Betsy Phillips

Right?! An adult man told me he grew up reading me and I am still equal parts flattered and appalled.

Challenge them to a duel!

Yes! Are you going to the Southern Festival of Books on the 18th or 19th? I could have it in the booth for you.

So, this is like Christmas for me! I am justified in holding on to them because a family member has emerged.

Oh, no! This is at my actual job at Vanderbilt University Press. I found these copies years ago in the back of a closet and held onto them because it's either the first book or one of the first books the press published and, since they're in named boxes, I always hoped someone would come looking.

The copies of this old book set aside, but never delivered.

See the middle name.

Um, so weird, but true fact. I have his author copy. Does the family want it?

Best Columnist Second Place: Holly McCall

Oh! Also nice!

www.nashvillescene.com/bon/2025/med...

That’s part of why I think she’s our best historian. She does her own work and has worked so hard to put a framework in place that ensures other historians can do their work here. That kind of labor is mostly invisible, but it matters so much.

There’s nothing better than being in a position to say “This person is awesome” and having people believe you.

Best Historian Linda Wynn — the Tennessee Historical Commission’s assistant director for state programs — is a historian’s historian. Not only is her own work impeccable, she’s also responsible for a lot

I especially love the photo.

www.nashvillescene.com/bon/2025/peo...

I’m very curious what you’ll make of it. I just find it really hard to believe this was a one off.

Her name was Marie Jeanette Price. The papers say she was 16, but she was 14.

But when they went to his house, he had pictures of lots of naked women/girls, including the one we know he murdered, so it sure would have been nice if they'd figured out who the other women were and if they were safe.

was the same type. Then he was all "I did kill her, but I swear she was half of the people I've killed and you already know about the other one."

This little girl's rape and murder did get solved, because the killer hadn't bothered to wash his hands after he returned to her corpse to keep playing with it, and the police were able to use the newfangled technology of "blood typing" to prove that the blood under his fingernails and her blood

The amount of little girls Nashville has just let get raped and murdered and then never solved their cases is kind of bracing.

we're looking at a serial killer who just mostly picked victims the police couldn't be bothered with, but it would mean sending her the details.

In trying to decide if a certain headstone was carved by William Edmondson, I learned about the murder of the headstone-haver's daughter and every detail is so horrific I can't stand it.

I want to ask @notrightolivia.bsky.social if she thinks it's possible that was only dude's second murder or if

“Exploratory Pits” is the name of my jam band.

You all are welcome. In my defense, it was, like 500 automated emails that needed to go.

I deleted so many emails that I seem to have broken Outlook.

Opinion | What Ann Patchett Knows About Saving Book Festivals

We did this. Turns out we ALL know how to save a book festival. And we just have to keep saving them, and saving everything else, for as long as it takes. For every single minute it takes. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/o...

If anyone needs me, I'll be out forming exploratory pits in various parking lots.

The American Crisis — Same as It Ever Was Many times throughout American history, those in power have terrorized and destroyed parts of the country. It always affects us all.

Many times throughout American history, those in power have terrorized and destroyed parts of the country. Writes Betsy Phillips, it always affects us all.

The American Crisis — Same as It Ever Was Many times throughout American history, those in power have terrorized and destroyed parts of the country. It always affects us all.

From @betsyphillips.bsky.social: www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithint...

The American Crisis — Same as It Ever Was Many times throughout American history, those in power have terrorized and destroyed parts of the country. It always affects us all.

In which we learn good historical insults and marvel that Abigail Adam’s didn’t kick all the founding fathers in the knee.

www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithint...

Some women go their whole lives never knowing that anyone can master the dad joke. You don't have to be a dad.

What is the witch's favorite country song?

"It's Scrying Time Again."

Intellectually, I know that book is doing just fine, but in my heart, at least once a week, I'm like "Why aren't more of you motherfuckers reading this book?!" I'm ready to fight the whole SEC fanbase about it.