Picture a Southern storyteller who spun tales of faith, sci-fi, and survival from a pig farm to the pages of award-winning novels—meet Neal Wooten! Born in 1965 in Blake, Alabama, Wooten’s journey from rural poverty to literary acclaim is as captivating as his books. A comedian, artist, and author, he’s a master of blending humor and heart.
Now back in northeast Alabama after years in the Midwest, Wooten’s multifaceted career includes managing Mirror Publishing, creating the beloved comic strip 'Brad’s Pit,' and tickling funny bones as a standup comedian. His unique voice, shaped by a life of resilience, shines through in every story he tells.
The Making of Neal Wooten
Neal Wooten grew up on a pig farm atop Sand Mountain, where life was tough and resources were scarce. Living in a shack with no running water or reliable electricity, he faced poverty and family challenges head-on. The first in his family to graduate high school, Wooten earned a B.S. in applied mathematics from Auburn University in 1986. His early career as a math teacher and director of a math learning center in Milwaukee showcased his analytical mind, but a creative spark was brewing. Inspired by H.G. Wells and a childhood love of sci-fi and westerns, Wooten began writing, publishing his first novel, 'Reternity,' in 2011.
Neal Wooten’s Unforgettable Stories
Wooten’s bibliography is a vibrant tapestry of genres, from science fiction to memoir to young adult fiction. His debut, 'Reternity,' a Christian sci-fi novel blending biblical prophecies with time travel, won ten national awards and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best of 2011. Its imaginative storytelling hooked readers with its believable, faith-infused narrative.
His 2022 memoir, 'With the Devil’s Help,' is a raw, heartfelt account of his upbringing amid poverty, mental illness, and a family murder. Alternating between his life and his grandfather’s, it’s a gripping blend of true crime and personal triumph, earning praise for its vivid Southern voice. 'The Balance,' a gay-themed sci-fi novel, explores a futuristic class divide through a same-sex love story, showcasing Wooten’s knack for tackling social issues. 'Granny Dollar,' a historical novel, brings to life a quirky Alabama folk figure, blending humor and heritage. His works often weave Southern culture, resilience, and hope, delivered with a comedian’s wit.
Why Neal Wooten Matters
Neal Wooten’s impact lies in his ability to turn adversity into art. His stories resonate with readers who crave authentic voices from the Deep South, tackling themes of survival, faith, and identity. Through Mirror Publishing, he’s championed new authors, while his comic strip 'Brad’s Pit'—with 24,000 Facebook followers—promotes pet adoption with humor. Wooten’s journey from a shack on Sand Mountain to literary and comedic stages inspires aspiring writers to embrace their roots and tell their truth.
- Born: August 1, 1965, Blake, Alabama
- Key Works: 'Reternity,' 'With the Devil’s Help,' 'The Balance,' 'Granny Dollar'
- Awards: Kirkus Reviews Best of 2011 ('Reternity'), multiple national book awards
- Fun Fact: Wooten’s comic strip 'Brad’s Pit' is being adapted into an animated series!
Snag 'With the Devil’s Help' or 'Reternity' and dive into Neal Wooten’s soulful, Southern sci-fi world!