HICKORY – Redhawk Publications is pleased to announce the release of “How to Talk About the Dead,” the latest poetry collection by Tifton, Georgia poet, Jeff Newberry. With a thorough exploration of memory, heritage, and the ways we connect to the past, this collection promises to resonate with readers from all walks of life.

Newberry, a college professor in the Writing and Communication Program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, brings a wealth of literary expertise and teaching experience to his work. As a former editor of the college’s literary magazine, Pegasus, Newberry has cultivated a deep appreciation for the power of words and their ability to evoke emotion and spark introspection.

“How to Talk About the Dead” marks yet another milestone in Newberry’s distinguished career. With previous publications ranging from chapbooks to full-length collections and even a novel, Newberry has established himself as a versatile and accomplished writer. His collaborative work with Justin Evans, “Cross Country,” received critical acclaim, further cementing his reputation as a poet of depth and resonance.

Newberry’s journey as a poet began in his early years, honing his craft and finding inspiration in the works of renowned poets like Philip Levine. Majoring in English and delving into contemporary poetry during college, Newberry discovered his passion for the written word. His pursuit of creative writing and jazz poetics led him to earn a PhD from the University of Georgia in 2010, solidifying his commitment to the art form.

In “How to Talk About the Dead,” Newberry presents a mature collection that delves into the complexities of the past. The book is dedicated to his parents, Lang and Ginny, and draws inspiration from their childhoods as sharecroppers’ kids in rural South Georgia. Through these poems, Newberry explores the ways in which individuals remember, honor, and preserve their personal histories.

The genesis of “How to Talk About the Dead” can be traced back to a transformative trip Newberry took to his mother’s childhood home in 2015.

“A cousin took us to a cemetery out in the middle of a cotton field, a place I’d never visited,” shared Newberry. “Since my father wasn’t close to his family, I knew nothing about the Newberrys. Standing in that rural graveyard, I was struck by how close I felt for the very first time to my past. That feeling led to the sonnet “Family Plot.” That poem gave me the inspiration for the rest of the collection.”

Newberry’s poetry is known for both its accessibility and intellectual depth, striking a balance that appeals to poetry enthusiasts as well as newcomers to the genre. “How to Talk About the Dead” invites readers to embark on a journey of introspection, bridging the gap between the past and the present and inviting contemplation of connections to personal history.

“How to Talk About the Dead” is available for purchase at: https://redhawkpublications.com