In this episode of Hear-tell, Pat Thomas—MFA Distinguished Professor of Practice at the University of Georgia—joins award-winning author Jessica Handler to talk about Pat’s essay for The Bitter Southerner, “The Answer Is Yes.”

Their conversation moves through memory, hesitation, and what it takes to finally write the story you’ve been quietly avoiding. Together, they reflect on how grief shapes our work and how timing, courage, and curiosity can change what we’re able to say on the page.

Here is a link to Pat’s essay: https://bittersoutherner.com/feature/2024/the-answer-is-yes

And here are links to Jessica Handler’s website with links to all her books: https://www.jessicahandler.com/