Literary giant Eudora Welty died today in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi. She was 92. Her literary career includes a Pulitzer Prize (in 1973, for The Optimist’s Daughter) as well as the National Book Critics Award, the American Book Award, several O. Henry awards, and the Medal of Freedom (presented to her by fellow Southerner Jimmy Carter in 1980).

The headline for this entry comes from a fan letter of sorts sent to Welty in 1943. At the time, her work was gathering mixed reviews, largely (I’ll wager) because she was writing over the critics’ heads. After William Faulkner had a chance to read “The Robber Bridegroom,” he took it upon himself to send along some encouragement. Doing all right, indeed.