The Cracker Queen - Lauretta Hannon  
 
   
 
   

 

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Check out my new essay in this delightful book. Available to order through your local bookseller or Amazon, February 2021
Viral Literature: Alone Together in Georgia
 
I’ve started recording some of my favorite written things from across all traditions, across all times. These are posted on my Facebook page, February 2021
Lola reads beautiful things
 
Southern women have standards even during a pandemic, April 2020
Pandemic mask with lipstick
 
Heading to Sapelo Island for the She Who Laughs Retreat, October 2019
Heading to Sapelo Island for the She Who Laughs Retreat
 
Wait for me! I almost forgot my pink tutu! She Who Laughs, October 2019
Wait for me! I almost forgot my pink tutu! She Who Laughs Retreat
 
Queens everywhere, Darien, GA, October 2019
Queens Everywhere Darien GA
 
With readers at the Georgia Writers' Museum
With readers at the Georgia Writers' Museum
 
All signs pointed to a much-needed writing residency at the Hambidge Center, November 2019
Hambridge Center Writing Residency
 
Thanks to Smoke Rise Baptist Church for having me as its keynote speaker at the ladies' holiday dinner, November 2019
Smoke Rise Baptist Church Ladies' Holiday Dinner
 
Truth.
All summer long she was sweet southern lady and then football season started
 
 
September 2018
 
YouTube channel coming soon...
 
 
Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, University of Dayton, April 2018
 
Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop
 
With Mimi from "The Drew Carey Show." She  is Kathy Kinney, a great comic writer & actress.
Mimi from the Drew Carey Show - Kathy Kinney
 
Met some wonderful folks.
Met Some Wonderful Folks
 
Wonderful folks, part 2
Wonderful Folks Part 2
 
Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop Festivities
 
Things got more & more festive as the night wore on...
 
Another fab piece by Burnt Barn Studio; the artist is one of us, as you can see. You can enjoy more at https://www.etsy.com/shop/BurntBarnStudio?ref=shop_sugg
Chewing through the restriants - Burnt Barn Studio
 
If we're not Facebook friends, you're missing out on mostly daily, always deep wisdom from me such as this. 
Push It Salt n Pepa
 
The Basilica of St. Nicholas, Amsterdam, Holland, February 2018
The Basilica of St. Nicholas Amsterdam, Holland
 
Amsterdam is home away from home because my friend is there, February 2018
Amsterdam Friends
 
De Krijtberg Church, Amsterdam
De Krijtberg Church Amsterdam
 
Scenic Amsterdam
Scenic Amsterdam
 
Typical city street, Amsterdam
Typcial Amsterdam Street
 
If you only knew how much I love seeing writers at work! Memoir Master Class, July 2017
Memoir Class 2017
 
Scribes putting together their 6-word memoirs, July 2017
Memoir Class Scribes
 
Hanging out after the Memoir Master Class, July 2017
Hanging out after Memoir Class
 
Six-Word Memoirs, July 2017
6 Word Memoir
 
Six Word Memoir
 
Six Word Memoir
 
So honored that Gina Heron drove many hours to get to her one-on-one consultation with me. You'll be seeing her name in your bookstore before long--just you wait and see. Summer 2017
Gina Heron and Lauretta Hannon
 
The girl with the tattoos hails from South Africa and has such a story to tell. I'm glad she attended the Memoir Master Class.
Girl with Tattoos from Memoir Class
 
Girl with Bravery Tattoo from Memoir Class
 
They became fast friends after meeting at the Memoir Master Class.
Making friends at Memoir Class
 
Had a blast as the keynote speaker at the Heart of Georgia United Way's Annual Volunteer Banquet. Pictured with Johnny Payne, head of the organization. Summer 2017
Johnny Payne and Lauretta Hannon - Georgia United Way Annual Volunteer Banquet
 
With fellow writers at Whitworth Women's Facility, March 2017
Writers at Whitworth Women's Facility
 
Six-word memoirs from state prison inmates, March 2017
Six Word Memoir 1
 
ix Word Memoir 2
 
ix Word Memoir 3
 
ix Word Memoir 4
 
ix Word Memoir 5
 
ix Word Memoir 6
 
ix Word Memoir 7
 
 
Sign of support for the folks devastated by the Gatlinburg fires, December 2016
Sign of support for the folks devastated by the Gatlinburg Fires
 

Gathering for my reading of Capote's A Christmas Memory to benefit Gatlinburg, December 2016

Gathering for my reading of Capote's A Christmas Memory to benefit Gatlinburg
 

All of my events seem to produce a photo exactly like this one, December 2016

Happy Participants of the Gatlinburg benefit
 
Great fun being on Belinda Skelton's show on WSB Radio--talking about the memoir class, October 2016
 
Belinda Skelton and Lauretta Hannon on WSB Radio
 

A six-word memoir from the memoir master class, October 2016

A six word memoir from the memoir master class
 

A scene I never tire of: writers at work (memoir master class), October 2016

Memoir Master Class October 2016
 
​​Presentation to the Atlanta Writers' Club, July 2016
Atlanta Writers Club 2016 Attendees
 
Atlanta Writers Club 2016 Attendees
 
Atlanta Writers Club 2016 Attendees
 
The Great Atlanta Write-In, April 2016
 
Writers hard at work, April 2016
 
Enjoyed being the keynote speaker for the Ferst Foundation of Henry County's annual luncheon. I'm here with a new CQ reader. March 2016
 
Laughing with WABE's Kate Sweeney after my interview, March 2016
 
Pat Conroy Note Writing Gathering, February 2016
 
Our Note Writing Gathering for Author Pat Conroy resulted in many messages of support for him. Sadly, Pat lost his battle with cancer not long after.
 
With the spirited, super-talented crew of Raised in the South of Normal, Summer 2015
Crew of Raised in the South of Normal
 
Jeanne Fitz-Gerald Shilstone and Joyce Gipson Towers, both from Texas, represented the CQ Posse beautifully at the Rockport Film Festival on the Texas Riviera (who knew?), Fall 2015
Jeanne Fitz-Gerald Shilstone and Joyce Gipson Towers

 

Showing off a gift from a reader at the Rome International Film Festival, Fall 2015
 
Pre-Screening Party for Raised in the South of Normal, Macon Film Festival, July 2015
Macon TV Interview with Lauretta Hannon - Raised in the South of Normal
 
Macon TV Interview with Lauretta Hannon and Fan
 
Pre-screening of Raised in the South of Normal in Macon Georgia
 
Band at Pre screening of Raised in the South of Normal
 
Pre screening of Raised in the South of Normal parade
 
Pre screening of Raised in the South of Normal parade
 
Guests of the Pre Screening of Raised in the South of Normal in Macon Georgia
 
Candle grant at Raised in the South of Normal Pre Screening
 
Scenes from The Great Atlanta Write-In, Spring 2015
Scenes from The Great Atlanta Write-In
 
Scenes from The Great Atlanta Write-In
 
Scenes from The Great Atlanta Write-In
 
Raised in the South of Normal, the documentary based on The CQ story, is hitting the film festival circuit and has been accepted into 4 festivals so far.
Raised in the South of Normal Landscape Poster
 
The Grow Your Joy class was indeed a joy to teach! Spring 2015
Journal Cover from The Grow Your Joy class
 
Watch the Sneak Preview of Raised in the South of Normal February 2015
Raised in the South of Normal Poster
 
Silence and solitude at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, December 2014
Monastery of the Holy Spirit
 
Writing Residency at Hambidge, Fall 2014
Writing Residency at Hambidge
 
Writing Residency at Hambidge
 
Writing Residency at Hambidge
 
Summer 2014
Filming of The Cracker Queen documentary
Filming of The Cracker Queen documentary got up-close and personal. This was my view throughout the two-hour drive to my hometown of Warner Robins, GA.
 
Police Escort through old neighborhood
The old neighborhood is pretty sketchy now, so the city authorities required that we have a police escort during the filming there.
 
Watching the Crew for the Documentary
It was great fun watching the crew at work. The documentary will be available for viewing in 2015.
 
CQ Posse
Wherever I go, The CQ Posse goes! That's filmmaker Daniel Espeut at right. The CQ documentary is his brainchild, and I'm grateful for his vision and passion.
 
Spring 2014
I donned this for one of the recent Down Home Writing School seminars and explained, "These are the heads of those who would try to tell us we're not writers."
 
Gathering after the Memoir Master Class held in Marietta, GA
 
February 2014
CSPAN Shot of Television Interview with Lauretta Hannon
Thrilled to be featured on C-SPAN.
 
November 2013

You never know what you'll see at a Cracker Queen event. Susan Crane pulled out all the stops (and all the fake fur available at Party City) for my Master Class in Joyful Living. Photo by Jennifer Carter.
 
Fall 2013
With CQ Posse honchos at my women's retreat on Sapelo Island, GA.
Photo by Judith Ann.
 
August 2013
Wise words from John Wesley
 
My writing students hard at work. St. Simons Island
 
July 2013
With WSB Radio Producer Crystal Wheeler after an interview on Belinda Skelton's show.
 
Spring 2013
With DFACS officials in my hometown. What an honor to return home to speak to the staff there.
 
April 2013
Grown Folks Christmas
Grown Folks Christmas, Mableton, GA
 
February 2013
Reynolds Mansion Solarium Sapelo Island Womens Retreat
Reynolds Mansion Solarium on Sapelo Island, site of my annual women's retreat
 
R J Reynolds Tanning Machine
In R.J. Reynolds' tanning machine, Reynolds Mansion
 
December 2012
Thou Shalt Be Badass Graphis
 
Down Home Writing School 2012 Participants
Down Home Writing School, September 2012
 
Down Home Writing School Fall 2012
Down Home Writing School, Fall 2012
 
August 2012
 
The Cracker Queen Cocktail!
Hello, my name is Lola, & I am NOT an alcoholic.
 
What my 17-year-old self wrote on my suitcase during my solo sojourn in Europe.
 
With Nancy Grace at the annual conference of the National Society of Newspaper Journalists. We both spoke at the conference. (May 2012)
nancy-grace-lauretta-hannon-cracker-queen
 
Great discussion was the order of the day with The Throne of Sisters Book Club, East Point, GA (April 2012)
Throne of Sisters Book Club East Point Georgia
 
I was presented homemade iced cracker cookies and a partially eaten box of Saltines (nothing's too good for The CQ!) by members of the Page Turners Reading Guild, Powder Springs, GA (April 2012)
Page Turners Reading Guild Powder Springs Georgia
 
See photos from my recent writing residency at the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts & Sciences
 
March 2012
Ask for Miss Bree if you're at The Cupboard restaurant in Dillard, GA. She is a Cracker Princess for sure!
Miss Bre The Cupboard Restaurant
 
Erin go Bra-less! (March 2012)
Irish Lass with Sass button
 
February 2012
Part of the set for my Evening of Love & Laughter at the Harris Arts Center, Calhoun, GA. Notice the roller skates and the saxophone poking out of a drawer. The event raised funds to help prevent child abuse in Gordon County. (February 2012)
Harris Arts Center
 
With readers after the Evening of Love & Laughter event (February 2012)
Cracker Queen with Readers Love and Laughter Event
 
Had lots of fun speaking to a sea o' green blazers at the Irish Breakfast held by the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce (March 2012)
Dublin Laurens Chamber of Commerce
 
October 2011
Seen at 2nd Annual She Who Laughs Retreat, Oct. 2011
 
Lunch on the lawn in the gorgeous North Georgia mountains, She Who Laughs Retreat, Oct. 2011
she who laughs retreat Lauretta Hannon Cracker Queen
 
Porch-sitting & dog-lovin' at She Who Laughs Retreat, Oct. 2011
She who laughs retreat
 
With CQ Hall of Famer Diana Morrison, Oct. 2011
lauretta hannon and diana morrison
 
With readers at Crossroads Writers' Conference, Oct. 2011
crossroads writers conference
 
With my mentor Terry Kay, Georgia's greatest living writer, Oct. 2011
terry kay and lauretta hannon
 
Having a jolly time at the Down Home Writing School Retreat, Sept. 2011
down home writing school
 
Literary lounging at my writers' retreat, Sept. 2011
writers retreat
 
Big Canoe Chapel Women's Guild, Sept. 2011
big canoe womens guild
 
Fun times at CQ Book Bonanza, Aug. 2011
cracker queen book bonanza
 
With wonderful CQ readers, Aug. 2011
cracker queen readers
 
The Hive Grand Opening--You Won't Believe Your Eyes - Click Here
Myra Crawford poses during the grand opening of The Hive. Photo by Zachary Toth
 
Hatapalooza 2011!
-such fun to emcee this event for hundreds of Red Hat Ladies (March 2011)
Queen Butterfly
 
Girls just wanna have fun!
 
"There's no point in being a woman if you can't be a little sassy," she told me.
 
Queen Gaudy in her crowning glory
 
Mama had this sign made after someone stole her lawnmower. (May 2011)
 
A delightful time with the Middle Georgia Book Club (April 2011)
 
With Diane Lewis, host of the Middle Georgia Book Club
 
Diane put on the dog for my visit to her book club. This was seen in her foyer.
 
Catching up with Evelyn Merk, my childhood librarian, at the Friends of Georgia Libraries Conference (May 2011)
 

Savannah Book Festival (February 2011)

 

This audience member cried during my reading. I love it when that happens!

 

With Miriam Center

Receiving a gift of such beauty and creativity: a large piece of cross stitching based on the book--complete with sayings and images from CQ. The most beautiful part is the 80-year-old (at right) Sweet Sue King who made it. Her daughter Janie is at left.
 

With friends Treva Fitzgerald and George McAllister

 

Nancy Bamber of Alpharetta, GA, sure knows how to host an author. (February 2011)

 
Fun at the North Dunwoody Driving Club (January 2011)
The Napkin Says it All
The napkin says it all.
 
Melissa Donovan Bologna Sandwiches
Melissa Donovan makes a mean bologna sandwich. Homemade chow-chow was also served with blackeyed peas and cornbread.
 
The Dunwoody Cracker Queen Posse
The Dunwoody CQ Posse
 
Shannon Mothershed poses with gifts for the Cracker Queen
Shannon Mothershed poses with gifts for The CQ.
 
First Annual She Who Laughs Retreat

The downright amazing women of the First Annual She Who Laughs Retreat
(November 2010)

 
Lauretta and friends at the Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle GA

With readers and new friends at the famous Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle, GA (November 2010)

 
Elaine Cacky and Kib showing off nerve pills

Shaking my CQ "nerve pills" with members of the Lake Sinclair Book Club
(November 2010)

 
Down Home Writing School 2010

In the company of writers: relaxing after the Down Home Writing School Seminar
(October 2010)

 
Lauretta iwth Anita Hall and CC Fann at Heart of Georgia Technical College

With Anita Hall and CC Fann at Heart of Georgia Technical College (October 2010)

 
Lauretta and friend with tiara from Henry Heritage Reading Council

Notice the tiny tiara on the woman's head; she's a teacher affiliated with the Henry Heritage Reading Council. (October 2010)

 
Cracker Queen Evening at the Desoto
What exactly is a Cracker Queen Evening? (October 2010)
 
Grants Lounge Macon Georgia
Grant's Lounge, Macon, GA (September 2010)
 
Cracker Queen with Fans and Mama
During intermission at the Magnolia Music & Medicine Show. With Rebecca Kidd, Janie King Boyd, Mama, & Big Mouth. (August 2010)
 
A Most Memorable Night in Jefferson, GA (June 2010)
Cracker Queen spread at the Jefferson Public Library
Part of the CQ spread prepared by the Jefferson Public Library staff and the folks at the Jefferson Civic Center. Thanks to all for an amazing event. Photos by Laurie Anderson
 
Cracker Queen Redneck Caviar and RC
Culturally-appropriate fare: redneck caviar and RC.
 
Cracker Queen throne
I couldn't believe the stage they designed for me. Check out the "throne" chair and hand-painted signs. They even adorned the dinner tables with kudzu in Mason jars.
 
Carcker Queen Book Signing
My favorite activity: meeting readers and inscribing books.
 
Renee Westbrook
Renee Westbrook is my special envoy to California and West Coast publicity machine. She's a Very Important Member of the CQ Posse! (July 2010)
 
Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore Atlanta
Met these soul sisters at the Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore in Atlanta. Joining me are Karen Beard, Kathy Massey, and Candace Apple. (May 2010)
 
She Who Laughs Last Retreat Backdrop
Not a bad backdrop for the She Who Laughs Retreat I'm offering in November. I feel so at home in the mountains.
 
brenau BBQ 2010
At the Memphis BBQ Network Championship held at Brenau University. With me are John Jarrard Foundation Executive Director Jody Jackson, Singer/Songwriter Kimberly Clark, & Brenau's David Morrison. (May 2010)
 
Joni Ana and Lauretta
Celebrating with friends Joni Williams and Ana Raquel Ruiz at the ceremony for the Top 25 Books All Georgians Should Read. I couldn't believe CQ made it on a good list! (April 2010)
 
Hambidge Center rock wall
My writing residency at the Hambidge Center filled me up with elemental things. I love this old rock wall on the property. (March 2010)
 
Lauretta lost in story - Porch Party 2010
Getting lost in the story at the CQ Porch Party (May 2010). Photo by Leita Cowart.
 
Anne Horne Welch and Lauretta
Accepting a super-cool gift from Anne Horne Welch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). She made a shadowbox that featured a tiara and vintage Pabst Blue Ribbon patch. I was the keynote speaker at the NAWIC conference in Gatlinburg, TN. (April 2010)
 
Cracker Queen - Lauretta Hannon and Scott Sweat

With CQ reader Scott Sweat at my beloved Pinkie's in Savannah. (March 2010)

 
redneck writer vanity plate
 
Carrollton Creative Writers' Group - Down Home Writing School
With members of the Carrollton Creative Writers' Group after presenting one of my Down Home Writing School seminars. (April 2010)
 
Join me for the May 1st Porch Party! Click here to view the Porch Party Invite
 
A spirited group of folks followed me to my car after the Crossroads Writer's Conference to buy a book from the trunk. We made it a trunk sale/tailgating party! Poet Doris Davenport at at right.
 
Joyce Towers, at left, traveled from Pipe Creek, Texas, to attend my Down Home Writing School. Her friend Jeanne Shilstone, center, flew in from Plano, Texas. They were such a delight! (March 2010)
 
With Jane Wyatt at my Down Home Writing School Seminar. Who says writing seminars can't be fun?
 
Seminar Participants Loretta Pelaia & Marlene Jacobs
 
Andrea Daniel, at left, took me to this wonderful drugstore lunch counter in Elberton, GA. I ordered a Pink Elephant before meeting with the town's book club. (February 2010)
 
Savannah Book Festival
These fabulous readers came all the way from Glen Ellyn, IL, to see me at the Savannah Book Festival. What an honor! (February 2010)
 
Some of the students in my Memoir Seminar on January 10. We had a blast! Thanks to FoxTale Book Shoppe for hosting the event. FoxTale is one of my favorite bookstores in the world.
 
Had a wonderful brunch with the women of the Atlanta Literary Society (November 2009)
 
Jenna Albright of Clarkston, GA, wears her "Cracker Queens Rule!" shirt with attitude. Do NOT mess with Miss Jenna.
 
Cuttin' the fool with Toria Morgan, Book Club Meeting
 

I heart book clubs! Marietta, GA

 

Thanks for the warm welcome at A Novel Experience in Zebulon, GA. (November 2009)

 
Barbara Lampp and Kim Crowe

Barbara Lampp and Kim Crowe show off their Cracker Queen bag at the entrance to the Grand Canyon.

 
Cindy and Jill

Cindy and Jill, in all their Queenly Magnificence, at the recent event at Outwrite Books in Atlanta.

 

CQ Shrine (photo sent in by reader)

 
Lauretta Hannon Cracker Queen
From Atlanta Journal-Constitution photo shoot (photo by Leita Cowart)
 
Matt Buchanan
Matt Buchanan dons his CQ tiara at Outwrite Books.
 
Fran Perry
Fran Perry of Wilmington, NC, recently earned her Cracker Queen tiara.
 
Marty Aftewicz and George Weinstein of the Atlanta Writers Club
With Marty Aftewicz and George Weinstein of the Atlanta Writers Club--the premier organization for writers in the Atlanta area
 
Red Hat Ladies
These Red Hat Ladies, known at the Dancing Queens, performed before I spoke at a Red Hat event. I need one of those ponchos...
 
Book Club Members in Clemson, SC
Book club members in Clemson, SC
 
Lauretta Hannon Book Party Parade
My book party in Powder Springs, GA, was a hoot. We had a CQ parade, and I arrived on the back of a '55 Thunderbird.
 
Lauretta Hannon Cracker Queen Parade
Tip to Fellow Queens: holding a parade in one's honor is a great way to start your weekend.
 
Cracker Queen Book Party
Book Party in Powder Springs, GA
Held on the side porch of The Country Store of Seven Springs
 
Winner Joyce Crowder You might be a Cracker Queen if contest

Congrats to Joyce Crowder of Savannah! She won the "You might be a Cracker Queen if..." contest with this entry: You might be a CQ if all your recipes start with “First slice open the Velveeta.”

Joyce is seen with some of her CQ goodies. Participate in our contests and giveaways by subscribing to the e-newsletter.

 
Down Home Writing School Seminar Student
Seen at the Down Home Writing School Seminar (July 2009)
 
Down Home Writing School Students Hard at Work
Students hard at work at the seminar.
 
Cracker Queen Display at the FoxTale Book Shoppe
Seen at the CQ Party at FoxTale Book Shoppe, Woodstock, GA
The women who run this bookstore are fabulous. Visit them and give them your money. Photo by Jennifer Carter.
 
Lauretta Hannon and Ana Raquel of FoxTale Book Shoppe
With the lovely Ana Raquel, FoxTale Book Shoppe
Ana Raquel, originally from Puerto Rico, made the tasty white-trash dishes served at the party. Photo by Jennifer Carter.
 
Scenes From The Southern Tour 2009

St. Patrick's Day 2009
 

I spent St. Patrick's Day with a fun group of women (and a few guys who weren't bad either): the Paulding County Chapter of the American Business Women's Association. Their event was held in Dallas, Georgia, and I had the pleasure to be their keynote speaker. Here are some scenes from that night.

 
March 2009
Gettin' ready for church
 
Lori flaunts her pack of CQ cigarettes while Kim applies her CQ lipstick
 
December 2008
Mary-Elaine Jenkins, longtime CQ devotee, is seen in a dive bar called Whistlebinkies in Edinburgh. During her recent semester abroad, she made it her mission to spread the CQ virus throughout the United Kingdom. You can’t tell it very well, but her kilted friend is holding her tube of Cracker Queen lipstick.
 
October 2008
Dot Leverett of Nashville samples her Cracker Queen Red lipstick.
 
Les Leverett, former longtime official photographer for the Grand Ole Opry, models his Cracker Queen hat.
 
September 2008
That’s Nancy Dorman-Hickson (at left), the freelance writer for Southern Living. We were standing near the site of the Annual Redneck Games in East Dublin, GA.
 

Queen Terry Hannon, seen in Washington, DC, August 2008

This is one Whup-Ass Woman. She's a retired lieutenant colonel, a Lutheran minister, and an all-around take-charge phe-nom. (She's also a fine sister-in-law.)

 

Laughing Hard in Moultrie, Georgia (May 2008)

These women were great fun

With Gay Antoun, a fantastic lady and insatiable reader

Oh how I appreciate fab audience members like these

That’s Mama and Terry Jackson

With Cynthia Ingram, one of the most enthusiastic and supportive audience members I have ever come across. Cynthia, you RULE

My sunglasses aren’t too loud are they? (March 2008)

Look closely at the baby’s bib: she’s wearing a Cracker Queen bib

Better than mother’s milk (February 2008)

Doing my CQ thing at a fundraiser in Georgia, July 2007

Gone to the dogs. Eboe, who reigns from Seattle, gives the CQ his full endorsement. (July 2007)

Doesn't Bill Shinker, President & Publisher of Gotham Books (Penguin), look spiffy in his CQ trucker hat? Keep on truckin'!
(May 2007)

Ray Lee enthusiastically models the latest fashion trend in Greenwich Village. He stars in MAMMA MIA!, the Broadway show based on ABBA songs. (March 2007)
 

One of my favorite sights: rusted old junk cars (March 2007)

The Fabulous Diana Morrison, the first to be inducted into the Cracker Queen Hall of Fame, shows us that she still has it. She is holding a photo from her Induction Ceremony in 2002. (February 2007)

It takes a real man to wear the Cracker Queen hat. (December 2006)

The Cracker Queen: Because bad choices make GREAT stories.

Photo shoot outtake, October 2006
Dacia Moore and Misty Hayes at the CQ Show on July 22, 2006
Denise Martin of Vermont demonstrates that Yankees can most certainly be
Cracker Queens. She's seen here in Alaska.

 For more information about this performance, please email me or visit their website.

Oh the places I go in my '62 Mercury Comet.

A recovering Southern Belle, queenly Regina Anne displays her raiment just south of Cape Horn on Saturday afternoon, March 4, 2006.

Cracker Queen t-shirt seen on a boat in North Florida

Paying homage to Erskine Caldwell, author of Tobacco Road and God's Little Acre. Although largely misunderstood, he will always be known for his grim and accurate depictions of Cracker life.


In the studio, late-2005
 


Mama’s take on men

Seen near my grandmother’s grave in Middle Georgia

Wild women and a few randy men: the audience at the Springfield Library, April 2005

After the CQ show at the Hinesville Library, April 2005. This woman got the award for best response to “You might be a Cracker Queen if…” Her response is based on a true story, which makes it all the better: “You might be a Cracker Queen if the government has come to talk to you about your arsenal.”


I loved this Cracker Daddy, and he loved me right back. Hinesville Library, April 2005.
 
March 2005 Photo Shoot



 

 

photos by Judith Ann


We're going global: Alan Hall of Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, spreads the gospel in Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2005.


Spring 2005 CQ Gigs: April 15 @ the Springfield Library & April 16 at the Hinesville Library. Both readings will begin at 7pm.

“You might be a Cracker Queen if…” Contest Email your best “You might be a CQ if” joke, and I’ll send you an appropriately trashy Cracker Queen prize. Every entrant will receive a gift.


I met these delightful women at the Yeats Winter School in Ireland in January 2005. From left to right: Cathleen, Angela, and Margaret toast to the genius of William Butler Yeats.
 

In a fluttering green poncho in front of the cathedral in Cologne, Germany, September 2004. I wore this poncho every day and bore a striking resemblance to a hobbit.
 

It was standing room only again at the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home in May 2004. CQ fans are beyond compare.
 

Scenes from Savannah. That’s Mary Elaine Jenkins at right; I do believe she’s on the fast track to becoming a strong, smart, beautiful whup-ass woman.
 
 
Men such as Brantley Moate, at right, know the power of a CQ.

A special thank you goes to all of these folks in Savannah: they came back to see the ol’ CQ two years after seeing her debut at the O’Connor House. Maybe they just keep coming for the free PBR. I “released” my Cracker Queen CD at this reading. That’s me signing a CD for Scotti Moore, the wild woman in red.


Clarksville Library, March 2004: The audience was on board before I even spoke a word. Alan Hall brought his posse. Thanks to Wally Warren for inviting me to Clarksville.


 
January 2004 photo shoot

March 25
Clarkesville Public Library
7 pm
Clarkesville, GA
Sponsored by the Habersham County Libraries

May 23
Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home
3 pm
Savannah, GA
Part of the Flannery O'Connor Spring Lecture Series
 
The Cracker Queen Makes Her Debut

Reading draws an adoring, standing-room-only crowd at the Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home in Savannah on May 5
 

In flagrant defiance of city fire codes, we packed 66 folks in a room that officially holds 25 to 30. We had to turn more than 30 away at the door.
 





































Diana Morrison was the first inductee into the CQ Hall of Fame. She received a commemorative Cracker Queen Can of Whup Ass.
 

The woman in the Cracker Queen t-shirt was the grand winner of the "You might be a Cracker Queen if…" contest. She awed the crowd with her true-life story as follows, "You might be a Cracker Queen if…you discover your husband's having an affair with the school janitor when you see he's charged the Viagra to your credit card." She deserved a LOT more than just the CQ t-shirt.
 

A spirited CQ from Michigan (at left) came bearing a culturally-appropriate gift: 5 lbs. of boiled peanuts!
 

After the reading, Cracker Queens swapped stories, cackled, and guzzled Pabst Blue Ribbon (the official beer of the CQ).
 


 

  The Cracker Queen A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life Order Your Book Here!