Leaving Louisiana

Normally in this space, I’d spin a tale that relates to one of the stories in the issue or talk about something from behind-the-scenes, so please indulge me in a subject-matter shift. After having the privilege of serving as a contributor, then the managing editor, and finally the editor of Louisiana Life, this is my last issue of the magazine. As difficult as it is to leave a place I admired from afar and then — when the pull became too strong — finally came to call home, my husband and I are packing up and moving, Louisiana. It’s not a move we expected, so it’s a bittersweet time for us. We’re heading out to pursue a new opportunity in the Fort Myers and Naples area of Florida. We’re excited about a new adventure (if you are interested, please follow along and stay in touch via Instagram @melaniewarnerspencer), but sad to leave a state so rich in culture and history that after nearly 10 years, we’ve barely scratched the surface on learning all there is to know about it.

In lieu of subjecting you to a counting of the countless ways I will miss Louisiana, I’d rather assume you understand how much it hurts to leave the people, culture, and food (oh my God, the food) and instead, take the opportunity to introduce you to the talented new editor who I’m thrilled to have taking my place. Reine (pronounced “Ran”) Dugas, is a native Louisianian and an English professor at Southeastern Louisiana University as well as an instructor at Tulane University. Some of you might know her byline from the very pages of Louisiana Life, as well as for her work with the Tennessee Williams Festival and as co-host of the literary podcast “Booktails.” Her creative writing has been published in Deep South Magazine, Arkansas Review, and South 85 Journal to name a few. I know that you are in great hands with Reine and that she is in great hands with each of you.

Quickly I’d like to thank my editorial coworkers, Executive Editor Errol Laborde, who had faith in me to take over as editor; Executive Sales Representative Rebecca Taylor, who has the challenging job of selling the magazine across the state; Copy Editor Liz Clearman, who has saved us from many an errant comma, typo, and factual error; our incredible, award-winning contributing freelancers, who made every issue a joy to edit; and Art Director Sarah E. G. Majeste, whose talent, creativity, and work ethic is incredible to witness and has always inspired me to work harder. Thank you also to you, our Louisiana Life readers for embracing this Kentuckian and sharing your stories with me and the magazine. Thank you for your many emails over the years (both the complimentary and the critical ones).

Louisiana changed me for the better in many ways, and I don’t think I can ever fully express my gratitude.   

Cheers!

Melanie Warner Spencer, Editor
melanie@louisianalife.com