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Crystal Wilkinson

@crystalwilki.bsky.social
3.4K followers 412 following 183 posts

Novelist, Food Advocate, Professor. National Bestselling Author of PRAISESONG FOR THE KITCHEN GHOSTS, PERFECT BLACK, BIRDS OF OPULENCE linktr.ee/CrystalWilkinson?utm_sour…

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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
skip intro @upfromsumdirt.blacksky.app · 07/08/2026
@crystalwilki.bsky.social ❤️
THE BLACK DROP EFFECT
for Bibi


to love you 
is no vague venus 
in transit across 
a globose skin 
rim skimming limb 
until teardrop 
the xanthic glow to heavenly onyx 
argentless this 
astronomy between us 
observed by some 
(or chosen not to & blaming lenses) 
this orbital unbroken 
black spatial love
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Ocean Vuong blessed us all in Kentucky. I'm lifted by his deeply moving tribute to Black letters and his brilliance and heart. A big thanks to @carmichaels.bsky.social for bringing us this gladness. We were inspired/changed.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Thank you @upfromsumdirt.bsky.social for riding shotgun while I drove around in a frenzy searching for the wallamelon man. Happy days!
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
Mrs. N @btwnthesepages.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
While some people are dunking on that "Appalachia" menu and some are saying it's an intentional insult to Appalachian cooking, I want to recommend Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts by @crystalwilki.bsky.social which is a beautiful book with real recipes from generations of Black Appalachians.
penguinrandomhouse.com
Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts by Crystal Wilkinson: 9780593236512 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A lyrical culinary journey that explores the hidden legacy of Black Appalachians, through powerful storytelling alongside nearly forty comforting recipes, from the former...
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
Chantal James @chantalalive.blacksky.app · 09/07/2026
Start here. @upfromsumdirt.bsky.social @crystalwilki.bsky.social
penguinrandomhouse.com
Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts by Crystal Wilkinson: 9780593236512 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A lyrical culinary journey that explores the hidden legacy of Black Appalachians, through powerful storytelling alongside nearly forty comforting recipes, from the former...
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
University Press of Kentucky @kentuckypress.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Introducing the stunning cover of WHEN IT GETS COLD IN THE SOUTH by Exodus Oktavia Brownlow @coocoo4afropuffs.bsky.social—an unforgettable new story collection and forthcoming Screen Door Press title, edited by Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social. To preorder, visit: buff.ly/CDGW15n
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
skip intro @upfromsumdirt.blacksky.app · 15/07/2026
we'll be in louisville friday as @crystalwilki.bsky.social sits in conversation with Ocean Vuong over his new novel, The Emperor of Gladness at Spalding's Columbia Gym Auditorium... more deets:
carmichaelsbookstore.com
An Evening with Ocean Vuong
A locally owned independent bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky, open 7 days a week, with three locations.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Yeah...I'm like that...this close to perfection?...OK I'm done...fin.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Beans, onions, potatoes, beets, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, beans and honey...all from Miller Farm in Stanford. I'm grateful for Susie and George Allen and this beautiful bounty. I am recovering from the flu. No better cure for heart, mind, and body. I'm grateful.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Deadline extended to April 24.
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
Rafiul Islam @islamrafi.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
The University of Lynchburg community gathered March 12 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for an intimate evening with acclaimed author and former Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson, who read from her works and shared insights on writing, food and the power of storytelling. #CrystalWilkinson #UofL
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
skip intro @upfromsumdirt.blacksky.app · 01/04/2026
happy anniversary @crystalwilki.bsky.social our 1st date was 19 years ago today at the rudyard kipling in louisville... the 1st half was "yeah, we just gon be some friends" and then i dont even know what magics you employed next but we ended the night with a kiss. been kissing every night since.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
It's 4:30 am and I woke up wanting to dial my grandparent's phone number. I can't remember my pass codes, the reason I opened the refrigerator or where I put my glasses but this number came floating back from the 90s with great clarity. What random detail does your brain hold onto?
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Happy Birthday @upfromsumdirt.bsky.social Thank you for being the peace, the calm, the glue, the love.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
There's a shoulder poem in me somewhere. It's been trying to break me since June but I haven't quite written it yet.
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
Wes Browne @browneallover.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Lexington, Kentucky, we’re signing books this weekend! I’ll be joining a couple legends: @upfromsumdirt.bsky.social and @crystalwilki.bsky.social
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
Read Appalachia @readappalachia.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
NEW PODCAST EPISODE! In today’s episode @kdwinchester.bsky.social talks to @upfromsumdirt.bsky.social about his new poetry collection THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN’S WIFE. Have a listen! www.readappalachia.com/blog/ep-51-u...
readappalachia.com
Ep. 51 | Poetry Corner: upfromsumdirt — Read Appalachia
In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner,  Kendra Winchester is joined by upfromsumdirt.
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skip intro @upfromsumdirt.blacksky.app · 08/11/2025
well, well, well... what have we here? 40% OFF ALL BOOKS (hard or soft cover!) AT UPK WHEN USING FROSTY25 AT CHECKOUT? 👁👁 hey... that includes my book!! 👁👁 & GOOD UNTIL JANUARY THE WHAT?!?!? 👀👀 www.kentuckypress.com
photo of The Shoes of the Fisherman's Wife poetry collectionscreenshot of website's holiday sale banner advertising 40% off all books when using frosty25 at checkout
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Association of University Presses @aupresses.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
What a great mini-feature on this new work by @toniannj.bsky.social, published by @kentuckypress.bsky.social Screen Door Press imprint, edited by @crystalwilki.bsky.social #ReadUP
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Thank you Library of Virginia.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
This is a photo of me at 7:30 am this morning with Stefan. I have a love/hate relationship with Stefan's ass and my shoulder hates his guts. He's good at his job tho. Today he released me from his services and my shoulder is at 80%. I'll be taking over my own progress from here.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
@upfromsumdirt.bsky.social Congratulations on another great reading!
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skip intro @upfromsumdirt.blacksky.app · 18/10/2025
well, thats one down... mightve had 15 folks in the audience (almost half was family) and i am grateful for all that came out tonight, thank yall. ❤️ and thank you to joseph-beth books & my publishers at upk.
me in a blue dashiki with white trim standing behind a podium at joseph-beth bookscopies of the shoes of the Fisherman's Wife stacked on a table besides two microphones me, a white bearded man with dreadlocks and a shaved side of his head, sitting down to sign books. out of focus in the background is my granddaughter, alexus, and her fiancée, brooke.me, sitting behind a desk with copies of my book piled on it as crystal stands behind me, leaning in and smiling for the photo.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
When your editor says "beautifully rendered" you allow yourself a little 5-minute victory lap and then get back to work.
media.tenor.com
a woman in a plaid jacket is shaking hands with someone
ALT: a woman in a plaid jacket is shaking hands with someone
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
skip intro @upfromsumdirt.blacksky.app · 09/10/2025
in case it's slipped yalls mind...
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Average sleep for the last month: Four hours
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Me: Gordon Ramsey says baking your overnight oats w/ walnut or pecans is a game changer! Him: I thought you were saying something universal. Chile, let me get to my writing desk.
media.tenor.com
a man in a suit and tie is saying `` here we go '' while looking at something .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is saying `` here we go '' while looking at something .
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Shout out to the ppl who hand write letters and notes in careful cursive on lush paper. A balm. What small things are carrying you today?
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bhtnh.bsky.social @bhtnh.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
What's In The BHT Office? Part 1: Praisesong For The Kitchen Ghosts by Crystal Wilkinson!! If you are looking for authentic Black Cookbooks to enjoy some unique recipes, this one is for you! Visit us at 222 Court Street, Portmsouth, NH to come check it out! www.blackheritagetrailnh.org
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
LINK nky @link-nky.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Crystal Wilkinson will speak at Steely Library on Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Wilkinson is the author of “Praisesong of the Friendly Ghosts,” a culinary memoir that reflects on the familial history and unique recipes of Black Appalachian food traditions. linknky.com/culture/2025...
linknky.com
Kentucky Poet Laureate to speak at NKU next month
Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson will speak at NKU’s Steely Library on Sept. 30. The event is free and open to the public.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Thanks for reading!
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
These are my people. Aunt Lovester's great-grandfather discovered Boneyville, Kentucky. Legends. Remember them. Remember us.
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Tonja Reynolds @tonjamreynolds.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
I have an article in this issue! Big thanks to Greg Michalson, @crystalwilki.bsky.social, and @davidjoy.bsky.social for sharing their advice on writing difficult scenes.
writersdigestshop.com
Writer's Digest July/August 2025 Digital Edition
When it comes to setting the scene, all writers know it’s a critical piece to ensuring readers have a clear grasp of what they’re reading, whether it be a physical setting in a novel or narrative nonf...
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Feeling wobbly at my writing desk today, but thinking of the woman who helped raise me who is straddling this world and the next but going home today. She is 89. I'm writing about my mama but all my mamas come to me. I'm not steady at all but here. I'm here. Fingers on key board. I'm here.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Hospitals are strange places for trauma bonding. Shoutout to the stranger who tried to mirror my steps to the parking lot to tell me about the doctors drilling a hole in her niece's head. The image is with me on my pillow all these hours later.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Is writing a selfish act? Must we untether ourselves from family to get it done?
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Join me and Frank Walker for a writing workshop in beautiful Butler State Park. parks.ky.gov/writing-work...
parks.ky.gov
Writing Workshop
Join acclaimed authors Frank X Walker and Crystal Wilkinson for an inspiring and immersive writing workshop set against the scenic backdrop of Kentucky State Parks. This unique experience offers write...
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Kweli Journal @kwelijournal.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
The NEW issue of Kweli Journal has dropped. Our May issue is focused on the theme of MOTHERING. READ NOW at link in bio 👆🏿
Painting titled “Love is in the Hair,” featuring a Black mother tending her daughter’s hair at the kitchen table. Artwork by Chase Williamson, a painter and MFA candidate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
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Meg Reid 🦦 @megireid.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Still glowing from our Deep South Convening, this past weekend in Birmingham. Here's 3/4 of @hubcitypress.bsky.social and the organizers (@johntedge.bsky.social, Ashley Jones, me) with our incredible keynote, @crystalwilki.bsky.social.
Kate, Katherine, and Meg hugging in Birmingham this weekend because they never see each other irl!Ashley Jones, Meg Reid, John T. Edge, and Crystal Wilkinson.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts released on audio from Tantor TODAY! Thank you for reading AND listening. Link in the comments and take a listen. Get it wherever you buy your audiobooks.
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Crystal Wilkinson @crystalwilki.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
Grateful for a beautiful night of words and a sold-out house at @themercantilelib. What kind staff and stewards. Nights like this are a brilliant respite from the rest. Being in this special place felt like a sort of church. I hope to get back soon.
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skip intro @upfromsumdirt.blacksky.app · 08/04/2025
👠👠 + 🎣👨🏿‍🦳 + 👰🏿‍♂️ THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN'S WIFE has an official cover AND release date from @kentuckypress.bsky.social - Oct 14, 2025! surreal poems, narrative poems, nature poems... maybe "surreal narrative nature" poems? preorder link coming soon!
bookcover, gold artwork against a royal blue background, for the Shoes of the Fisherman's Wife: poems by upfromsumdirt. image is mermaid sitting beside a leopard as she holds a flaming heart in her left hand. the figures are bordered with flora patterns.
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Sarah Josephine @sarahjosephinep.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
"Witness" by Crystal Wilkinson #poem #poetry #apoemaday
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Splendid Table @splendidtable.org · 20/02/2025
Listen to Francis’ full conversation with Melissa Clark in our latest episode! splendidtable.org/episode/2024/02/09/melissa-clarks-deep-dive-into-salt-crystal-wilkinson-on-her-kitchen-ghosts
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RyGuy @ryguy13.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
There’s an awesome book by Crystal Wilkinson, a historian and black Appalachian, that is full of these kind of shorthand recipes (and the full recipe as well). It’s called “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts.” www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704948...
penguinrandomhouse.com
Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts by Crystal Wilkinson: 9780593236512 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A lyrical culinary journey that explores the hidden legacy of Black Appalachians, through powerful storytelling alongside nearly forty comforting recipes, from the former...
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Reposted by Crystal Wilkinson
UK Libraries @uklibraries.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
We had so much fun last week with Crystal Wilkinson and Ronni Lundy at the 2025 Prichard Lecture! Wilkinson read from her latest book, Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts, and took us on a captivating journey from the hidden legacies of Black Appalachia to the unexpected pitfalls of cookbook writing.
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NewPages @newpages.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
The 3rd annual Tremont Writers Conference takes place this October. Join authors Crystal Wilkinson, David Joy, Karen Spears Zacharias, & Maurice Manning. Apply by May 15. www.newpages.com/blog/events/2025-t… #writingconference
newpages.com
2025 Tremont Writers Conference in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Events 2025 Tremont Writers Conference in Great Smoky Mountains National Park NewPages.com
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melissaeferguson.bsky.social @melissaeferguson.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Current reading pile. Antidotes to the news. H is for Hawk, by Helen Macdonald; Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts, by Crystal Wilkinson; and the Winter 2025 issue of the Little Patuxent Review.
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NewPages @newpages.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Join Crystal Wilkinson, David Joy, Karen Spears Zacharias, & Maurice Manning for an intensive 5-day retreat in the Smoky Mountains at the Tremont Writers Conference. Apply by May 15. www.newpages.com/events/2025-tremon… #writingconference
newpages.com
Tremont Writers Conference in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tremont Writers Conference in Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes place in Tennessee in October. Discover more writing conferences & literary events at NewPages.com.
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Silas Lapham @silaslapham.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Now go read his novel "Those We Thought We Knew" which deals with this exact monument. Then, go read Marie Cochran, @crystalwilki.bsky.social S.A. Cosby and more Affriclachian artists.
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