillsFord, #CatawbaCounty #CatawbaCoNC, #LitFests  North Carolina, Redhawk Publications, RedPubPod, Film Making, Screenwriting, NC Films, Film Adaptation, Akula Lit, Akula Literary Partners, Lake Norman, Sherrills Ford, Catawba County, Catawba County, NC, Literary festivals

RedPubPod #048: “I have a good memory…”

“I have a good memory…”   And Earl’s not kidding. Charlotte native and lifelong fan Earl Gulledge [https://tinyurl.com/CharlotteEarlGulledge] joins Richard and Patty to explore the mid-century Queen City—when neon signs brightened the streets, the skyline was still taking shape, and “hauling around town” was a way of life.   Part memoir, part history, and part urban love letter, Charlotte: Haulin' Around Town Streetside captures the city’s transformation from streetcars to skyscrapers. Earl, a retired architect (and proud octogenarian with a sharper memory than both hosts combined), dives into how Charlotte grew—and what got lost along the way.   This episode isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a thoughtful examination of a city's soul, what we choose to preserve, and what we pave over. As Richard says, “You watched Charlotte grow up!” And Earl did—firsthand.   Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and listen to a true primary source share stories that built the Queen City.   Check out Earl’s book here, [https://tinyurl.com/CharlotteEarlGulledge] packed with rare, never-before-seen photos that make Charlotte history come alive.   REDPUBPOD HOSTS:  Richard Eller — Executive Director, Redhawk Publications  [https://redhawkpublications.com] Patty Thompson — Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications  [https://redhawkpublications.com]   And of course, a massive shout-out to our sponsor, Taste Full Beans [https://www.tastefullbeans.com/] — not only the best coffeehouse in town, but also a proud supporter of local literature and home to Redhawk Publications books. Be sure to stop by, grab a cup, and tell the amazing folks there that RedPubPod sent you!   Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café 29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC (828) 325-0108   Don’t forget to FOLLOW, SHARE, LIKE, & SUBSCRIBE to RedPubPod! Show some love for the written word by talented writers because carefully chosen words in the proper order can change the world.    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/ [https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/ [https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/]    #Charlotte, #NorthCarolina, #Charlottehistory, #QueenCity, #NorthCarolinaHistory, #SouthernTowns, #SouthernCities, #EarlGulledge, #RedhawkPublications, #NewBook, #Memoir, #RedPubPod

RedPubPod 047: Two Poets for the Price of One The Teacher, The Student, and the Poetry Between Them

What makes a good poet? Never underestimate the impact of a great instructor who both nurtures and challenges their students. In this episode, Patty and Richard dive into the art and craft of poetry with two writers who represent both sides of that relationship — the teacher and the student.   Scott Owens, a longtime poet, instructor, and owner of Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse in Hickory, joins the conversation to talk about his 24th published book, “Elemental [https://redhawkpublications.com/Elemental-p768337563].” Alongside him is his former student, Gray Lee, a Lenoir-Rhyne University student and former Redhawk Publications intern, celebrating the release of their first chapbook, “Becoming [https://redhawkpublications.com/Becoming-p773121235].”   The discussion explores everything from writing routines to inspiration — or the lack thereof. Scott shares insights into poetic forms and the discipline behind his writing, while Gray offers a fresh perspective on creativity as a more spontaneous, organic process. Together, they remind us that there’s no single “right” way to write poetry — just the courage to begin. HINT: Want to dive into the art of poetic forms—tankas, sonnets, sestinas, and villanelles? You’ll learn about them in this episode… Does the form create the poem? Or do the words dictate the form? Depends! Poetic license…   Patty even turns the mic toward Richard Eller, Executive Director of Redhawk Publications [https://redhawkpublications.com]and author of numerous nonfiction works, to explore how his historical writing process differs from that of poets.   SURPRISE: Gray learns their poem has been nominated for the Pushcart Award 2026 season. Congrats!   A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Lenoir-Rhyne University, whose dedicated instructors continue to shape and inspire new generations of writers. JOIN US: If you hear this before the end of October, please join Gray at Taste Full Beans for the book launch of “Becoming” along with Tuesday, October 28th, at 6:15 p.m., address below. Partial proceeds will benefit OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley, a nonprofit that nurtures and powers the LGBTQ+ community.    And of course, a massive shout-out to our sponsor, Taste Full Beans — not only the best coffeehouse in town, but also a proud supporter of local literature and home to Redhawk Publications books. Be sure to stop by, grab a cup, and tell the amazing folks there that RedPubPod sent you!   REDHAWK PUBLICATIONS CO-HOSTS: Richard Eller, Executive Director, Redhawk Publications & RedPubPod Engineer [https://redhawkpublications.com] Patty Thompson, Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications  [https://redhawkpublications.com]   Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café 29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC (828) 325-0108 https://www.tastefullbeans.com/ [https://www.tastefullbeans.com/]   Don’t forget to FOLLOW, SHARE, LIKE, & SUBSCRIBE to RedPubPod! Show some love for the written word by talented writers because carefully chosen words in the proper order can change the world.    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/ [https://www.facebook.com/RedhawkPub/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/ [https://www.instagram.com/redhawkcreative/]    #RedPubPod, #RedhawkPublications, #ScottOwens, #GrayLee, #Elemental, #Becoming, #Poetry, #Poems, #Publishing, #Authors, #Writers, #Poets, #NorthCarolinaPoets, #TasteFullBeans, #CatawbaValleyCommunityCollege,