Picture a storyteller who spun a vibrant tale of music, race, and rebellion in 1970s New York—meet Dawnie Walton! This former journalist turned novelist captured hearts with her debut, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, a fictional oral history that pulses with the energy of rock 'n' roll and the complexities of identity. Walton’s journey from Jacksonville to literary stardom is as compelling as her stories, blending her love for pop culture with sharp social commentary.
The Making of Dawnie Walton
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Dawnie Walton grew up in a music-loving family, her father’s record collection sparking her fascination with soul, jazz, and rock. She honed her storytelling skills at Florida A&M University, a historically Black college, earning a journalism degree in 1997. Walton’s career kicked off at The Florida Times-Union, writing for the Teen Rap section, before she climbed the ranks at major outlets like The Washington Post, Essence, and Entertainment Weekly, where she sharpened her editorial eye and immersed herself in pop culture.
Dawnie Walton’s Unforgettable Stories
Walton’s debut novel, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev (2021), is a tour de force, chronicling the rise and fall of an interracial rock duo in the 1970s through a fictional oral history. Inspired by the documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, the book explores Black women’s contributions to rock, tackling themes of racism, sexism, and cultural appropriation with a vibrant, polyphonic narrative. Her second work, You’ve Got a Place Here, Too, further showcases her knack for blending music and identity. Walton’s style—rhythmic, layered, and voice-driven—draws from her journalism roots, creating characters that feel alive and stories that resonate like a favorite song.
Her writing process is as dynamic as her prose. Walton spent seven years crafting Opal & Nev, often waking at 5 a.m. or burning the midnight oil while working full-time. She left her job at Essence in 2015 to focus on the novel, later earning an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 2018, where she refined her craft under mentors like Ayana Mathis.
Why Dawnie Walton Matters
Dawnie Walton’s impact lies in her ability to amplify underrepresented voices, particularly Black women in rock and literature. The Final Revival of Opal & Nev won the 2022 Aspen Words Literary Prize, the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, and the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award, earning praise from NPR, The Washington Post, and even Barack Obama. Through her co-founded Ursa Story Company, Walton champions short fiction by marginalized authors, expanding the literary landscape. Her work challenges readers to confront tough truths while celebrating the joy of music and resilience.
- Born: 1976 or 1977 in Jacksonville, Florida
- Key Works: The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, You’ve Got a Place Here, Too
- Awards: 2022 Aspen Words Literary Prize, 2022 VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, 2022 Audie Award for Fiction
- Education: MFA, Iowa Writers’ Workshop (2018); BA, Florida A&M University (1997)
Snag The Final Revival of Opal & Nev and dive into Dawnie Walton’s electrifying world of music and meaning!