Kelly Kazek

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Kelly Kazek
Kelly Kazek at the Alabama Book Festival.jpg
Kazek, here at a 2015 festival, autographs one of her books for a fan.
Born (1965-02-09) February 9, 1965 (age 60)
United States
NationalityAmerican
Alma materAuburn University
Occupation(s)Journalist, author
Notable workSome Nightmares Are Real, Fairly Odd Mother

Kelly Kazek (born February 9, 1965) is an American journalist and author. She is known for her humorous and historical writing focused on the American South, particularly Alabama. She has worked as a columnist and managing editor, and has published numerous books for both adults and children.

Contents

Education

Kazek earned a bachelor's degree in English from Auburn University in 1987. [1]

Career

Kazek's writing often explores unusual people, events, stories, legends, and lore that, in her words, "make Alabama one of a kind." She writes witty and entertaining columns, with a conversational tone. [2] [3]

She served as managing editor of The News Courier in Athens, Alabama, and has been a columnist for Alabama Media Group, contributing to publications including The Huntsville Times , The Birmingham News , and Mobile Press-Register . [4]

She is a regular contributor to It’s a Southern Thing , where she writes about Southern culture and traditions. [5] [6]

Kazek began publishing books at age 44. Her first was a collection of humorous newspaper columns titled Fairly Odd Mother: Musings of a Slightly Off Southern Mom. [7]

Honors and awards

Kazek is a two-time recipient of the Alabama Associated Press Media Editors Sweepstakes Award, which recognizes the best story in the state. [3]

She was named Columnist of the Year in the CNHI Better Newspaper Contest, and won Best Humorous Commentary from the Green Eyeshade Awards in both 2007 and 2008. [8] [9]

In 2022, Kazek received first place in humorous commentary from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. [6]

She has twice served as president of the Alabama Associated Press Media Editors and sits on the advisory council of the Encyclopedia of Alabama. [10]

Selected works

References

  1. 1 2 Kazek, Kelly (2011). Hidden History of Auburn. The History Press. ISBN   9781609492922 . Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  2. Mike Bunn (March 5, 2024). "Review of "Forgotten Tales of Alabama" by Kelly Kazek". The Historian’s Manifesto. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  3. 1 2 "Kazek honored for columns in CNHI contest". The News Courier. March 24, 2012. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  4. "Kazek named APME president; Dothan Eagle wins award". The News Courier. April 5, 2011. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  5. "Kelly Kazek – It's a Southern Thing". It's a Southern Thing. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  6. 1 2 "Alabama Media Group's Kelly Kazek wins national columnist award". AL.com. July 1, 2022. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  7. Dave Lieber (October 2009). "Do It Now, Live Your Dream". National Society of Newspaper Columnists. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  8. "2007 Winners". Green Eyeshade Awards. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  9. "2008 Winners". Green Eyeshade Awards. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  10. "People". Encyclopedia of Alabama. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  11. Kazek, Kelly (2024). Some Nightmares Are Real: The Haunting Truth Behind Alabama’s Supernatural Tales. University of Alabama Press. ISBN   9780817395186 . Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  12. Kazek, Kelly (2010). Athens and Limestone County. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN   9780738586144 . Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  13. Kazek, Kelly (2022). Southern Thesaurus: For When You’re Plumb Out of Things to Say. It’s a Southern Thing. ISBN   9781575719047 . Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  14. Kazek, Kelly (2018). Not Quite Right: Mostly True Tales of a Weird News Reporter. Solomon & George Publishers. ISBN   9780998636238 . Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  15. Kazek, Kelly; Wil Elrick (2014). Alabama Scoundrels: Outlaws, Pirates, Bandits & Bushwhackers. The History Press. ISBN   9781625850676 . Retrieved 2025-04-10.