Silas House, a lover of language

If you don't know of Silas House, click on his blog, A Country Boy Can Surmise, and read his most recent post. Go to Wikipedia to learn more about House and his award winning novels.

I not only plan to order his book, Clay's Quilt, as soon as possible, but I have to read Gilead, Home and Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson because House writes so beautifully about each one.

Book Signing

Brenda Kay Ledford will sign copies of her poetry chapbook, SACRED FIRE, on November 1 at Mountain Regional Library in Young Harris, 10:00AM--12:00 PM. Refreshments will be served.

A National Treasure , Gary Carden

The following letter is from Elizabeth Hay of Andrews, NC

Gary Carden appeared Friday, October 17, at the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center in Andrews NC as the centerpiece for their annual week long Chautauqua event. He had the audience completely entranced with his presentation of "Blow the Tannery Whistle," a series of short stories of his childhood experiences and memories.
No one can capture and/or portray the Appalachian character like Gary can. The man should be declared a national treasure. He had the audience totally captivated, but more to the point, the man is authentic. He understands and conveys mountain ways without making fun or getting a cheap laugh.
We have had our Chautauqua for seven years now, and have had one of Gary's plays every year.He was kind enough to come in person this year. I don't know how we are going to top that one. We are honored that he would come, and he walked away with our hearts, as he always does.

To get your own DVD of Gary's stories, contact him at:gcarden@aol.com or click here

Ed Southern North Carolina Writers Network Director Visits Netwest

Ed Southern, Executive Director for the North Carolina Writers’ Network, parent organization of Netwest, made a quick but effective visit to the western part of North Carolina to meet with writers in Sylva at City Lights Books and in Brasstown at the John C. Campbell Folk School on Thursday, October 16. We asked those attending what Netwest and NCWN can do for them as writers and heard from some who had questions about publishing and some who want to know how to find markets outside their local areas. In attendance were bloggers, playwrights, haiku poets, novelists, Appalachian historians and beginning writers at the meeting in Sylva. It was agreed that social activities among writers is important and a possible breakfast group is on the horizon in Jackson County.

At the Folk School, a number of Netwest members held a casual question and answer session with Ed. Topics ranged from teleconferencing possibilities in the future to the history of Netwest. Ed brought the face of NCWN to the far southwestern part of the state. He met members who are well-published, active and enthusiastic about writing and about Netwest. His visit encouraged members to continue with the fine literary organization that has been ongoing for years and he assured us that funding from NCWN is forthcoming. Members were delighted to hear him say that he’d like to see chapters like Netwest all across North Carolina. It was obvious that Netwest likes Ed Southern and Ed Southern respects Netwest.

Writers had questions for Executive Director of NCWN

Photo by Barry Beall

Executive Director for North Carolina Writers' Network, Ed Southern, traveled through the Netwest area on Thursday, October 16, and met writers in Sylva and in Brasstown, NC. NCWN West (Netwest) is the only chapter of the state organization. With approximately 80 members, Netwest is a growing regional organization serving all writers in the area south of Asheville as well as in bordering counties in South Carolina and North Georgia.

Ed Southern meets with writers in Sylva NC

Photos by Barry Beall

Ben Eller, author of Children of Sherlock Holmes and Gary Carden, Jackson County Representative for Netwest, meet with other writers at City Lights Books in Sylva to discuss how NCWN and Netwest can best serve members in the area.

On the right above, John Quinnett who writes haiku, lives in Bryson City, NC.

Sage Advice from Hope's newsletter

POPSICLES
It's easy to be against something ...that you're afraid of. It's easy to be afraid of something that you don't understand.
When you see people ranting online, usually they fall in line with the above school of thought. They bash something they're afraid of or something they do not understand. No, I'm not talking politics, but it applies there, too.
We bash agents, but we don't know any.

We criticize editors, but we've never spoken in person to one. We fuss that contests are rigged, so we do not enter. We don't query, because our submission will only land in a shredder.
We chastise something because we heard this and heard that. It's like the guy on the commercial talking to his girlfriend with the popsicle. He frowns and says it contains sucrose. The girlfriend asks what's wrong with it. He can't say. She tells him the good points of the popsicle and offers him one. He takes it and they laugh, happy with the world.
This world is seriously crammed full of people afraid to take steps into unknown territory. Many don't want to walk on unchartered ground, so they surmise that the experience can only be bad.
Therefore, they...
1. Don't submit to high-paying magazines.
2. Don't query agents.
3. Don't pitch traditional publishers.
4. Don't market themselves.
5. Don't sell their writing.

And most of them complain about the publishing arena and the strife of a freelance writer.
Listen. Until you've tasted and studied the ingredients of that popsicle, how do you know it isn't good for you?
What's the worst that could happen if you strike out there on your own and take chances?
1. You get rejected.
2. You don't sell your work.

Doesn't look so terrible, does it?
Now, go find a popsicle.

Hope

http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com/

Reprinted here with permission of Hope Clark.Check out her website and her blog for good info for writers.

Al Manning, Netwest Board Representative and County Rep

Let Me Introduce Al Manning
By Glenda C. Beall

After five years of serving Netwest as Representative on the Board of North Carolina Writers’ Network, Al Manning has traveled countless miles from his home in Haywood County to the old White Cross school building, former home office of NCWN, a few miles north of Carrboro, near Raleigh. Some meetings were held in other areas such as Peace College in Lexington, NC and he made the trip to represent NCWN West. He has also attended five Fall Conferences, starting in Wilmington, then Raleigh, Asheville, Raleigh again, and Winston-Salem. It is hard to believe but there are some members who haven't met Al. I interviewed him by email and he was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

He believes his most important role as Netwest Representative has been sitting face to face with other board members, and explaining the what, how and why Netwest exists. Board members from the middle of the state or other areas, who have never traveled to the mountains, have no concept of the distances involved. Al has taken pleasure in explaining to those who have questioned why NCWN West exists, how someone from Hayesville, for example, must drive for almost 2 hours just to get to exit 27 on I40, and then drive to exit 282 at RTP for a conference.
“This would get their attention,” Al says, “and made it easier to justify the support Netwest received from NCWN.” That has been a problem for years as new people come on the board. They have no concept why NCWN has a chapter out in the mountain area and why this group was formed.
The Board meeting this summer was by conference call and that will likely be the case in the future now that NCWN has a virtual office instead of the White Cross School building.
“But we do get together at the conferences. A breakfast meeting is usually scheduled for all the board members present, and there we can discuss what needs to be done to keep all the NCWN programs on track.” Al says.
According to Al Manning, “Netwest is the model that NCWN wants and needs to evolve into. Our ability for mass communication is wonderful, but working in small groups usually gets more accomplished. There are many writing groups in NC, some very active, others, almost in name only. As we have found out here in Netwest, all it takes is one eager person to get the organizational process started. We are greatly admired by other sections of NC, but they haven’t found that one eager person yet.”
I must add that it takes a dedicated person to lead and the cooperation of members working together.
“Coffee with the Poets is another model that is highly admired,” said Al. “Forget about Robert’s Rules of Order, minutes, formal agenda, etc. Just get together and do what you enjoy.”
At the 2007 Spring Conference Al said he spent an hour with the president of the NC Poetry Society discussing the possibilities for this type of activity. “She found impressive the numbers you were drawing for a mid-week morning event.”
Being a loyal, long-time member of Netwest, Al feels that being around other writers, discussing current projects, and hearing their latest can’t help but improve any aspiring writer.
“Through the Yahoo group and the newsletter, all Netwest members have a constant source of useful information. Netwest does a great job of encouraging its members to participate, and to get involved.”
Al spent 21 years in the United States Navy, and 16 years teaching microcomputers at Haywood Community College. Both required technical writing, from high-level briefings to articles in Data Management and Inside Data Processing Management Association. Only after he retired from teaching in 1998 did he begin to write for his own pleasure.
“My most enjoyable writing is my blog (amanning.blogspot.com) because there I can write about whatever floats my boat. I do have a suspense novel completed awaiting editing, and I am working on an autobiographical account of my experiences in the very early days of the computer industry,” Al said.
His book, Curmudgeon’s Book of Nursery Rhymes is available at your local friendly independent bookstore. When he reads from this book, his sardonic humor keeps his audience laughing. Al won second prize in the Charlotte Writer's Club Children's Story contest. His entry was titled King Wilfred of Woppingsham.
Al is moving closer to his daughter and his young grandson. He will no longer serve as the NCWN West Board Representative or Haywood County Representative. Al, we all thank you for your service to Netwest and will keep up with you on your blog. We’ll look for you at the NCWN conferences.

WINTER WRITING CLASSES AT THE FOLK SCHOOL

Winter Writing Classes Offered at John C. Campbell Folk School

Pre Register Now at 1 800 FOLK-SCH or 828 8372775 or on the web
www.folkschool.org. Call to register or to order a free catalog.
Ask about half off on classes and scholarships.

Dec.5, 2008 Introduction to Inspiration will be taught by Bob Grove.
Want to try writing humor? Adventure? Horror? Science Fiction?
like journalism? Get your creative juices flowing. This is a Weekend class. $270.00

Jan. 23, 2009 Write Your Story for Your Family will be taught by Glenda Beall.
Write the interesting and unique story of your life. Learn where to begin,
how to organize and how to present the most important legacy you
can leave to future generations. This class is for beginning
to Intermediate writing students. Weekend $290.00

Feb. 8, 2009 A Fun New Way to Write a Short Story will be taught by Richard Argo
under the title of “Dreaming of Short Story” Tap into a limitless supply of story ideas
by exploring the dream as the perfect short story form. Following instructor prompts,
use images found in dreams and examples from essays read in class to create your own
fictional piece. Publishing will be discussed. Short story writers, even beginners are
welcome. Week long class. Stay on campus from Sunday till Saturday morning. $512.00.

Feb. 15, 2009 Structuring Your Novel will be taught by William Reynolds. This class
will cover development of a novel by using structural methods for such things as time,
place, character development, plot development, and conflict. Gain experience from
writing special assignments. Students may also bring previously written work for critique.
All levels welcome, including beginners. Classes meet from Sunday to Friday
at noon. $460.00.

March 15, 2009 Time to Write will be taught by Ruth Zehfuss. You’ve ways wanted
to put your experiences on paper, but you haven’t had the time. This week, start
writing about your travels, career, ancestors or memories. Share ideas and get
want to write short fiction, personal essays memoir, or articles. Week long class $512.00.

Chatauqua-AVE in Andrews NC

Chatuaqua - AVE begins October 11 - 19 in Andrews, NC. Click http://www.chautauqua-ave.org/ and look at the Calendar to learn of all the events planned during this time. On Friday Ocober 17 Gary Carden will be telling his famous stories.


Blow the Tannery Whistle

an Evening of Storytelling with Gary Carden


Ron Rash, author of “One Foot in Eden,” says, “Gary Carden is one of Appalachia’s greatest treasures. No one I know understands the culture better; add to this Carden’s storytelling ability and you have an artist of the first order.” Carden’s writings have received awards from the University of North Carolina, the North Carolina Arts Council, the Appalachian Writers Association, the North Carolina Society of Historians, the North Carolina Writers Association, North Carolina Humanities Council and others.

Lonnie Busch signs books at Curiosity Books in Andrews, NC

The Curiosity Shop Bookstore ...
proudly welcomes local (Franklin, NC) author, Lonnie Busch on Saturday, October 18 , at our ANDREWS location.
Lonnie, who is also an accomplished artist, will be signing his novella, Turnback Creek, winner of the Clay Reynolds Novella Prize.
Join us between 11am and 1pm at 1060 Main Street, Andrews.

Contact Lonnie Busch:airbusch1@yahoo.com

Meet Ed Southern in Netwest territory October 16

Anyone interested in writing is invited to meet Ed Southern, executive director of the North Carolina Writers' Network when he visits the Netwest area on Thursday, October 16. His first stop will be at City Lights bookstore at 2:00 PM in Sylva, NC.

Netwest county representatives and Glenda Beall, program coordinator for Netwest will also be there. Come out and learn what NCWN and Netwest can do for the literary community.

At 6:00 PM, Ed Southern will be at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC to meet with writers in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, and north Georgia. This is the first time a director for the NCWN has made the trip over this far west to speak with members and others interested in the writing community. Ed Southern has said Netwest is a model for what he'd like to see all over the state.

Poets and Writers Reading Poems and Stories at JCCFS

Michelle Keller

Estelle Rice

Reading at the John C. Campbell Folk School on Thursday evening, October 16 at 7:00 PM are Michelle Keller and Estelle Rice. Michelle or Mary Mike as she is often called by her friends writes poetry, essays and short fiction. Her poem, Lace Shawl, was posted on this blog last week. She is also a painter and likes to think of her poetry as painting with words. Mary Mike is an active member of Netwest hosting Coffee with the Poets for the past year and keeping the public updated on Netwest events through local newspapers.

Estelle Rice is a native of Charlotte and lives in Marble, NC now with her husband, Nevin and a frisky pup, Bear. She recently taught a class, Writing from the Spirit Within, and donated her fees, $300, to Netwest for the new anthology. Her stories and essays have appeared in numerous journals and magazines. Her poetry chapbook, Quiet Times, published a few years ago is still selling well in local bookstores in Hayesville and Murphy, NC. Estelle also edits manuscripts and some of us who have known her for years won’t submit our work until she looks it over.

Michelle and Estelle will read after the meeting at 6:00 PM with Ed Southern in the living room of the Keith House. Plan to come and stay through the reading. These two friends and excellent writers will give the audience an entertaining and interesting hour.

Paul Newman and Me

Paul Newman Has Died, and I Have Regrets
By Glenda C. Beall

Barry and I sat in a booth across from Gay and Stu, my sister and brother-in-law, in a small restaurant outside Suwannee, Georgia. The four of us had been on vacation and were driving home, heading south. We had almost finished our meal when some men entered and sat next to us at one of the tables in the crowded room. We could hear them as they ordered hamburgers. All four dressed casually like the other customers, mostly working people and travelers.

My three companions, caught up in their conversation, paid no attention to the new arrivals. I’ve always been a “people-watcher” and my eyes fastened on the handsome face of one of those men as he pulled out a chair and sat down near enough I could have touched him. He removed his ball cap covering his short brown hair. The jeans on his slender frame and the denim jacket could have been the working clothes of any man eating there. But he was not like everyone else. His cornflower-colored eyes crinkled at the corners as he laughed and talked in that distinctive voice I can still hear in my head after thirty years.

“I think that’s Paul Newman,” I whispered to my sister. I wanted her confirmation although I knew I had to be mistaken. How could a movie star of his caliber be sitting in a non-descript diner in Georgia?
“What?” she asked. She couldn’t hear my low comment. I didn’t want to appear to be gawking at my favorite movie star who just happened to be sitting right next to me. I didn’t point at him, but spoke a little louder.
Our husbands tuned in this time.
“That’s Paul Newman right there at that table.” I threw a furtive glance toward the man who stole my heart the first time I saw him in Somebody Up There Likes Me. Like everyone who ever saw him on screen, I could never forget his perfect face, especially his eyes, but it was his smile, that gave me peculiar feelings in the pit of my stomach.

“I think you’re right. That IS Paul Newman.” Gay was as surprised as I was.
“Nah,” Barry said. “That’s somebody that looks like him.”
Stu stared for a minute, then he corroborated my statement, “Yep, that’s him.”
“What is he doing here? This is crazy. Why would a big movie star be in Suwannee, Georgia, in THIS restaurant?” I still would not believe my own eyes.
Barry was the first to figure it out. “He’s here for the race. There’s a racetrack in this area. He races sports cars.”
Newman had fallen in love with auto racing after making the movie Winning in 1969.
Nobody in his group at the table looked like part of an entourage for a movie star. Barry said they were likely part of his pit crew. I read that he enjoyed hanging out with his race-car team and tried to be as inconspicuous as he could at the track, wearing glasses to cover his familiar peepers.
He became a winning driver and participated in racing into his seventies. A couple of weeks before he died, the race track near his home in Connecticut opened during the day so that he could drive a final lap in his favorite car.

I’ll never forget my sweet jealous husband’s reaction to this giant icon of celebrity sitting within arm’s reach of us. “You like that guy? Look how short he is. He’s a little bitty guy. I thought he was tall.”
Of course, Barry got the rise out of me he wanted. “He’s beautiful and he is NOT short. Besides, I don’t care if he is short or tall, he’s gorgeous,” I whispered, so afraid Paul Newman would hear Barry saying uncomplimentary things about him.
If I had not been terribly shy and afraid of appearing silly, I would have spoken to him and told him how much I enjoyed his movies. But since no one else seemed to even notice he was there, I was not about to interrupt his lunch just to hear him speak to me and look at me with those crystal blue eyes and maybe give me one of his endearing smiles.
But, gosh, I wish now that I had.

Appalachian Poets

Brenda Kay Ledford and Glenda Barrett

For thought-provoking poetry from a Netwest poet, click on:Breath and Shadow and read three poems by Glenda Barrett.

She and Brenda Kay Ledford will sign their poetry chapbooks recently published by Finishing Line Press, at Phillips and Lloyd Books on the square in Hayesville, NC Saturday, October 4 at 10:00 AM.

In both Ledford's Sacred Fire and Barrett's When the Sap Rises, pure Appalachian voices rise and reach out to the reader.

On Saturday, November 1, 10:00 AM - 12:00 pm, Brenda Kay Ledford will hold a book signing for Sacred Fire at Mountain Regional Library on Main Street in Young Harrris, GA.

This poem is from Sacred Fire by Brenda Kay Ledford.

Progress

You know the old logging road,
the one behind the red house,
the one winding past Mama's garden
where morning glories climb the corn;
and you know the path reeks
with trash and broken pines weep
where the loggers butchered trees.

And a mourning dove moans
from the spring where you drew
water for tea and light oozes
through the black gum like bile
as the shadow of a crow passes
over trillium that will soon fade
away like all of us.

You know the Shewbird Mountain
quivers beneath the Thunder Moon
as the mining company
creeps up the mountain
to grind her bones into dust.