Kelly Kazek
Kelly Kazek | |
|---|---|
 Kazek, here at a 2015 festival, autographs one of her books for a fan. | |
| Born | February 9, 1965 United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Auburn University |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, author |
| Notable work | Some Nightmares Are Real, Fairly Odd Mother |
Kelly Kazek (born February 9, 1965) is an American journalist and author. She is known for her humorous and historical writing focused on the American South, particularly Alabama. She has worked as a columnist and managing editor, and has published numerous books for both adults and children.
Education
[edit]Kazek earned a bachelor's degree in English from Auburn University in 1987.[1]
Career
[edit]Kazek's writing often explores unusual people, events, stories, legends, and lore that, in her words, "make Alabama one of a kind." She writes witty and entertaining columns, with a conversational tone.[2][3]
She served as managing editor of The News Courier in Athens, Alabama, and has been a columnist for Alabama Media Group, contributing to publications including The Huntsville Times, The Birmingham News, and Mobile Press-Register.[4]
She is a regular contributor to It’s a Southern Thing, where she writes about Southern culture and traditions.[5][6]
Kazek began publishing books at age 44. Her first was a collection of humorous newspaper columns titled Fairly Odd Mother: Musings of a Slightly Off Southern Mom.[7]
Honors and awards
[edit]Kazek is a two-time recipient of the Alabama Associated Press Media Editors Sweepstakes Award, which recognizes the best story in the state.[3]
She was named Columnist of the Year in the CNHI Better Newspaper Contest, and won Best Humorous Commentary from the Green Eyeshade Awards in both 2007 and 2008.[8][9]
In 2022, Kazek received first place in humorous commentary from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.[6]
She has twice served as president of the Alabama Associated Press Media Editors and sits on the advisory council of the Encyclopedia of Alabama.[10]
Selected works
[edit]- Some Nightmares Are Real: The Haunting Truth Behind Alabama’s Supernatural Tales (2024)[11]
- Hidden History of Auburn (2011)[1]
- Athens and Limestone County (2010)[12]
- Southern Thesaurus: For When You’re Plumb Out of Things to Say (2022)[13]
- Not Quite Right: Mostly True Tales of a Weird News Reporter (2018)[14]
- Alabama Scoundrels: Outlaws, Pirates, Bandits & Bushwhackers (with Wil Elrick, 2014)[15]
References
[edit]- ^ Mike Bunn (March 5, 2024). "Review of "Forgotten Tales of Alabama" by Kelly Kazek". The Historian’s Manifesto. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ a b "Kazek honored for columns in CNHI contest". The News Courier. March 24, 2012. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "Kazek named APME president; Dothan Eagle wins award". The News Courier. April 5, 2011. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "Kelly Kazek – It's a Southern Thing". It's a Southern Thing. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ a b "Alabama Media Group's Kelly Kazek wins national columnist award". AL.com. July 1, 2022. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ Dave Lieber (October 2009). "Do It Now, Live Your Dream". National Society of Newspaper Columnists. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "2007 Winners". Green Eyeshade Awards. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "2008 Winners". Green Eyeshade Awards. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "People". Encyclopedia of Alabama. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ Kazek, Kelly (2024). Some Nightmares Are Real: The Haunting Truth Behind Alabama's Supernatural Tales. University of Alabama Press. ISBN 9780817395186. OCLC 1446132827.
- ^ Kazek, Kelly (2010). Athens and Limestone County. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9780738586144. OCLC 639158762.
- ^ Kazek, Kelly (2022). Southern Thesaurus: For When You're Plumb Out of Things to Say. It’s a Southern Thing. ISBN 9781575719047. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ Kazek, Kelly (2018). Not Quite Right: Mostly True Tales of a Weird News Reporter. Solomon & George Publishers. ISBN 9780998636238. OCLC 1061503785.
- ^ Kazek, Kelly; Wil Elrick (2014). Alabama Scoundrels: Outlaws, Pirates, Bandits & Bushwhackers. The History Press. ISBN 9781625850676. OCLC 903364132.