Ellen Gilchrist — American Novelist born on February 20, 1935,

Ellen Gilchrist is an American novelist, short story writer, and poet. She won a National Book Award for her 1984 collection of short stories, Victory Over Japan... (wikipedia)

I love Fayetteville. I like hills and vistas and hardworking people and fighting snow in winter and chiggers in the summer.
Having your work honored nationally is a great morale booster.
In the schools of small Midwestern towns, the only aristocracies are of beauty, intelligence, and athletic prowess.
I have lived most of my life in small towns, and I'm in the habit of knowing and talking to everyone.
I love New York, but I wish they wouldn't put clothes on their dogs.