Lauretta Hannon

Lauretta Hannon is the author of "The Cracker Queen--A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life" (Gotham Books/Penguin) and has been a commentator on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," where her stories have reached 25 million listeners. Her memoir became a Southern Indie Bestseller three weeks after its release and in 2010 was named one of the Top Twenty-Five Books All Georgians Should Read, according to the Georgia Center for the Book. Lauretta's work has been featured on C-SPAN and many other national media outlets. "Southern Living" declared her "the funniest woman in Georgia." Today she is in-demand as a keynote speaker and teacher of writing and self-growth. Lauretta offers seminars through her Down Home Writing School located in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. She is also known for her popular classes on how to live joyfully. Until recently she was a syndicated advice columnist in more than 500,000 households via 24 newspapers. "Raised in the South of Normal," a documentary about her life story, is currently capturing awards on the film festival circuit. Lauretta is working on her next book, a guide for folks interested in writing memoir. She does her own writing in a 12’x12’ shed in the backyard. But most of all, she laughs. Visit her at thecrackerqueen.com.