Amy Le Ann Richardson - Author

08/27/2026

Week one of classes ✅

Switching modes as I left work today and now gearing up for Appalachian Literary Arts Festival to begin TOMORROW!!! 📚

Who else is ready? 📖

08/26/2026

What a first day at a new job—memorable in ways I never wanted or imagined. As for classes, those went fine. But damn, y’all. I took a walk by the river at the end of the day just to think before I drove home.

I can’t really say anything about Dolly Parton that hasn’t already been said, but I’m grateful to exist in a time where I grew up knowing her; where her songs and stories made sense of my life; and where she made me feel like it was possible for a little girl from Appalachia to not only have big dreams, but get to live them.

She was a constant good force. I will always be grateful for her, always love her, and always wish we could’ve had her forever, or at least a little bit longer. I know I’m in good company. Let’s all love each other, cheer each other on, show up for each other, and be a little more like Dolly. The world desperately needs her kind of light. 💜

08/23/2026

It’s a beautiful moment opening my email on a Sunday afternoon to find good news. I am honored to have two poems, “Rind” and “Spicebush,” accepted for publication in WOMEN SPEAK, Volume 12, an anthology of the Women of Appalachia Project.

Immense gratitude to Kari Gunter-Seymour for her ongoing work to amplify the voices of women in our region and for the care, commitment, and community organizing that make this important project possible. I’m deeply grateful to be part of it. 💜

08/22/2026

08/22/2026

It’s now less than a week until we kick off the inaugural Appalachian Literary Arts Festival in Morehead, KY. I am beyond excited it’s almost here!

Helping plan this festival has been one of my biggest dreams and greatest honors. I hope to see y’all there to celebrate our rich literary arts culture in this region and beyond.

Our community has so many amazing things to check out all weekend. There will be something fun tucked in every corner for writers, readers, and folks who are just curious—we hope you’ll all join us!

08/21/2026

I’m so excited to join Shawnee State as full-time faculty in their Humanities department. I spent the day in Portsmouth getting ready for classes to start next week, and then hanging out downtown with T. She wasn’t interested in being in my pics, but we had a good time. I think I’m going to like it there 💙🐻🧡

08/16/2026

Help us recognize the people and organizations making a difference in Eastern Kentucky.

08/14/2026

I’m honored to have a poem included in this important anthology from Main Street Rag scheduled for release in early November. Y’all can preorder it now for a discounted price.

https://mainstreetragbookstore.com/product/wag-the-dog-a-main-street-rag-anthology/

08/12/2026

Y’all, the “Answering the Mountains” art show at Rowan County Arts Center is absolutely amazing. 50 artists and 70 pieces in response to Appalachian Literature. Of course, I’m especially proud of my young writers! I hope y’all will come see this show and hang out with us at the Appalachian Literary Arts Festival! 💙