Community Voice Guest: Alan Caldwell

Reader and Critics reviews

What are the readers and critics saying?

“Alan Caldwell’s writing is powerful, honest, and brave. In stories that pull us in and draw us close, he lights up the dark places with clarity and compassion.”
— Jennifer Horne, Alabama Poet Laureate 2017-2021, author of Borrowed Light and Tell the World You're a Wildflower: Stories

“Alan Caldwell’s writing is skillful and evocative, demonstrating a keen understanding of storytelling and craft. Through his rich imagery, nuanced characterization, and thoughtful exploration of themes, the prose captivates and resonates with readers, leaving a lasting impression long after the final sentence is read.”
— Mea Cohen, Editor in Chief of The Palisades Review

“Alan Caldwell mines deeply into the human experience, laying bare the frailties and failings of our vulnerabilities—then, with a subtle shift, shows it all to be glorious and good. He is a gifted storyteller with a compassionate heart and an eye for detail.”
— Patricia Crisafulli, author of the Ohnita Harbor Mystery Series

“I’ve been the Assistant Editor at Southern Gothic Creations for two years and one of the first writers I had the pleasure of editing was Alan Caldwell. Alan is such an unique and edgy writer. Any suggestions I have offered him, he has always taken them graciously. His unique stories are always an interesting view into Alan’s life. His approach into story writing is as unique as Alan.”
— Deneen Azzolino, Assistant Editor of Southernhe Gothic Creations

“Alan Caldwell’s The Only Verse is a compelling collection of poetry that takes us to the devastating edge of human vulnerability, where we can’t outrun the childhood nightmare no matter how hard we try. It is the one that creeps in and out of our grown-up selves, knocking on our hearts and threatening our quest for a safe passage through life. While each poem is a brave stand-alone, together they tell a story. They lean on each other to stand tall, to tell the ultimate truth of loss and grief, and to offer the ultimate hope for self-love.”
— Helen Stine, author of the award winning novel The Truthful Story

"After reading Alan Caldwell’s debut collection The Only Verse, you will not easily slip into your ordinary life. The raw vulnerability of his vivid and skillfully crafted poems is so powerful, as in “Finding Me There,” you cannot look away."

— Suzanne Rhodes, Arkansas Poet Laureate, semi-finalist for the North American Book award, author of Flying Yellow and The Perfume of Pain

"Alan Caldwell’s debut collection reveals a poet who feels deeply, reads widely, and works hard to understand human life in all its variations: the unavoidable griefs and losses, the unnecessary cruelties, and, in the midst of it all, the small gifts we give each other and the natural world gives to us. These poems will make you catch your breath and hold on for dear life."

— Jennifer Horne, former Alabama Poet Laureate, author of Letters to Little Rock: Poems