July Writers' Night Out

Published authors Glenda Barrett and Brenda Kay Ledford will read their work on Friday, July 8 at 7 p.m. at Mountain Perk Coffee House in Hiawassee. Those who’d like to share their own poetry or prose can participate in the open microphone portion of the program following the featured readers. The evening also features local musicians.

Glenda Barrett, a native of Hiawassee, Georgia is an artist, poet and writer. Her writing has been published in Journal of Kentucky Studies, Farm & Ranch Living, Country Woman, Woman's World, Rural Heritage, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many others. Barrett’s poetry chapbook, When the Sap Rises, was published by Finishing Line Press. Her Appalachian Art is for sale on Fine Art America.

Hayesville’s Brenda Kay Ledford has had work in many publications including Yesterday’s Magazette, Our State, Pembroke Magazine, Appalachian Heritage, Broad River Review (Gardner-Webb University), Echoes Across the Blue Ridge, The Reach of Song, and other journals and anthologies. She’s listed with A Directory of American Poets and Fiction Writers. Ledford received the Paul Green Award from North Carolina Society of Historians for her three poetry chapbooks. Recently, Ledford co-authored the book, Simplicity, with her mother, Blanche L. Ledford.

Writers’ Night Out takes place on the second Friday of each month at Mountain Perk Coffee House, 1390 Highway 76 East in Chatuge Harbor Plaza across from Towns County High School. The evening is free and open to the public. Food, gourmet coffees and other refreshments are available for purchase. Those interested in reading at the open microphone may sign up at the event. Each writer can read for up to two minutes.

Writers’ Night Out began in April 2011 and has steadily grown in popularity, drawing audiences from four counties. It’s a relaxed atmosphere for anyone who loves the written word.