Canton author publishes new book on hunting trips
What started out as a journal of hunting memories for Jim Crews has turned into a published book of stories, “Amid the Cypress.”
Ever since he was a young boy, Crews recorded his experiences while hunting in the Mississippi Delta and Arkansas in his journal, and has been doing so for almost 50 years. Along with writing, he also works as an attorney at the Herring, Long and Crews Law firm in Canton.
“I’ve always loved to write, and one day I realized I needed to make use of a book since I had so many experiences noted down,” Crews said. “Reading was as big of a passion for me as hunting.”
Crews said this book is perfect for someone looking for good stories written by a Mississippi native. He already has a second book planned, populated with stories that did not make it into the first volume.
“I’ve already finished the draft, but don’t have a title yet,” he said. “The stories in that will be centered around the area I used for hunting since I was a little boy, which is Coahoma, a city in Mississippi near the Delta.”
Crews noted that the most challenging part of completing the book was getting the rough draft turned into a final product.
“What you start and end with can be vastly different,” he said. “On the other hand, my absolute favorite part of the whole process was seeing the outpouring of interest from the community. I’m touched.”
Crews said he is very fortunate to have his wife’s support and great advice, as she is a writer herself and has also sold books.
“I wouldn’t be here without her help,” he said.
Allison Crews, Jim Crews’ wife, helped proofread and edit the book.
“I’m so proud of Jim for being able to get this book into a published format, especially during this pandemic,” Crews said. “He’s been writing these stories down since he was a little boy. I love all the stories; I can’t choose a favorite.”
Crews said the hardest part of the whole process for her was trying to decide which stories to leave out of the book, which is what led to her husband creating the second volume.
“Deciding what stories should go into the first and second book was definitely a challenge,” she said. “He’s such a gifted writer and brings people and locations to life.”
Crews said she’s glad her husband wrote all these stories down, since they’re so timeless.
People who are interested in purchasing a copy of “Amid the Cypress” can contact Jim Crews through Facebook, call 601-859-2511, or contact Tilda Bogue Publishing LLC, PO Box 414 in Canton.