The southern author, Jesse Hill Ford was hired at UAB for the 1977-78 academic year as writer in residence. He mentored the hugely successful novelist Richard North Patterson at UAB during that period. Ford had some unfortunate notoriety in his life, but this mentorship was something he could be proud of. I just discovered this today when I looked inside the back cover of one of his books that I just finished reading , Dark Lady, by RNP which stated that he studied fictional writing with Ford at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Just a little tidbit during the summer doldrums for our Blazer family.
I remember that. My dad helped host Jesse Hill Ford, and I believe I met him, IIRC. I enjoyed reading "The Raider" and would recommend it, especially for those who enjoy works set during the Civil War.
(07-07-2015 04:13 PM)DragonClaw Wrote: [ -> ]I remember that. My dad helped host Jesse Hill Ford, and I believe I met him, IIRC. I enjoyed reading "The Raider" and would recommend it, especially for those who enjoy works set during the Civil War.
Thats interesting. Patterson must have really learned some great things to mention Ford in his book cover (s?) . Ill have to check to see if he always acknowledges that mentorship in his books.. Patterson probably ranks among the top 5-10 best selling authors currently. It is great that he also has a UAB connection.