Picture a Southern storyteller who spun tales of heart, hope, and homegrown wisdom—meet Susan Gregg Gilmore! Born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1961, this acclaimed author of women’s fiction and Southern literature has captured readers with novels like Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen and The Funeral Dress. With a knack for weaving family ties and self-discovery into the fabric of the American South, Gilmore’s stories feel like a warm chat on a porch swing.
From her early days as a journalist to becoming a beloved novelist, Gilmore’s journey is as rich as her characters. Her work, rooted in the landscapes and spirit of Tennessee, invites readers to explore the beauty and struggles of small-town life with a light, relatable touch.
The Making of Susan Gregg Gilmore
Susan Gregg Gilmore grew up in Nashville, the youngest of four, with a painter mother and a father whose storytelling sparked her imagination. Summers spent with grandparents—fishing, chasing lightning bugs, and learning to grow the perfect tomato—shaped her love for Southern culture. After studying history at the University of Virginia, where she wrote for The Cavalier Daily, Gilmore worked at the Smithsonian Institution and earned a master’s in American Studies from the University of Texas. Her early career in journalism, freelancing for outlets like The Los Angeles Times and The Christian Science Monitor, honed her craft before she turned to fiction.
Susan Gregg Gilmore’s Unforgettable Stories
Gilmore’s novels are love letters to the South, blending coming-of-age tales with themes of resilience and community. Her debut, Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen (2008), follows preacher’s daughter Catherine Grace Cline as she dreams of escaping small-town Georgia. Hailed as a “stand-out coming-of-age novel” by NPR, it became a USA TODAY bestseller. The Improper Life of Bezellia Grove (2010) dives into 1960s Nashville, where a young woman navigates privilege and prejudice during the Civil Rights era, earning praise as a Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) OKRA Pick.
The Funeral Dress (2013) is a poignant tale of two Appalachian seamstresses, exploring poverty and camaraderie. Kirkus Reviews called it a “revelatory novel” about working women. Her upcoming novel, The Curious Calling of Leonard Bush (2025), promises another heartfelt Tennessee story. Gilmore’s style—lyrical, character-driven, and steeped in Southern charm—makes her books feel like catching up with old friends.
Why Susan Gregg Gilmore Matters
Susan Gregg Gilmore’s work resonates because it celebrates the strength of ordinary people, especially women, in the face of life’s challenges. Her stories bridge generations, offering a window into Southern identity while tackling universal themes like belonging and courage. Recognized with SIBA nominations and TARGET’s Emerging Author selections, Gilmore has carved a niche in contemporary literature. Her ability to balance family life—raising three daughters while writing—adds authenticity to her narratives, inspiring aspiring authors to chase their dreams.
About Susan Gregg Gilmore
- Born: 1961, Nashville, Tennessee
- Key Works: Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, The Improper Life of Bezellia Grove, The Funeral Dress
- Awards: SIBA Book Award Nominee (2009), SIBA OKRA Picks
- Fun Fact: She wrote a parenting column for the Chattanooga News-Free Press!
Ready to fall in love with Southern storytelling? Grab Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen and dive into Susan Gregg Gilmore’s heartwarming world!