Local author publishes through the Horseman Press 

“A Wiregrass Childhood” by local artist and author Brenda Sutton-Rose held its book launch with a huge turnout. The book was produced by ABAC’s student-run publishing, the Horseman Press. The community shocked Sutton-Rose with their support, with every chair filled and at least 30 people standing.  

The book is set in the Wiregrass region during the Colonial Period, during which settlers established the land occupied by the Creek Indians. The story follows a young boy named Isaac who forms a friendship with a Creek friend. Themes of racism spur conflict within their newfound friendship.  

Sutton-Rose found inspiration for her genre of writing after setting up a free library in front of her home.  

She said, “The children mostly enjoyed the library. A lot of the books were middle grade and even for teens. That’s what caused my interest in that age group, with something that could be for adults too.” 

“My love of the land and the way that I see how we do not respect the landscape—all of that worked together in perfect timing when I wrote the book,” Sutton-Rose continued. 

The students behind Horseman Press publishing did everything but the initial draft of the work. Editing, promoting, and producing the launch event itself all came from the students, for which Sutton-Rose was grateful.  

Sutton-Rose said, “The people who brought it to life were the students. Until I worked with them, I really had no idea of what goes on behind the scenes of making a book. The students took hold of it and ran with it. We came tonight and said it was to celebrate me, but in my heart, I think it might be celebrating the students and the book.”  

She particularly enjoyed working with Copy Editor Alec Crews. 

“I had this pet peeve with ellipses,” she said. “Alec took my manuscript, edited it, and I found several ellipses in the finished product. I realized that it read better with them included and left things open to the reader’s interpretation. I think that I will be using more ellipses in the future.” 

Dr. Rachael Price is the advisor for the Horseman Press and enjoyed working with this year’s group of students, saying, “…they worked as hard as industry professionals.”  

The crowd was filled with numerous people who know Sutton-Rose from all walks of her life.  

Georgia Mills was a friend of Sutton-Rose back in their high school days.  

Mills said, “I read her first book, and I’m here to support my friend. I’m so impressed with her. Anyone who can do what she does deserves the utmost respect.” 

Kay Ellis, who was also acquainted with Sutton-Rose back in high school, came in support. 

“She was very shy, and I wasn’t. I have followed her career and love her painting. My husband and I own the paint shop where she has her artwork framed,” said Ellis. 

Ellis used to be a professor at ABAC, teaching in the education department. 

Ellis said, “I thought that it was amazing that ABAC students published this book. I used to teach in the education department at ABAC and didn’t even realize their student publishing existed.” 

Sutton-Rose even had friends from her life as an artist come and support, including Heather Gilbert Compton, who said, “I’m fortunate enough to paint with her weekly, and we have a lot of fun. Years ago, I would do her paint and sip classes, and over time, we started painting at her studio.” 

“A Wiregrass Childhood” will be Sutton-Rose’s only work for the time being, as she wants to enjoy sharing the story with book clubs and discussing all its aspects. She has a manuscript ready for her next work, but she is waiting for the right moment to bring it into the limelight.