Stephen Cheek is a fiction writer and storyteller known for his Southern-themed works and children's literature. Born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, in 1950, he began writing during his high school years while playing in a rock band, maintaining detailed journals that later inspired his creative pursuits. His published works include the humorous yet poignant Southern novel "Cane and Able" and the children's book "Catfish Cowboy and Mr. Turtle," a compilation of stories originally crafted for his own children. Cheek's upcoming thriller, "The Hunt," draws from real-life court records and interviews with law enforcement, blending fact with fiction.
A landscape architect by training, Cheek spent sixteen years designing commercial and residential projects before joining his father’s highway construction firm. His storytelling extends beyond writing - he has taught Sunday school for four- and five-year-olds at First Baptist Church in Kosciusko for over twenty-five years, a tradition passed down from his mother. Cheek credits this experience with refining his ability to engage audiences, whether through written narratives or oral storytelling. His writing style often incorporates humor and regional authenticity, particularly evident in his Southern-rooted works.
Cheek resides in Kosciusko with his wife, Sherrie, in a historic colonial-style home featuring a New Orleans-inspired courtyard he designed himself. An avid hobbyist, he enjoys stained glasswork, landscaping, playing in a rock band, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. With three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren, Cheek continues to balance his creative passions with family life while working on future projects, including a planned series of children’s books.