Leigh Gallaher

Leigh Gallaher is an acclaimed author of novels and stories that capture the essence of life in the American South. Her writing is often infused with humor and emotion as she explores hard-hitting topics such as racism, classism, and the struggles of life in rural communities. Gallaher is also known for her distinct Southern style of storytelling that shines through her writing.

Gallaher was born and raised in eastern Kentucky and went on to attend the College of the Ozarks before transferring to the University of Kentucky and earning her degree in anthropology. She spent much of her life exploring the Appalachian region, including spending several years traveling to remote area of West Virginia and Kentucky, as well as working on archaeological digs. This time spent in the area, along with an intense interest in the culture and folklore of the area, influenced her writing.

At the same time, Gallaher was engaged in the civil rights movement in her home state of Kentucky. When she began writing novels and short stories, she used her experience to shed light on the long-hidden injustices that have taken place in the region. Her books transport readers to a distinct world of Indigenous cultures, mountain living and those living in rural America. She tackles issues such as the dispossession and displacement of Native Americans and the ongoing legacy of racism in the South.

Gallaher's debut novel, Winter's Promise, was released in 2014. It tells the story of an elderly Appalachian widow, Nana Dee, and the effect of two generations of coal mining and labor strife on her family. Winter's Promise has been credited with providing an honest representation of Appalachia while delicately dealing with heartbreaking issues. Her second novel, Circle of Stones, similarly portrays the struggles of Southern life while weaving together a tale of friendship, loyalty, and the healing power of nature.

Gallaher's work has been met with considerable praise and several of her books have been awarded prestigious honors. In 2013, she was the recipient of the John W. Campbell Award for best novel and the Nancy Pearl Award for Fiction for her novel Winter's Promise. Her novel Circle of Stones has also been longlisted for the James Tiptree award and was a Foreword INDIES finalist for adult fiction.

Gallaher currently lives in the hills of Kentucky, and continues to draw inspiration from the area for her work. She has plans to release a new novel entitled Taking Flight in 2021, which explores the consequences of environmental destruction and social injustice. Gallaher’s stories are timeless and universal, offering readers a powerful look at life in the rural South. With her distinctive writing style and masterful storytelling, she continues to captivate readers, both in America and beyond.