Hi! I’m Rachel, a Tennessean who has found herself rooted in southern Indiana. I’m married to a sometimes very bearded man who makes me laugh every day. A graduate of Berea College (2006: English, creative writing major; Appalachian studies minor) and West Virginia University (2009: MFA in creative nonfiction), I am currently the Communications Director for Appalshop. Prior to that, I enjoyed an eighteen-year career in publishing. I also edit and do calligraphy on the side. I am a contradiction of formula and creativity. My heart will always be in Appalachia, but my home is in Bloomington.

Following are my published essays.

“Empty Lungs.” Slab, no. 4 (2009).

“Where the Two Roads Meet.” The Broken Plate (2009): 49–60.

“The Hanging Elephant.” Still: The Journal, no. 4 (2010).

“Cold Light.” Still: The Journal, no. 22 (2016). (Pushcart nominee)

“Tendrils.” Women of Appalachia Project (2018).

“i & is & her.” Vessel Press, no. 2 (2018).

“The Cost of Loss at WVU.” Belt Magazine (2023).