Carole Townsend has been a
print correspondent and blogger for
nearly twenty years. The awardwinning
author of six books, she has
also established a reputation as both
an ardent researcher and an
engaging writer. The local author
collaborated with the MDJ to pen a
book on the history of the Atlanta
Braves, the team that just so
happened to win the 2021 World
Series.
Townsend has penned
“Southern Fried,” “Red Lipstick and
Clean Underwear,” “Magnolias,
Sweet Tea and Exhaust,” “Blood in the Soil,” “Peachtree
Corners, Georgia: The history of an innovative and
remarkable city,” and her most recent work, “Major
League Deal: How the Braves Came to Cobb.”
Townsend, a graduate of Lipscomb University in
Nashville, Tennessee, is drawn to her southern roots;
most of her books detail life in the deep South, mainly in
Georgia, and its rich history. Townsend has been a guest
Q&A
MEET THE AUTHOR
on CNN, FOX, NPR and other major
network news and talk shows to
discuss her books and related topics.
A well-known advocate for
women, Townsend also speaks to
groups of women and works one-onone
with those who have escaped
and survived domestic abuse.
The author resides in a suburb
of Atlanta, with her husband and their two beloved dogs.
When she’s not writing, Townsend enjoys gardening,
cooking, their grandchildren and travel.
Cobb Life Editor Madison Hogan asked Townsend to
share some of her insights as a writer and talked the nitty
gritty about finding inspiration in history, dedicating her
time to her craft and diving deep into the Braves lifechanging
move to Cobb County.
By MADISON HOGAN
CL: How did you come about writing
“Major League Deal: How the Braves
Came to Cobb”?
CT: V.P. of Content J.K. Murphy of the
Marietta Daily Journal contacted me
about this project; he was the publisher
at a newspaper for which I used to write.
As a journalist, I always looked at him as
a mentor.
CL: During your research, did you
come across anything that surprised
you?
CT: Yes, I learned so many fascinating
things, both about the Braves’ early
history and about the dynamic team that
just won the World Series. My dad was a
die-hard Braves fan, so I feel like this
team has always been a part of my life.
CL: What’s your favorite fact or
anecdote about the Braves from your
book?
CT: I have to say that I loved hearing that
the circle of people involved in making
this move were able to keep a lid on the
news for as long as they did. It wasn’t
about secrecy or back-room deals; it was
about a team of people from all walks
working together toward a single, huge
goal. Timing of the announcement was
everything.
CL: How does it feel to write a book
about the most recent World Series
Champs?
CT: Exciting. Honored. When a project
like this enjoys the timing of this one
(believe me, no one had any idea that
the book would be released the same
week that the Braves went to the World
Series), as an author you have to believe
that the project was on a terrific
trajectory all along. It was supposed to
be written when it was, and it was
supposed to pay homage to the team of
players, executives, community leaders
and of course, Mr. Tim Lee.
CL: What separates this book from
other pieces you’ve written? What
connects it?
CT: This book is about a fascinating
initiative, moving the Atlanta Braves from
their longtime home of Fulton County to
Cobb County. While some of my books
have in fact been history books, or at
least have been rooted in Southern
JANUARY 2022 | COBB LIFE 47