Rebecca Gayle Howell

About the Author

Rebecca Gayle Howell is a poet, essayist, and cultural critic whose work explores the intersections of identity, place, and power in the American South. Raised in rural Kentucky, she draws from her Appalachian roots to craft narratives that blend lyricism with unflinching social commentary, often delving into themes of migration, loss, and resilience. Howell's debut poetry collection, American Purgatory, garnered critical acclaim for its haunting evocation of the opioid crisis and its toll on working-class communities, earning praise from outlets like The New York Times and Poetry Magazine. A former Stegner Fellow at Stanford University, she now teaches creative writing and lives in Nashville, where she continues to champion underrepresented voices through her writing and advocacy.