How It All Started

                                      I was in the 8th grade when I got the 'itch'. 

that's me, second girl in 1st left row. 

That itch was writing. I'd always loved to read but had never written any fiction until that year. 

It was a short story about a dog named Boots who knocks over a pan of flour in his mistress's kitchen and makes a huge mess. 

It looked and sounded like the 8th grader that I was.

I wrote very little after that except for poems. Somehow I thought I could write poems but they were as bad as the Boots story. I had discovered boys and in due time, I got married, raised a family and really did no serious writing until I was 56 years old. By then the kids were all gone and I found I had time on my hands. That ole Itch came back. 

How I wish I had been more diligent in my writing. Now I am 92 and I know I cheated myself out of years of learning the craft of writing a good book, or being a good story teller. But, hey... I am working now on my 4th book. And, I'll keep on 'til I can't do it anymore. That's all anyone can do. Right?

Welcome

 I'm Willie Latane Barton, author of Springtime in Magnolia, and I'm delighted you've stopped by.

I've always believed that every life holds a story worth telling. My love of Southern traditions, family history, and the enduring relationships between people has inspired much of my writing.

My first novel, Springtime in Magnolia, was published in 2014. Now I'm working on its sequel, returning to the familiar streets of Magnolia and the lives of characters who still have stories to tell.

Here you'll find news about my books, glimpses into my writing journey, and occasional reflections on the things that inspire me.

I'm so glad you're here. Pull up a chair, and let's share a story.