Jennifer McGaha

Jennifer McGaha is an award-winning author, writing teacher, and public speaker, widely recognized for her memoirs and contributions to creative nonfiction. Her published works include "Flat Broke with Two Goats," which garnered critical acclaim and sold over 26,000 copies, "Bushwhacking: How to Get Lost on the Trail and Write Your Way Out," and "The Joy Document: Creating a Midlife of Surprise and Delight." In addition to her books, McGaha has published over sixty essays, articles, and hybrid pieces in esteemed journals and magazines such as River Teeth, Barrelhouse, and Image. Her humor and insight also graced The Huffington Post, where she contributed a dozen lighthearted pieces between 2014 and 2017.

McGaha's books have earned praise from literary critics and readers alike. "Flat Broke with Two Goats" was celebrated for its humor and authenticity, winning the Overdrive Library Award for Humor and being prominently featured in bookstores nationwide. Publishers Weekly described her second book, "Bushwhacking," as "gutsy, entertaining, and heartening." Her most recent work, "The Joy Document," has already gained recognition, with Library Journal naming it a top seasonal title and AARP Magazine lauding it for its reflections on joy and renewal. Throughout her career, McGaha’s lyrical prose and heartfelt storytelling have resonated with diverse audiences.

In addition to her writing, McGaha is an accomplished speaker and advocate for the arts. She has been featured in interviews and events covered by media outlets such as C-SPAN, The Wall Street Journal, and Smoky Mountain Living. She has also moderated discussions with authors like Lee Smith and Daniel Wallace and has spoken at prestigious venues, including the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors. As an educator, she has taught creative writing and literature at universities and community colleges and through workshops at institutions such as Hugo House and the North Carolina Arboretum.

McGaha is deeply rooted in her Appalachian heritage, living with her husband and a lively mix of animals in a wooded hollow in North Carolina. When not writing or teaching, she enjoys outdoor adventures, cooking, and traveling. Through her writing, teaching, and advocacy, McGaha continues to inspire creativity and joy, encouraging others to find meaning and beauty in their everyday lives.