Knowles Publishes Newly Released Folklore Book

“I just hope that it gets people interested, curious, and appreciative of the folklore here in White County, because it is rich with stories.”

Nicholas E. Knowles has a love for history and folklore, but he also has a deep love for his home here in White County. Sharing the sentiment above, that is why he has published his new book White House of Hickory Valley. The book was released on October 26, just a few days ago, and Knowles’ hope is that by sharing this folklore, gothic fiction ingrained in the stories and lore of White County, audiences can grow to appreciate the rich history in our region.

Knowles has always been a big proponent of history. Teaching history at Hunters Lane High School in Nashville, one of his favorite topics has never changed throughout his years of both learning and teaching: White County folklore. He remembers the many, vast stories his grandmother used to tell. That was part of his motivation, in fact, when first trying to tackle this book.

“Even as a kid, I loved hearing stories from the older folk, sitting on the porch and talking,” says Knowles. “I tried to really capture that. Reading this book, you can imagine it’s like someone sitting on the porch telling you this story.”

Knowles feels a part of that folklore and history has become less appreciated, or at the very least less well-known, in recent years by the past few generations. By writing this story that is immersed in those types of old tales, he hopes to inspire readers to learn even more about White County.

The story is a Southern Gothic horror, following a family as they move into the old White House. Knowles based some of the events, locations, and certain figures in the story upon real historical elements. However, the focus is still on the supernatural elements that comprise Tennessee, and specifically White County, folklore, and old legends.

The White House of Hickory Valley: A Southern Gothic Supernatural Horror Novel inspired by Folklore of White County, Tennessee is currently available on Amazon. Knowles will soon get it put on Barnes & Noble as well as IngramSpark.