Dot Jackson was an accomplished author, journalist, and editor known for her fiction and nonfiction works. Her debut novel, "Refuge," showcased her storytelling prowess, while her investigative reporting and columns earned her widespread recognition. Jackson's career spanned decades, during which she garnered multiple Pulitzer Prize nominations and was honored as National Conservation Writer of the Year.
Born in Miami in 1932 to Appalachian parents, Jackson abandoned her studies in music and dance to pursue writing. She became deeply immersed in the culture and landscapes of the Southern Appalachians, covering everything from high-profile murder trials to environmental conflicts. Her nonfiction collaborations were critically acclaimed, reflecting her keen eye for detail and dedication to preserving regional stories. Jackson co-founded the Birchwood Center for Arts and Folklife in South Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, further cementing her connection to the area she cherished. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 84.