Jane Jenkins Herlong Hopes to Bring Joy & Encouragement with "Sweet Tea Secrets"

By Timothy Yap Jan 25, 2022 06:40 PM EST

Southern humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong is set to release her new book Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep Fried South: Sassy, Sacred, Southern Stories Filled with Hope and Humor (Tyndale, March 2022). The book finds her sharing 50 unusual-but-true faith-filled stories of growing up in the South Carolina low country. To pre-order the book, click HERE.

Whether you love Southern ways of life or find their ways strange and amusing, you'll be entertained and inspired with warm Southern-fried humor and tried-and-true tips for attaining the best version of yourself. Jane's 50 stories address specific landmark events along with issues in a woman's life, such as fitting into the covered-dish church culture, sacred sisterhood, sassy seasoned Southern women and why we are drawn to beauty pageant competition, and much more!

Q: Thank you Jane for doing this interview with us. You are a singer, speaker, and author among other many ministries. Tell us more about yourself and some of the ministries you are involved in.

I was reared on a South Carolina, Lowcountry tomato farm and now live in the "ridge section" of South Carolina on a peach farm. I like to tell folks that I traveled from the rows of the farm to the runway of the Miss America Pageant and beyond...the most unlikely person. Another interesting quote is that I did not win Miss America but I married her boyfriend. This was many moons ago but a game-changer for my life.

My husband and I started a ministry and we traveled through the Southeast speaking and singing in churches. We continued sharing our faith in churches until our first child was born but I continued to travel, sing and speak for churches, associations and other venues across the world. I have even spoken in New Zealand and Germany.

My husband founded a ministry called, The Fellowship of Christian Farmers that became a world-wide ministry to help farmers in other countries improve their agricultural skills. FCF also builds churches in impoverished countries. This ministry grew beyond our wildest imagination and had to be relocated and managed by more individuals. We recently heard that the Gospel has been shared with over 250,000. Presently, Thomas and I are involved in our church and community but my joy is in sharing my faith at women's events through the South with my comedy, singing, writings and speaking. My humor and singing is also featured on SiriusXM radio and other streaming services.

Q: You have a new book coming out. Briefly tell us what "Sweet Tea Secrets" is about.

I am a Charlestonian by birth so I have written some humorous over-the-top stories about growing up Southern in the lowcountry. Our traditions are being challenged and some are attempting to redefine the uniqueness of our Southern ways. We need to take pride in our families, heritage and celebrate who we are.

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

The book is a reminder of family, faith and tradition-- something we hold dear. Also, story is how we speak in the south. We pass these entertaining, unique stories and traditions from generation to generation. People from "off" are fascinated with our Southern ways. The Gullah Culture is rich, unusual and dear to those of us reared on Johns Island. Farms, which my husband and I maintain in the Lowcountry, are disappearing and being replaced by housing. We need to be reminded of who we are but also embrace a new South.

Q: How would you define southern culture? What do you think is most attractive about it?

Southern culture is a combination of unique foods, dialects, warm friendly folks and stories....we love our stories.

Q: Share with us briefly one story from your book that impacted you deeply?

I love the story of being reminded to be a strong Southern woman. My grandmother, who appeared to be frail and timid, had an intruder try to break into her home. My sister and I were spending the night and we were scared to death. We hid under the covers while we heard someone load a rifle and yell at the intruder in a deep, commanding voice. We thought some man had come to our rescue but it was dear, sweet grandmother McElveen and her lever-action rifle. After the incident, her sweet "grandmother voice" returned and she made sure her "da'lings" were okay. That story reminds me that there are times when a we have to woman-up and toughen-up but still be a lady.

Q: How will your new book inspired your readers?

I HOPE the book will make folks laugh, be encouraged and empowered by scripture. There is a sweet tea secret at the end of every story to challenge the reader and remind them to strive to become the best version of themselves.

Q: What else do you have planned for 2022?

More professional speaking engagements and Sweet Tea Theater Shows! Having a blast performing in theaters!