Southern Fiction: Shane Brown & Michael Farris Smith

Michael Farris Smith and Shane Brown write what they know. Both could be described as writers of Southern Noir.

Smith has had a successful career writing novels, screenplays, and short stories. He is also a musician and leads the local Oxford band, Michael Farris Smith and the Smokes. Their latest release is called Lostville. You can see the film, Chasing Rabbits, on Tubi, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.

Shane Brown is the son of acclaimed author Larry Brown. He is following in his father's footsteps in writing in a similar voice. He has recently landed a publishing deal and his first book will be out soon. Both authors are located in Oxford, a gathering point for creative types. Must be something in the air.

Southern noir is a gritty, atmospheric subgenre of fiction that merges the dark, cynical tone of classic noir with the distinct cultural and historical backdrop of the American South. Set in humid, decaying towns or sprawling urban underbellies, it features flawed protagonists—often detectives, drifters, or outcasts—navigating a world of corruption, violence, and moral ambiguity. Infused with Southern Gothic elements, such as grotesque characters and oppressive settings, Southern noir explores themes of racial tension, class struggle, and the lingering weight of history, all wrapped in a sultry, fatalistic vibe. Authors like James Lee Burke and Daniel Woodrell craft taut, evocative tales that pulse with the South’s unique blend of beauty and brutality.

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