Sean Dietrich

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist, and musician, best known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Garden and Gun, Good Grit, South Magazine, Alabama Living, and Thom Magazine. In addition, he has authored thirteen books and is the creator of the Sean of the South Podcast.

As for how he became an author, Sean tells us: As a child, I liked to write. I filled up notebooks with tales of the high-seas, shameless vixens, and steamy scenarios combining both of the aforementioned. My fifth grade teacher found one of my notebooks and scanned through it. She told me I wrote with too many commas, and encouraged me to pursue a career in construction work.
That, old, woman, never, liked, me.

SeanDietrich.com

Content from Sean

The Best Way to Say, “I Love You!”

The Best Way to Say, “I Love You!”

Sean Dietrich invites us into his quirky collection of small-town cookbooks—hand-bound treasures filled with everything from squirrel recipes to “Bra Burner Casserole.” Between the laughter and the oddities, Sean uncovers something deeper: the way food carries history, identity, and love. From Baptist Crack to his wife’s cherished Junior League recipe, this story reminds us that sometimes the best recipes aren’t just about what’s on the table—they’re about the people who gather around it.

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Life and All Its Cracker Barrels

Life and All Its Cracker Barrels

What does a Cracker Barrel logo have to do with war, fate, and a Packard with a hood ornament you can’t unsee? In this unexpected tale about perspective, an old farmer’s steady response to every twist of fortune might just reframe how you see the world—and your inbox. Caps lock optional.

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Words of Wisdom: Writing Advice from the Greats

Words of Wisdom: Writing Advice from the Greats

Every writer—aspiring or seasoned—needs a little guidance now and then. Words of Wisdom: Writing Advice from the Greats offers insights from literary legends like Mark Twain, Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, and John Grisham, covering everything from simplicity in writing to the art of storytelling. Acclaimed writer Sean Dietrich adds a candid, humorous take on the reality of being a writer (spoiler: none of us really know what we’re doing). Whether you’re battling self-doubt, finding your voice, or just need a fresh perspective, this collection of wisdom will challenge, inspire, and maybe even make you laugh. Grab a cup of coffee and let the greats guide your journey.

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Your Life

Your Life

This morning I started thinking about you. Mainly, I was thinking about what you’re going through right now. Whoever you are. I don’t know you. I don’t know anything about you. But in a way we know each other because you and I aren’t that different.

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My Valentine

My Valentine

We were newlyweds, living in a grungy apartment. Each morning, I would wake before her. I would pass my morning hours writing poetry on a yellow legal pad, sipping coffee. Mostly, I’d write the kinds of god-awful things you’d expect newlyweds to write. I’m talking painfully corny stuff. I’d leave these poems on slips of paper scattered throughout our apartment for her to find.

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Georgia Christmas

Georgia Christmas

Journey with Sharon, a North Georgia waitress, as she shares her transformation from a giftless, treeless childhood to creating unforgettable Christmases. Over a meal, she reveals her family’s struggles, her mother’s passing, and how she and her brother Sweets crafted a heartfelt Christmas with handmade gifts and twenty dollars. This touching story of resilience and the true spirit of Christmas is a testament to the power of family and creativity in the face of adversity.”

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Thanks

Thanks

Thank you for holding the door for an old woman at Cracker Barrel. You must’ve been fourteen, you were with friends. You were laughing and carrying on when you saw the old woman, pushing a walker. You jogged ahead. You beat her to the door. You held it open. She thanked you. You yes-ma’amed her. And you made my day, kid. My whole day.

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Hold the Phone

Hold the Phone

A crowded restaurant. The place is full of teenagers. Everyone is on their phones. Nobody is talking. I am here with my cousin’s 13-year-old son. He is playing on his phone when he asks, “What was it like before smartphones?” “It was different,” I answer. “Very different.”

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