Alabama Writers Hall of Fame inducts 8 new members

Written by Emma Johnston

Eight distinguished Alabama authors will be inducted into the 2023 Alabama Writers Hall of Fame on Friday, March 10. Keep reading to learn more about the event and the writers being acknowledged.

Catch the event

The Alabama Writers Hall of Fame was founded in 2014 through a partnership between the Alabama Center for the Book and the Alabama Writers’ Forum. The Alabama Writers’ Forum engages with a wide network of state and national partnerships to support, advocate and promote writers and reading throughout the state.

• When: Friday, March 10 | 6-7PM
• Where: The University of Alabama Bryant Conference Center | 240 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
• Tickets

“It is both an honor and a privilege to take part in recognizing the creativity, dedication and accomplishments of the authors represented in the 2023 class. The best way to celebrate the spirit and brilliance of all present and past Alabama Writers Hall of Fame inductees is to promote their works as an inspiration to the generations that follow.”Michael Pearce, Director, Alabama Center for the Book

1. Tom Franklin

Tom Franklin, a novelist and short story writer, was born in Dickinson, Alabama. He is the author of the short story collection Poachers and novels Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, Hell at the Breech and Smonk. Franklin is currently an associate professor of creative writing at the University of Mississippi.

2. Trudier Harris

Trudier Harris, born in Greene County, is an acclaimed author and scholar whose many authored and co-edited books often focus on Black American literature and authors. Her memoir, Summer Snow: Reflections from a Black Daughter of the South, was published in 2003. She retired from her position as The University of Alabama Distinguished Research Professor of English in 2022.

3. Angela Johnson

Angela Johnson, born in Tuskegee, Alabama, is an award-winning author of over 40 books for children and young adults. Her first book, Tell Me a Story, Mama, was published in 1989. Her picture books, poetry and young adult novels celebrate Black families, their history and community and frequently feature Alabama settings. Johnson received a MacArthur Fellowship in 2003.

4. Howell Raines

Howell Raines, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, is a prize-winning journalist and author of fiction, nonfiction and memoirs. Raines reported for regional newspapers prior to positions at The New York Times, where he was executive editor for three years. His novel Whiskey Man and books about fly fishing complement a career that includes commentaries, essays and reviews.

5. Michelle Richmond

Michelle Richmond, a native of Mobile, Alabama, is the author of six novels, several short story collections and numerous essays. Among her best-selling novels are The Year of Fog, The Marriage Pact and The Wonder Test. She is a recipient of the Truman Capote Prize for literary nonfiction or short story. Her fiction often explores ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

6. Daniel Wallace

Daniel Wallace, from Birmingham, Alabama, is a best-selling novelist, short story writer, children’s book author and illustrator. His best-selling novel, Big Fish: A Story of Mythic Proportions, was the basis for a popular film by director Tim Burton. Wallace is a professor of English and director of the creative writing program at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

7. Eugene Walter

Eugene Walter, the “Renaissance Man” from Mobile, Alabama, was a writer, actor, cookbook author, costume designer, host, editor and artist. He served in the military in the Aleutian Islands and lived in New York, Paris and Rome before returning to Mobile in his later years. His first novel, The Untidy Pilgrim, won the Lippincott Prize for fiction and his Time-Life cookbook American Cooking: Southern Style is a classic of the genre.

8. Kathryn Tucker Windham

Kathryn Tucker Windham, born in Selma, Alabama, was the first woman journalist for the Alabama Journal and later reported for The Birmingham News and the Selma Times-Journal. Her eight Jeffrey books presented ghost stories from throughout Alabama and beyond. She was best known for her appearances at storytelling festivals, schools and other events and for her regular commentaries for National Public Radio.

For more literary news check out these stories:

• 13th annual Real Men Read event coming to Miles College
• Historical Fiction novel, African Town, wins 2023 Scott O’Dell Award
• Birmingham native tops Amazon bestseller chart + other literary news

For the latest, buzziest news, sign up for our FREE newsletter and follow us on Instagram + Facebook.