Local Author

I.S. Berry Interview

Six questions for this debut thriller writer. The Peacock and the Sparrow by I.S. Berry. Atria Books. pp. 320. $28. Konstantin Rega: What inspired this story following a spy stationed in the Middle East? I.S. Berry: I was a spy for the CIA for six years, and spent a year […]

by Konstantin Rega

Ann Beattie Interview

Five questions for this American master of the short story. Onlookers by Ann Beattie. Scribner. pp. 288. $28. Konstantin Rega: Where did these stories originate from? Ann Beattie: When I started writing these stories, I had the idea that they would be based in Virginia. But at that point, I’d only […]

by Konstantin Rega

Kathleen Grissom Interview

Exploring an indigenous 19th-century woman caught between two cultures Konstantin Rega: Where did this interest in Crow Mary come from? Kathleen Grissom: Well, I was visiting Fort Walsh in Canada with my parents. That’s near Cypress Hills, where the first Northwest Mounted Police established a fort. There were docents who were […]

by Konstantin Rega

Finding Her Roots

How Barbara Kingsolver stumbled on her Appalachian heritage. Mike Belleme/The New York Times/Redux Among her 17 bestselling books, Barbara Kingsolver’s ninth—The Poisonwood Bible—became both a Pulitzer Prize nominee and Oprah Book Club pick. So it was no surprise when her latest set bookstores buzzing. “It just flew off the shelves,” […]

by Konstantin Rega

Susan Hankla Interview

Droll and wise, these poems show a girl learning the mysteries of her family. I’m Not Evelyn by Susan Hankla. Groundhog Poetry Press. pp.71. $18. Tricia Pearsall: Clinch River appeared to undress individual characters and culture in Appalachia, whereas this book, I’m Not Evelyn, seems like a bracing, eccentric family […]

by tricia pearsall

The Friendship that Saved Yosemite

In Guardians of the Valley, Dean King traces the birth of our national park system. (Image © Bettmann/CORBIS) May 1903, Yosemite National Park, California, Theodore Roosevelt with naturalist John Muir on Glacier Point Guardians of the Valley by Dean King. Scribner. pp.480. $30. With his latest book, historian and […]

by Constance Costas

Meagan Jennett Interview

Hailing from Crozet, this debut author gives a twist to the crime novel. (Headshot by Mike Kropf) You Know Her by Meagan Jennett. MCD. pp. 368. $28 Konstantin Rega: What made you want to be a writer? Meagan Jennett: I’ve been writing stories since I could hold a pencil. I’ve […]

by Konstantin Rega

Meg Medina Interview

Newbery Medal-winning children’s author talks heritage, inspiration, and the love of reading. Meg Medina, the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, is a Cuban American author who writes for readers of all ages. Her middle-grade novel Merci Suárez Changes Gears received a Newbery Medal and was a New York Times […]

by Konstantin Rega

Lauren Blackwood Interview

Heritage, horror, romance, and monsters all come together in this YA author’s latest novel. Wildblood by Lauren Blackwood. Wednesday Books. pp.336. $18.99. Konstantin Rega: What inspired this wonderful work? Lauren Blackwood: Oh, well, I always wanted to write a book based on my heritage, Jamaica. And it was just about finding […]

by Staff

Sadeqa Johnson Interview

We explore inspiration, heritage, womanhood, and a new book by this bestselling Virginia author. The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson. Simon & Schuster. pp.384. $27.99. Konstantin Rega: What inspired you to write this? Sadeqa Johnson: One of the things that I was thinking about was my mother’s relationship with […]

by Konstantin Rega

James K. Dill Interview

A Richmond author finds inspiration in the idea of home and runs with it. Malone Ridge by James K. Dill. Little Star. pp.364. $17.99 Konstantin Rega: What inspired this work? James K. Dill: I wanted to write a story about coming home and exploring what home really means. I […]

by Konstantin Rega

The Villa

In Rachel Hawkins’ new book, the past is never dead; its influence is always at work. The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. St. Martin’s Press, pp.288. $28.99. In this tale of female friendship and haunted houses, bestselling (and Virginia-born) author Rachel Hawkins continues to delight her audience with thrills and chills. Emily and Chess were […]

by Konstantin Rega

Clay McLeod Chapman Interview

Ghost Eaters explores the haunted spaces in the mind and in the local landscape. Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman. Quirk Books. pp.304. $21.99. Konstantin Rega: So what inspired this book? Clay McLeod Chapman: Well, you know, I’m a Virginia boy through and through; I was born and raised in Richmond. […]

by Konstantin Rega

Creating a Community

The Library of Virginia’s Literary Awards are all about bringing people and books together. jay paul (All photographs by Jay Paul for the Library of Virginia) Not only is the Annual Library of Virginia Literary Awards celebrating 25 years, but the Library of Virginia itself is about to reach its 200th anniversary […]

by Konstantin Rega

Bill Glose Interview

Gulf War veteran Bill Glose shows what happens when soldiers return in these short stories. All The Ruined Men by Bill Glose. St. Martins Press. pp.288. $27.99. Konstantin Rega: It must be kind of weird to be interviewed by Virginia Living since you used to be the book editor in the […]

by Konstantin Rega

Shelley Sackier Interview

Inspired in Scotland, now based at Reservoir Distillery in Richmond, Sackier’s shares her story of whiskey. Make it a Double by Shelley Sackier. Pegasus Books. pp.304. $27.95. Konstantin Rega: So how did you get into the world of whiskey? Shelley Sackier: Basically, the first time I laid eyes on a […]

by Konstantin Rega

Fall Books

Here are some notable Southern books coming out this Fall season. Currently living in Virginia, Barbara Kingsolver returns with a dynamic retelling of Dicken’s David Copperfield. Demon Copperhead (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, $32.50) will be out October 18. Her publisher says: “Demon Copperhead is set in the mountains of southern […]

by Staff

Abigail Cutter Interview

Inheriting a haunted house and reading Civil War soldiers’ letters inspired this gothic novel. Long Shadows by Abigail Cutter. She Writes Press. pp.344. $16.95. Konstantin Rega: How long have you been in Virginia? Abigail Cutter: I’m a long time Virginia resident and really love the Shenandoah Valley. I was born […]

by Konstantin Rega

TJ Klune Interview

We talk to the bestselling YA author about his teen superhero romance series and other works. Heatwave by TJ Klune. Tor Teen. pp.384. $18.99. Konstantin Rega: When did you move to Virginia? TJ Klune: Before, my partner and I were living in Tucson, Arizona. We moved here in 2013, for my job. […]

by Konstantin Rega

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Events

July 3, 2025

June – July @ Art Works!

Art Works

July 3, 2025

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Carlyle House Historic Park

July 3, 2025

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Virginia Repertory Theatre

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

Eight Virginia schools received the National Blue Ribbon 2024 award for their high performances. The Exemplary High Performing Schools are Spring Hill Elementary in McLean, Green Run Collegiate in Virginia Beach, Bethel Manor Elementary in Hampton, and St. Andrew the Apostle School in Clifton. The Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are Central Academy Middle […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

Around the world, as both a beverage and a pastime, tea is steeped in history and ritual. From the casual to the ceremonial, tea is a throughline for many cultures, and now, it’s enjoying a renewed interest from beverage pros who are drawn to tea’s unique flavor characteristics, health benefits, and cultural connections. Recently, two […]

by Stephanie Ganz

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

The University of Virginia has climbed to No. 4 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, advancing one position from last year. The university maintained its No. 24 overall ranking, tying with Emory and Georgetown universities. UVA’s commitment to accessibility and student success stands out in several key metrics. […]

by Madeline Mayhood

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I.S. Berry Interview

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Events

June – July @ Art Works!

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Local Author

I.S. Berry Interview

Current Issue

Events

June – July @ Art Works!

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

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Most Popular

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today