Jo Watson Hackl’s debut novel, Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe (Random House Children’s Books), was awarded the Southern Book Prize and named an Indie Next Pick and an Okra pick. The book is set entirely in Mississippi and combines outdoor adventure with an art mystery clue trail. It is inspired by Electric Mills, MS, the ghost town where Jo grew up and Mississippi artist Walter Anderson, who left a secret painted room when he died. Jo is also the founder of Outdoorosity.org, a free resource for information and inspiration about the outdoors. Jo has presented to over 23,000 readers nation-wide. Free resources for readers and educators, including an interactive guide to the real Mississippi places mentioned in the book, are available at www.johackl.com.

How does buying Genuine MS products make a difference here in Mississippi?

I am a big believer in buying local. Mississippi products are of outstanding quality and buying Genuine MS products helps to create more jobs and opportunity for people throughout our state.