The Front Porch Circle

The People Helping Us Bring Our Mission to Life

A white wooden chair with a ladder-back design on a black background.

We believe publishing is a collaborative art

The Front Porch Circle is our community of trusted contributors, a diverse group of writers, academics, artists, advocates, and passionate readers united by a shared belief in the power of stories. Together, they provide unique perspectives, thoughtful guidance, and creative insight to help us bring our mission to life.

Meet the Circle

  • A man smiling while holding a vinyl record, sitting against a dark background, with a blue banner that says "Shawn Pitts".

    Shawn Pitts is an arts advocate and storyteller. As a writer, curator, and musical history enthusiast, his work is dedicated to preserving the authentic, often-unheard narratives of the South. His expertise in Southern culture and folkways provides an anchor for our curatorial vision, ensuring our stories are rooted in truth and respect.

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling young woman with short hair, wearing a dark top and plaid shawl, standing with hands on hips against a blurred background.

    Robin Alexander is a high school librarian with a background in research, historical archives, and digital preservation. Her work has revealed the context behind historical artifacts. She teaches research literacy instruction and curates a library collection that encourages students to engage with diverse perspectives.

  • Black and white photo of an elderly man with light hair, wearing a light-colored T-shirt with a small logo, outdoors with a blurred natural background. Blue banner at bottom with white text "Mark Crowell."

    Mark Crowell is a retired professor of psychology with 42 years of experience, who brings a profound understanding of the human condition to our Circle. As an avid reader and writer, he has explored the intersection of literature and therapy, offering a perspective that helps us find stories that offer empathy and insight.

  • Black and white photo of a woman with long, wavy hair smiling, wearing a patterned top, with the name 'Ashley Carroll' written on a blue background at the bottom.

    Ashley Carroll is a social impact leader, community builder, and advocate for the power of stories to create connection and inspire change. As the founder of a nonprofit, she has dedicated her career to projects in education and empowerment across the globe. Her vision is key to helping us build an engaged community.

  • Black and white photo of a woman with glasses resting her face on her hand, smiling gently, with a blurred bookshelf in the background. Blue banner with white text below reads "Allison Stansberry."

    Allison Stansberry is a communications and leadership professional, with a focus on helping organizations connect around a shared purpose. She is active in the Nashville community through nonprofit and civic board service. Her engagement in the literary world allows us to have a glimpse of the modern Southern reader.

  • A black and white portrait of a smiling man with a beard and mustache, wearing a checkered shirt, outdoors in a grassy area. The image has a blue banner at the bottom with the name "Toby Willis".

    Toby Willis is an advocate for accessibility, with over 20 years of experience in technology, leadership and nonprofit. Having led disability travel research at Expedia, he brings a crucial perspective on how stories can reach everyone. As an avid reader and speaker, he guides us in making our literary world more inclusive.

Why a Circle?

The idea of The Front Porch Circle is rooted in the Southern tradition of gathering on a porch to share stories, exchange ideas, and build community, often sitting together in a circle.

From the Circle's Own Voice

  • “We believe in bridging past and present, exposing today's readers to the talented Southern writers who shaped our tradition and those who are fearlessly redefining it."

    -SHAWN PITTS

  • “We know a story doesn't end on the last page. We use our platforms not just to talk about books, but to encourage the real-world conversations that make literature meaningful."

    -ROBIN ALEXANDER

  • "There is one innate human condition that I believe is sorely lacking in our modern society, and that is the need for community. Community offers us a sense of safety and the support each of us needs to succeed and thrive".

    -TOBY WILLIS

  • "I am especially interested in voices that have been overlooked or misunderstood, including stories about women, young people, rural communities, and people whose experiences don't fit neatly into the usual narratives."

    -ASHLEY CARROLL

  • "I fell in love—not just with the tales themselves, but with the books as objects, their covers, their weight, the way they rested in my hands. They were my companions in solitude."

    -MARK CROWELL