FICTION: The debut novel My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh, director of the Creative Writing Workshop at the University of New Orleans, is scheduled for release in February. “I grew up in a nice neighborhood in Baton Rouge and have really fond memories of my youth,” Walsh says. “However, I’ve also always remembered overhearing a story about a girl on our block being raped when we were kids. I was too young at the time to know what that word truly meant, but as I’ve gotten older it always haunted me to think that a place I thought of so idyllically could be a sort of nightmare for someone else.” Suspense and mystery are at the forefront, but Walsh says, “It is really a book about people and their various heartaches and triumphs.” He also says he set out to honor Louisiana. With a wife, two young children and a full time job, Walsh typically writes 4 to 6 a.m., while everyone is sleeping. “It’s just me and the story then,” he says. “It’s quiet in the house, and it’s a strange pleasure.” Catch Walsh at Garden District Book Shop on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.
ROOTS ROCK: Cowboy Mouth founding member Paul Sanchez is back with his first release since 2011, The World is Round Everything That Ends Begins Again. A blend of the acoustic singer and songwriter fodder for which he’s known, as well as several surprise tracks laced with strings and background vocals, the album is the 12th studio release by Sanchez.
Please send submissions for consideration, attention: Melanie Spencer, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005.
