RADIO INTERVIEW THIS WEEKEND WITH MAREN O. MITCHELL

RADIO INTERVIEW THIS WEEKEND

WITH MAREN O. MITCHELL,

AUTHOR OF BEAT CHRONIC PAIN, AN INSIDER’S GUIDE

This coming weekend, Saturday, May 4, 2013, and Sunday, May 5, 2013, Maren O. Mitchell will be interviewed by Robin Watts of Regency Hospice in Hiawassee, Georgia, on WJRB FM, 95.1, during the Silver Linings Show. The subject is dealing with chronic pain, and methods other than drugs that can be used to cope with pain.

The broadcast times for the Silver Linings shows have changed, and are now aired on WJRB FM, 95.1. They are: Saturday: 6:30 am; 8:00 pm, and 10:30 pm. Sunday: 6:30 am.

All shows are available on podcast during the broadcast on the website of WJRB (see below). On the Home Page in the upper right corner, click on “Weekends” for the schedule and the live podcast. Click on “Listen Live WJRB” in the upper right corner to activate the LIVE podcast. The interview is not archived online and has to be heard online at the times of airing.

Beat Chronic Pain, An Insider’s Guide is available directly through Amazon, and through Line of Sight Press, http://www.lineofsightpress.com/.

WJRB FM website, http://www.wjulradio.com/.

BOOK REVIEW of BEAT CHRONIC PAIN by Maren O. Mitchell

Maren O. Mitchell’s Beat Chronic Pain -- An Insider’s Guide offers her reader this specific hope -- Return to Your Life: Ways to Confront and Relieve Pain Through Avenues Other Than Drugs. Another title for this book could have been How To Ignore Pain.

  

The book spoke strongest to me when I read these words:  “How to deal with the 

enemy--(Pain) Ignore him--write him out of your life.”  Maren O. Mitchell‘s positive approach is practical as well as intensely personal. She promises, “Pain does not take well to being laughed at.  When ignored, “It sort of shrinks up and slowly slinks away.” 

There are in this book a number of specific activities for beating pain. One suggestion

is to practice an imaging exercise. You are told to remember “a place and a time when you were stress free, pain free, healthy and strong, safe, loved, happy. Go there and gather images, colors, textures, movement” and more. “Savor the pleasure of being there” and “let your time there give you happiness right now.” See exact instructions on pages 67-71.  The author admits her “favorite place to imagine and travel to is “a two room cabin....that my father built beside a stream in North Carolina.”

I enjoyed reading this book and liked knowing Maren O. Mitchell is a writer and a practicing poet who writes to ignore her pain. A number of her poems are sprinkled throughout the book. Her poems have been also published in some of the best American literary magazines such as Southern Humanities Review, Journal of Kentucky Studies, Wild Goose Poetry Review, and in the anthologies, Echoes Across the Blue Ridge and Sunrise From Blue Thunder.

The different approaches that this author offers to help you ignore pain are valuable.  I understand that a person who wants to beat chronic pain does not have to write poems to get relief. That is not the point. Practicing imagery,(which is a technique of poetry)  going back in memory to a favorite place, has been proven to relieve pain, even if you do not write it. During imagery, your mind stays busy for a period of time, for minutes even hours, allowing you to ignore your pain.

If you suffer from chronic pain or you love someone who does, I encourage you to buy this book, read it, find solutions to use and to share.

Book Review by Nancy Simpson

How to order

http://www.amazon.com/Beat-Chronic-Pain-Insiders-Guide/dp/0985311908

Line of Sight Press

PO Box 1103 

Young Harris, Georgia 30582

More Poems by Maren O. Mitchell

http://nancysimpson.blogspot.com/2009/08/three-poems-by-maren-omitchell.html

Macon County meeting for Wordsmiths May 2

Shirley Cole the Representative for Macon County, NC is reaching out to the writers there.

The Wordsmiths of Macon will meet on Thursday, May 2nd, 6 p.m. at 81 Great Oak Drive.
A small supper will be served and the group is getting organized on a writing project.
"We are looking to write poems about all the fruit stands in Macon County as our first writing project."

Shirley encourages all those who write and live in Macon County to participate and take advantage of knowing and sharing with like minded people. Experienced writers can help beginning writers and that is what makes good writers even better. Working together helps everyone involved.

Other posts you might like to read:
http://netwestwriters.blogspot.com/2013/03/why-netwest-jc-walkup-tells-us.html

MADISON: A Gary Carden Monologue Celebrating the Life of Dr. Robert Lee Madison

Once again it is our pleasure to announce the performance of a Gary Carden Monologue.  On Friday, April 26, at 7:00 PM, Gary, assisted by  Pam Meister, Curator of the Mountain Heritage Center at WCU, will present “Madison,” on the stage of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin, 89 Sierra Drive.

This is the life story of Dr. Robert Lee Madison, as told by folklorist Gary Carden.  Dr. Madison  in the 1880’s promoted the idea of a school that would train teachers for the mountain schools. There were no public schools, only family schools or subscription schools. Subscription schools required teacher payment up front from families or the schools could not be convened. At best a student’s schooling was sporadic.

Cullowhee Academy was a subscription, elementary school when  Dr. Madison came to the area to finish out the school year for his brother. He found that he liked teaching very much even though it paid very little.   He added to his income by writing for the local paper. His dream of a school that would train teachers began to look more promising when nine successful farmers from the area, later known as the Noble Nine, looked for a school and teachers to educate their school age children. Their funding launched a renewed interest in acquiring land and constructing housing for a new school.

This presentation will honor two important men in our intellectual life.  Gary Carden, who is a member of  the Franklin UU Fellowship, holds degrees including an  Honorary Doctorate, from Western Carolina University.  In 2012 he received the highest honor the Governor and the State of North Carolina can bestow in the Literary Arts.

Gary wrote this monologue to celebrate the life of Dr. Robert Lee Madison, the first President of  WCU, whose guidance and persistence, made possible a university education for himself and for the Appalachian Mountain population.

Tickets for “Madison” are available:

Franklin Chamber of Commerce.               828/524-3161, 

UU Fellowship of Franklin, 89 Sierra Dr.  828/524-6777

At the door the night of the performance   

Event Co-ordinator: Virginia Wilson          828/369-8658    

Thursday Night Reading at the John C. Campbell Folk School

Thursday night at the John C. Campbell Folk School we were entertained with poetry from Robert S. King and a funny, laugh out loud, piece from Bob Groves' memoir. Bob also read some of what he called "awful poetry" that was humorous as well.

Bob Grove

Robert King is one of the best poets around these parts and has published hundreds of poems in journals and anthologies. He has several collections published as well.
Tonight's work was from a yet-to-be published manuscript. I'm sure we will see it in print soon.

Robert S. King

Next month, May 16, featured writers for the Folk School Reading will be Glenda Beall and Carole Thompson.

Deanna Klingel's mini blog, Selling Books

Deanna Klingel, from Transylvania County, NC, is author of a number of YA books. Her books sell and she knows what to do to reach her audience.

Beginning Monday, Deanna Klingel's 30-second mini blog http://www.booksbydeanna.com will start a new mini series called "Selling Books." 

Deanna says, "Some of the posts will take more than 30 seconds, maybe a minute, but they are all taken from my journal, two years and 40,000 miles selling books. 

I've learned a lot about more than just selling books. Come join me. I'll post Mondays and Thursdays."   Deanna

A Quick Reminder from Scott Owens about Poetry Day

Some of us from NCWN West went to Poetry Day at Catawba Valley college a couple of years ago and had a good time. I recommend it to anyone who wants to spend the day listening to good poetry. The Poetry Slam was fun, too. It is only a couple of hours from Hayesville, I think. See Scott's announcement below.

 Poetry Day is this Saturday from 9:30 to 3:00 at the Catawba Valley Community College Student Center in Hickory.

Maureen Sherbondy, Beth Copeland, and Malaika King Albrecht will each read from their Oscar Arnold Young Award winning books.  Other contest winners reading their work will include Tony Abbott, Coyla Barry, Carolyn York, and many more.  

Lenard Moore will be honored as the dedicatee of this year's Bay Leaves awards anthology, and the NC Poetry Society will be recognized for their contributions to the NC poetry community.

There will also be a live poetry slam with just a $5 entry fee and cash prizes.  Bring a poem of your own and join in.

I hope you can join us, and please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Scott Owens
www.scottowenspoet.com
www.scottowensmusings.blogspot.com
www.poetryhickory.com
www.wildgoosepoetryreview.com
www.234journal.com
www.poetrycouncilofnc.wordpress.com

A word about editing from Bill Ramsey

A recent conversation with a forty year veteran of independent book store
ownership focused upon the difference between books from publishers versus
those from  self-published authors. I started the conversation by telling
him that I was trying to force myself to finish reading a new book about our
thirtieth president, Calvin Coolidge. The book was written by a
well-regarded author of history and published by a well-recognized name in
the publishing business.

This book appears to have had no real editing. Spelling and punctuation
mistakes were not the issue. However, long and awkward sentences made the
reading a chore. Inclusion of historic facts that had nothing to do with
Coolidge made the book 500 pages instead of the 300 pages that would have
given it focus and pace.

Narrow Gap Now

My book seller friend observed that the wide gap between high quality
self-published books and books from publishers has grown narrow. Even major
publishers are not providing the quality of editing they once did.

Let the writer beware. Using a publisher does not assure that quality
editing is going to be a part of the package. Of course, if the writer
decides to self-publish, the writer must pay for a quality editing. Editing
really makes a difference in the reading experience. We should not let our
hard work be hurt by failing to get a proper editing.

Bill Ramsey 
Bill heads up the Blue Ridge Bookfest in Henderson County, NC at Flat Rock Community College. 

Blue Ridge Writers Conference in Blue Ridge Georgia - Friday Night Reception

Tonight I sat with Robert S. King and Carole Thompson at a book table upstairs in the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Center in Blue Ridge, Georgia. The room was small, but besides our long table loaded with Robert's many poetry books, copies of Echoes Across the Blue Ridge, Now Might as Well be Then, my poetry chapbook and Carole’s new book, I think 8 other writers were displaying their novels.

Glenda Beall, Scott Owens (standing in back) Robert S. King

I found that several of them were new in the area. I used this opportunity to tell them about NCWN and NCWN West. I gave out brochures with the application form on them, but the phone number for NCWN on the brochure is incorrect. We need to update our literature.

I feel sure we will soon have three new members. One of them is an author who lives in Macon County NC. I had friended her on Facebook. (Friended- what a weird word) Her name is Linda Rue Quinn, author of The Cyrano Game and another book soon to be in bookstores. She is trying to get some writing events started in Macon County, and I hope she will soon be a member of NCWN West.

Linda Rue Quinn and her husband

Another lovely author who is new to our region, only been here a few weeks, is Sharon. She has a novel and I’ll tell more about it tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I am in bed trying to get rid of the terrible headache I developed from sitting near someone who wore perfume. Having MCS makes it very difficult to attend writing conferences.

I am also ready to get back to Southern Fried Lies by Susan Snowden. So far, I am really enjoying this novel.

FOUR MONTHLY RADIO INTERVIEWS WITH MAREN O. MITCHELL, AUTHOR OF BEAT CHRONIC PAIN, AN INSIDER’S GUIDE

This coming weekend, Saturday, April 6, 2013, and Sunday, April 7, 2013, Maren O. Mitchell will be interviewed by Robin Watts of Regency Hospice in Hiawassee, Georgia, on WJUL FM, 97.5, during the Silver Linings Show. The first show aired March 23th and 24^th. There will be a series of programs over the next three months, all airing on weekends, discussing chronic pain, and methods other than drugs that can be used to cope with pain.

The broadcast times for all the Silver Linings shows are: Saturdays: 6:30 am; 10:00 am; 12:30 pm; 8:00 pm, 10:30 pm. Sundays: 6:30 am; 10:00 am. All shows are available on podcast on the website of WJUL (see below). On the Home Page click on “Weekends” for the schedule and the live podcast. Click on “WJUL Live” to activate the podcast. Each show will address different problems and solutions.

Beat Chronic Pain, An Insider’s Guide is available on Amazon through Line of Sight Press, http://www.lineofsightpress.com/.

For confirmation of air times, check online with WJUL at their website,http://www.wjulradio.com/.

COMMON CUP PROGRAM

Jim Geer, host of "The Common Cup," interviewed Brenda Kay Ledford about her new poetry chapbook, BECKONING, that was recently released by Finishing Line Press.

The program will air over Windstream Communications Channel 4 Cable TV on:

Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at:  9:30 AM, 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM

Friday, April 5, 2013 at:  9:30 AM, 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM

Brenda's book is available online:  www.finishinglinepress and www.amazon.com
and locally at:  Clay County Chamber of Commerce.

Brenda Kay Ledford, Featured at Coffee with the Poets at Blue Mountain Restaurant

Join us for Coffee with the Poets, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 10. Blue Mountain Restaurant on the corner of Hwy 141 and Old Hwy 64 hosts this event each month. The restaurant is between Murphy and Hayesville, NC. The public is invited to attend.

Brenda Kay Ledford, author of Beckoning

Our featured reader for the month of April is Brenda Kay Ledford, author of a new poetry book, Beckoning, published by Finishing Line Press. 
Her book is available locally at the Clay County Chamber of Commerce; Hayesville, NC; and online: www.amazon.com and www.finishinglinepress.com
Brenda Kay’s work has appeared 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. Ledford co-authored the book, Simplicity, with her mother, Blanche L. Ledford.

She’s listed with A Directory of American Poets and Fiction Writers and is a member of North Carolina Writers’ Network West, North Carolina Poetry Society, Georgia Poetry Society, and Byron Herbert Reece Society.

Ledford received the Paul Green Award from North Carolina Society of Historians for her three poetry chapbooks.

April is poetry month and there is no finer way to celebrate than attending Coffee with the Poets, now in its seventh year. Open Mic is for anyone who brings a poem or short prose piece.

This program is sponsored by NCWN West. For more information contact Glenda Beall, 828-389-4441.

Local Writer Featured At Writers’ Night Out 3rd Anniversary

This month, Writers’ Night Out celebrates its third anniversary of drawing audiences from five counties. On April 12, Jo Carolyn Beebe will share her delightful words with the always appreciative crowd. The event takes place at 7 p.m. at Brother’s Willow Ranch Restaurant in Young Harris, GA, and is open to the public. As usual, area writers will participate in the open microphone that follows the reading. There will also be a drawing for free books.

Now living in Towns County, GA, Beebe was born at the tip of the Appalachian Mountains in northeast Mississippi where oral family history was handed down to her by her grandparents and great-grandfather -- history rich in tales of the early settlers, Civil War encounters, and the hard life of the rural south. While studying creative writing at Miami University, she discovered those family legends provided material for short stories and poetry.

Beebe’s other passion is genealogy. She says, “Colorful information about ancestors has made for some ‘wow’ anecdotes which have found their way into my stories and essays.” Her Pieces Of Yesterday, a genealogy mystery and “waiting-to-be-published” novella, combines these elements. Her publication credits include Main Street Rag, Lonzie’s Fried Chicken, Lights in the Mountains, Heroes of Hackland, Echoes Across the Blue Ridge, Clothes Lines, Women’s Spaces Women’s Places, View from the Top, and Abingdon Press.

Beebe has been married to husband, John, for almost fifty-seven years. They have three daughters and six grandchildren. Hobbs, their cat, is nearly seventeen.

For open microphone, readers of prose or poetry can sign up at the door, and each person has three minutes. Writers’ Night Out takes place the second Friday of every month at Brother’s Willow Ranch Restaurant, 6223 Hwy 76 West, across from Brasstown Valley Resort, phone 706-379-1272. The event is in the upstairs room, accessible via stairs inside the restaurant or the ramp (no stairs) from the upper parking lot. Food and beverages will be available for purchase; please come by 6:15 pm to order.

For more information, please contact Karen Holmes at (404) 316-8466 or kpaulholmes@gmail.com.

Poetry Day

Double click on image to enlarge

Glenda C. Beall Interviews Robert S. King, Poet, Editor and former Director of FutureCycle Press

GCB: I met you in Dahlonega, GA a few years ago, Robert, when you had just taken over as President of the Georgia Poetry Society. Then you came to Writers Night Out in Hiawassee, GA.  We were happy to find you had moved to the mountains and lived in NCWN West territory.

GCB: You were director of FutureCycle Press at that time.

Robert: FutureCycle Press began in 2007. However, I have also been editor or co-editor of several other presses, dating back to the mid-1970s.

GCB; How many books have been published by FutureCycle Press?

Robert: So far, 50 titles (books, chapbooks, anthologies), with 10 more in production

GCB: When did you begin publishing your poetry? Tell me again, how many of your own books have been published?

Robert: The first poem I published was in 1974, unless you count a short one printed in the church bulletin when I could barely write my name.
I have published six collections of poetry (three chapbooks and three full-length titles), with another full-length manuscript ready to seek a publisher.

Online Submissions Systems and Market Lists for Writers

GCB: On April 20, you will teach a workshop on the Nuts and Bolts Guide to Online Submission Systems and Market Lists for Writers 
Why is it important for writers to learn how to submit online and what will they learn in your class that they can't pick up on the Internet?

Robert:  Online submission is now the standard, no longer an exception to the rule. More and more publications are not only allowing electronic submissions but also requiring it.
Snail-mail submissions will be obsolete before too many years pass.

My class will not teach you anything that you couldn't learn on your own, but it will prevent you from having to go through the School of Hard Knocks, wasting your time.
It takes quite awhile to discover all the resources for submissions and no small amount of time learning how to use them. My class will jump-start your proficiency at selecting suitable publishers and sending according to their guidelines.

GCB: Is this class for experienced writers and poets or for beginners?

Robert: It's for any level of writer. Even many advanced writers don't know the resources available. However, beginning to intermediate writers will benefit most.

GCB: People know you as a poet. Is the class at Moss Memorial Library for poets only or for any writer?

Robert: The class is geared toward literary genres, including poetry, fiction, and essays. However, the resources discussed are comprehensive and suitable for any kind of writing, except perhaps cookbooks.

GCB: Thank you, Robert. You are always generous about giving of your time to help other writers. We all appreciate you.


To register for Robert's class contact Glenda Beall at nightwriter0302@yahoo.com 
or rsking@futurecycle.org


Glenda Council Beall (GCB) is an administrator of this blog, a poet and writer. See other interviews with Nancy Simpson, Scott Owens.
Visit Robert King's website to learn more about him and his poetry.