Company: Redhawk Publications
Contact: Patricia Thompson
Phone: 828-475-2384
Email: pthompson994@cvcc.edu
RELEASE DATE: IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Redhawk Publications Releases the New Book
Facing Toward the East
by Georgia Poet, Carroll S. Taylor
Hickory, NC - Redhawk Publications is delighted to unveil Facing Toward the East, a unique and captivating new poetry collection by the celebrated Georgia author and poet Carroll S. Taylor. Renowned for her vivid storytelling and poignant reflections on Southern life, Taylor's latest work, with its distinct themes of rebirth, redemption, and the enduring human spirit, is sure to captivate readers of all ages.
About the Author
Taylor's literary journey is a testament to her talent and dedication. With a remarkable portfolio that includes the beloved novels Chinaberry Summer (2013) and Chinaberry Summer: On the Other Side (2017), as well as the children’s books Ella’s Quilt (2023) and Feannag the Crow (2020), Taylor has firmly established herself as a prominent figure in contemporary Southern literature.
A retired educator with over forty years of experience teaching students from kindergarten through high school, Taylor continued to inspire young minds as a part-time instructor at Columbus State University, GA, where she taught essay writing, Freshman Seminar, and French. Now entirely devoted to her writing, Taylor channels her life experiences into her creative work, providing readers with a deeply personal and authentic literary journey.
Facing Toward the East: A New Dawn in Poetry
Facing Toward the East explores rebirth, redemption, and the enduring human spirit. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in rural Georgia and her life in the Northeast Georgia mountains, Taylor weaves a rich tapestry of stories and emotions. The collection, her first venture into publishing a book of poetry, is a testament to her literary evolution and dedication to her craft.
"Many older cemeteries bury the dead facing toward the East for the Resurrection, but for the living, morning light represents a new day, a time for rebirth or redemption," says Taylor. "Who among the living will face the rising sun with fierce determination?"
With this collection, Taylor delves into the lives of family members, acquaintances, and imagined characters, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Though deeply personal, her poems resonate universally, appealing to readers young and old, especially those who cherish Southern literature.
A Story of Inspiration
The journey to Facing Toward the East was challenging. Reflecting on her career, Taylor recounts a pivotal moment during a book signing for Chinaberry Summer. Doubtful about her work's reception, she found an unexpected sign in the form of a turtle—reinforcing her belief in advocating for the voiceless. This moment of clarity continues to inspire her writing, shaping her latest collection.
Appealing to a Broad Audience
While rooted in her Southern heritage, Taylor's work transcends geographic and demographic boundaries. "I believe my book will appeal to young people, older adults, and all ages. My other books have been enjoyed by readers from age eleven to eighty plus," Taylor states. Deliberately crafted to be appropriate for middle and high school libraries, Facing Toward the East is poised to become a cherished addition to personal and educational collections.
Whether you are a longtime admirer of Taylor’s writing or discovering her work for the first time, this collection promises to inspire, uplift, and resonate deeply.
Facing Toward the East is available for presale at https://tinyurl.com/FacingTowardTheEast
Taylor will be the North Carolina Writer’s Network – West book event on Saturday, July 13th, at the Festival on the Square in Hayesville, NC.
She will also be the guest reader on the Mountain Wordsmiths Zoom program on July 25th at 10:30 a.m. Interested parties should email vibiaperpetua@gmail.com for the ID number and passcode.
Established in 2017, Redhawk Publications is a unique publishing initiative of Catawba Valley Community College. With over 170 titles to date, it is one of three community colleges nationwide with a literary publishing press. For more information, please get in touch with Patty Thompson at pthompson994@cvcc.edu.