"Love Local" celebrates our community's unique talent, creativity, and spirit. It reminds us to support small brick-and-mortar businesses and value the individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed yet profoundly enrich our shared spaces. From artists and authors to musicians and makers, these unseen stars bring stories, melodies, and innovations that shape our local culture and connect us on a deeply personal level. Embracing "Love Local" means recognizing and supporting these talents, ensuring their voices resonate within our community and beyond.
Emma Miller, a self-published author, and Alley Bei, a multi-talented musician, exemplify the creative heartbeat of our Canton community. Representing Cherokee and Sequoyah High Schools, where their unique paths began to unfold. While their journeys have taken them in different directions, they share a profound dedication to storytelling and artistry that connects them deeply to their roots and resonates far beyond their local origins.
Emma’s transition from online fanfiction writer to celebrated novelist highlights her commitment to crafting stories that connect with readers across genres. Her online story, Cherry, garnered over 15 million reads, sparking encouragement from fans to pursue self-publishing. In response, Emma released her debut novel, The List of Things, introducing readers to her authentic voice through a heartfelt narrative that blends humor, personal growth, and romance. Its sequel, The Pros and Cons of Us, further explores the interconnected lives of her characters, delving into themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. These works highlight Emma’s ability to create engaging, multidimensional characters and emotionally rich worlds that captivate her audience.
For Emma, writing is more than a profession—it’s a way of forming genuine connections. “Someone out there needs your story,” she says. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be written.” This philosophy drives her work and shines through her active social media presence. She balances personal anecdotes with creative updates, cultivating a loyal community of readers championing her voice.
Similarly, Alley Bei’s musical journey reflects her passion for connecting with audiences through her craft. Starting with poetry, Alley evolved her love for words into songwriting, creating a sound deeply influenced by her upbringing in Canton. Rural Georgia's acoustic tones blend seamlessly with Atlanta's vibrant beats, shaping her eclectic style. Her bilingual track, "Daily Struggle (尔程奋斗)," showcases her global perspective, merging Mandarin and English into a harmonious blend of storytelling and melody.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Alley brings a dynamic range to her music, performing with piano, guitar, accordion, violin, and trumpet. Her live performances, from polished rock concerts to intimate acoustic sets, captivate audiences with emotional depth and immersive energy. “Music decorates your time,” she shares. “It’s a universal language that bridges emotions and experiences, connecting people in meaningful ways.”
Together, Emma and Alley represent the power of creativity. They transform personal stories into art that enriches their community and audiences worldwide.
Emma’s debut novel, The List of Things, tells the story of a young woman navigating her aversion to romance despite her love for romantic comedies. Guided by a charming quarterback, her journey unfolds as a heartfelt exploration of love, humor, and self-discovery. This debut set the stage for Emma’s evolving literary voice, blending relatable characters with emotional resonance. Its sequel, The Pros and Cons of Us, delves into the lives of supporting characters, offering fresh perspectives on friendship and personal growth. Emma’s ability to craft multidimensional characters and engaging narratives has earned her a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Her latest release, The Rules of You and Me, takes a bold step forward, focusing on a younger sibling from her first novel. The story explores themes of finding one’s place in a complex world, family dynamics, and personal growth challenges. Emma’s evolution as a writer shines through in her ability to tackle universal themes while maintaining the deeply personal connections that resonate with her readers. “Writing lets me share what I love while giving readers something they need,” Emma reflects, highlighting her passion for storytelling and connection.
Alley Bei’s music shares a similar depth of connection. Her debut album, All The Things, represents a decade of songwriting, weaving stories of resilience and triumph. The album is a testament to her ability to transform personal experiences into music that speaks to universal emotions. Following this, her EP, We’ll Still Wear White, offers a raw and intimate look into her life, exploring love, heartbreak, and renewal themes. Rather than dwelling solely on loss, the EP transitions into hope and self-empowerment, capturing Alley’s journey of healing and growth.
Alley’s live performances extend the emotional depth of her recordings, ranging from dynamic rock concerts to stripped-down acoustic sets. As a multi-instrumentalist, she incorporates piano, guitar, accordion, violin, and trumpet into her performances, adding layers of richness to her sound. Her collaborations with other musicians further amplify her work, creating a memorable and immersive experience for her audience. “Music isn’t just sound,” she explains. “It’s a way to connect, to tell stories, and to create moments that linger long after the final note.”
Together, Emma and Alley illustrate how personal experiences can be transformed into art that bridges connections, inspires reflection, and celebrates the vibrant creativity rooted in Cherokee County. Their work exemplifies the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and create lasting impact.
Emma and Alley’s work is rooted in their shared connection to Cherokee County. Emma’s passion for storytelling was nurtured while studying musical theater at Reinhardt University, while Alley attended the University of North Georgia, where she studied Chinese Language and Culture. Her studies included a transformative experience in Beijing, China, which profoundly influenced her musical style, shaped by Canton’s blend of rural charm and urban energy.
Alley’s upcoming album promises to push boundaries with themes of sensuality and empowerment. “This album will be adventurous, uplifting, and full of life,” she shares. Meanwhile, Emma’s release of The Rules of You and Me in January 2025 marks another milestone in her journey, blending drama, growth, and heartfelt connection.
Together, these two artists exemplify the power of creativity to inspire, bridge cultures, and connect communities. Their stories remind us that the transformative nature of art starts at home, proving that local talent has the potential to resonate far beyond its origins.
To learn more about Emma Miller’s work, visit EmmaMillerBooks.com, where you’ll find her latest updates, a calendar of events, and insights into her creative process. Explore Alley Bei’s music and updates at AlleyBei.com, the central hub for her calendar, merchandise, and social media.
“I stayed true to the romance and stories I loved growing up while embracing a modern voice. Writing is about connection, and it’s incredible to see my words resonate with readers.” - Emma Miller.
“Music decorates your time—it’s a universal language that connects people across cultures, emotions, and moments.” - Alley Bei
“I love the Chinese language, and I interacted with the language and the culture for about eight years.” Alley Bei