In this episode, Redhawk chats with notable North Carolina-based poet Tony Robles about “Soup for the Storm,” his latest poetry collection born in the dark (literally), written by candlelight in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. These aren’t polished-from-a-distance poems; they are raw, immediate, scribbled-in-the-moment snapshots of survival, community, and the strange, beautiful ways people show up for each other when everything falls apart. He recalls helicopter evacuations, chainsaw heroes, turkey soup legends, and neighbors who don’t wait for help—they become help out of necessity. Robles talks about losing (and finding) his poems, writing through chaos, and why he sees himself less as a “poet” and more as a traveler collecting human stories.
Listen up, prospective authors: Tony also talks about how to secure grants for writing. He emphasizes the importance of getting out and doing the work to market a book. Writers need to become their own best marketers, which means going from bookstore to coffee shop to library! Tony is dedicated. That’s the kind of knowledge you won’t find just anywhere. Only right here on RedPubPod. Just sayin’... And we acknowledge when we make faux pas. Yeah, we almost sent out the book with a name that could have caused trademark issues for Redhawk Publications. That was fun! (Not really...)
Bonus: the book gives back, the stories hit hard, and there’s a guy named Po’Boy you won’t forget anytime soon.
If you like your poetry a tad gritty, a little soulful, and deeply rooted in real life, this one’s for you.
Get your copy at: https://tinyurl.com/SoupForTheStorm
DON’T FORGET: Saturday, April 25th, 2026, should already be on your calendar. You will get to meet Tony, Ron Rash, Joseph Bathanti, Hilda Downer, Virginia Evans, Meagan Church, Joy Calloway, and so many more. The City of Hickory will hold its 2nd Annual Literary Festival, and Redhawk Publications friends and family will be in full force.
Get info on the Hickory Lit Fest at https://www.hickorync.gov/hickory-literary-festival
REDPUBPOD HOSTS:
Tim Peeler – Associate Editor, Redhawk Publications
Patty Thompson — Acquisitions Editor, Redhawk Publications
Please don’t forget to visit RedPubPod’s sponsor, Taste Full Beans, the best little coffee shop in all of North Carolina! Be sure to stop by and let the super-friendly staff know you heard about “TFB” from your favorite literary podcast, RedPubPod! It doesn’t hurt that they sell Redhawk Publications books, so buy one while you are sipping on some coffee.
Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café
29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC
(828) 325-0108
https://www.tastefullbeans.com/
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