The Sweet Potato Queen

I attended the Jackson Hole Writer’s Conference a few weeks back. The conference was great (notwithstanding the boxed wine) and I loved every minute of it. Jackson is one of my favorite places in the world.

There were a lot of great speakers at the conference, but one in particular stood out like a silver collar on a Coonhound (hah!)

Jill Connor Browne, about six feet tall, dressed in sequins and fake hair, told the story of how she became the Sweet Potato Queen. I had never heard of Ms. Browne or her friends before so I was a Sweet Potato Queen virgin, so to speak. There were several ladies in the audience wearing crowns and costumes, but I didn’t put it all together until I heard Jill’s story.

At a low point in her life, she took stock of all of her talents and decided that her best bet for gainful employment was to become a Queen. Sadly, none of the established Royal Families were interested, so she created a costume, found a tiara and entered a local parade as the, you guessed it, Sweet Potato Queen.

The idea spread, women were inspired, now there are thousands of Queens and chapters of Queens all over the world who converge in Jackson, MS every year to march to the beat of their own drummer.

She’s pretty, sassy, well spoken and the kind of friend every woman could use. Her humor isn’t for everyone – it’s a little spicy at times, but I think she’s hilarious.

I haven’t read her books. I’m saving them for this winter when the snow is falling and I’m bored silly, and looking for something really fun to read, but here’s the link to her website if you’re interested in learning more or becoming a Queen for a Day!

Xxoo,

RMW