Diane Williams is a story-weaver whose narratives are spun from books, history, myths, and legends. Her work, often rooted in folklore and original concepts, is notable for its rich tapestry of language and culture. Beyond her writing, Williams is a recognized artist and educator who enriches communities and mentors future storytellers through her craft. Her written voice, like her performance style, emphasizes the power of storytelling in capturing and transmitting human experience.
Britain's most prestigious literary magazine brings you the very best new fiction, memoir, reportage, poetry, photography and art from around the world. Granta consistently publishes innovative and prize-winning writing in each quarterly issue, such as 'Rain' by Colin Barrett and 'The Room-Service Waiter' by Tom Crewe (both winners of the 2024 O. Henry Prize for Short Fiction), as well as 'Theories of Care' by Sophie Mackintosh, which won the 2024 Pushcart Prize.
From the hills to the coast, the people of Mississippi have stories to tell. Most would never guess that Raleigh, Mississippi, once played host to the National Tobacco Spitting Contest. Over in Okolona, children are told of the man who lived--and died--deep down in a hole and scared passersby. From the gandy dancers who built the first train tracks in Mississippi to the eight-foot-tall man who lived in the woods of Columbia, read tales that range from common myth to a good bit of righteous gossip. Author and storyteller Diane Williams traveled across the Magnolia State to gather these local legends and has compiled them into an inquisitive, laugh-out-loud collection.