Connect with Diane Pickett
EPISODE TWENTY ONE
We connect the people who live, work, and play in Walton County.
Some say the South is all sweet tea and front porch stories, but if you’ve read F. Diane Pickett’s work, you know better. Her novels don’t just whisper Southern history—they grab you by the collar and drag you through the grit, grace, and downright fight of strong-willed women who refuse to be tamed. Today, we sit down with the legendary storyteller, preservationist, and force of nature herself—Diane Pickett. Diane is a woman who doesn’t just tell history—she shapes it.
Her latest book, while marketed as fiction, is rooted in real-life events and serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of women’s progress.
Our discussion also delves into the importance of preserving Southern culture, history, and etiquette, with Diane emphasizing the loss of traditional courtesies in the digital age. She passionately speaks about the upcoming “Summit on the Circle” in DeFuniak Springs, a three-day event celebrating Southern heritage through live music, art demonstrations, storytelling, and even a pig roast. She highlights the significance of historic preservation, her partnership with the University of West Florida, and her vision for bringing cultural and economic revitalization to the town.
Diane also shares her admiration for Tony Vallee, a city council candidate dedicated to preservation efforts, and an invitation to meet him on her front porch. How Southern!
So grab your sweet tea and connect with Diane Pickett in this episode of the HWY 331 podcast. I am your host, Kerri Parker.
The Tea Wasn’t Always Sweet on Amazon
Summit on the Circle Details and Tickets
Sunbright Inn, Hotel DeFuniak, Sweet Southern Comfort, Tim Jackson’s Storytellers Tour, HWY 331 Newsletter Sign Up
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