He also attended Hunter College (City University of New York) for his junior year.
While in graduate school studying English literature at LSU, he began writing his first novel, Ten Seconds, which would eventually be published by Graywolf Press in 1991.
In addition to being an author, Edwards has had a successful, decades-long career in the music and entertainment industry.
The company produces the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival among other events.
He is currently the Chief Creative Officer and the Chief Marketing Officer at Festival Productions, overseeing advertising and marketing, public relations, Internet and social media, corporate sponsorships, and merchandise.