Call for Poetry Submissions

Robert S. King wants to spread the word about a special project at FutureCycle Press.
"We're looking for poetry submissions on social or political themes for a forthcoming anthology, tentatively called American Society: What Poets See.
Find submission guidelines at:

http://www.futurecycle.org/FutureCyclePoetry/SocialAnthology.aspx

Poets and Writers Reading Poems and Stories at JCCFS, Thursday Evening June 16

Reading this month at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, are two long time members of NCWN West. Glenda C. Beall and Brenda Kay Ledford.
The reading begins at 7:00 PM at the Keith House.  Everyone is invited to attend and we hope you will.There is no admission charge.

Glenda Council Beall lives in Hayesville, NC. Glenda finds memories come to surface in her writing. Many of her poems, such as Clearing New Ground, from her poetry chapbook, are narratives that tell stories she remembers from childhood.
She is a multi-genre writer, but she first began publishing poetry in 1996, shortly after moving to the mountains. Her poems have appeared in literary journals such as Main Street Rag, The Journal of Kentucky Studies, Appalachian Heritage, Red Owl Magazine, and online in Wild Goose Poetry Review. One of her poems was chosen for Kakalak, North Carolina Poets, 2009.
Glenda’s poetry can be found in numerous and various anthologies including the recently released, Women’s Spaces, Women’s Places, and in From Freckles to Wrinkles from Silver Boomer Books. In 2009, her poetry chapbook, Now Might as Well be Then, was published by Finishing Line Press. Two poems from that book were recently re-published online by Future Cycle Press. Her poems will also appear in the Poetry Hickory anthology for 2010.
Her short stories have been published in online journals, Muscadine Lines; A Southern Journal and The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature. Her personal essays have been published in Echoes across the Blue Ridge, Reunion Magazine, and in Cup of Comfort for Horse Lovers.
Breath and Shadow, an online journal will publish a non-fiction article, Pass it on,  in their July issue.

Glenda is past Program Coordinator for North Carolina Writers Network West, and now serves as Clay County Representative for Network West.

A graduate of the University of Georgia, she earned her BS degree in education. She began studying writing in 1996, attending classes taught by teachers in the writing program at the Folk School. She has attended workshops and writing conferences through the North Carolina Writers’ Network for fifteen years and has learned the ends and outs of writing and publishing. When she isn’t working on her own poems and stories, she enjoys teaching others the joy of writing.  She is on faculty at John C. Campbell Folk School and will teach a writing class this summer, August 21 – 27. She is Director of Writers Circle, a writing studio at her home.

Brenda Kay Ledford is a native of Clay County, NC. Her work has appeared in many publications including Yestersdays 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 is 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. She co-authored the book, "Simplicity," with her mother, Blanche L. Ledford.
Ledford's readings are  performances.  She is a story teller as well as a poet and writer and you never know what surprise she has for her audience.

Thursday evening, June 16, promises to be an evening of fun for those who enjoy writing and writers. .

Can You Really Teach Someone to Write?

Your Life - Your Stories - Folk School class in 2003


I remember the first day of the first class I taught at John C. Campbell Folk School. Nancy Simpson, Resident Writer at JCCFS, had called and asked me to substitute for an instructor who was unable to come to teach a weekend class.

I was delighted to have the opportunity. I had been teaching at an adult education program at a church in North Georgia and found I enjoyed working with senior adults who were not necessarily writers, but wanted to write about their lives to leave a legacy for their families.

This became one of the most fullfilling experiences of my life. All were beginners to the world of writing classes and writing workshops. With a little encouragement each student poured out stories about their lives, stories I knew their families would cherish for generations. I still hear from students in that class.
My first class at the Folk School met in the wet room, a room set up with long tables, a room far too big for our small class, but it didn't matter. It served our purpose.
I arrived early, around 3:30 Friday afternoon. I approached the door and turned the key in the lock. For a minute I stood there, remembering when I was fresh out of college, entering my first classroom for children, scared but eager to make a positive difference in the lives of fourth graders. That was years ago and only a few of those children have I heard from or seen since they left Sylvester Road Elementary. I hope the year they spent with me helped them on their life's journey.

Now, more than thirty years later, I had come full circle. Once again I came as a teacher, not of children, but to do what I could to make a positive difference in the lives of adults.

Our time together was short; Friday evening and Saturday, but it was fruitful. A gentleman in the class said to me as he left on Sunday. "I'm so glad I came. I have carried around this envelope filled with stuff about my father for years, and now I know what I will do with it. Thank you."

Through the years it has been rewarding to hear from my students who have published memoirs, either for their family or for the public. I have read their work on blogs, in magazines and in their books.
I am always delighted to see their accomplishments.
I don't take credit for their success, but I am happy to have been a small part of it.
I look forward to teaching a week-long class at John Campbell Folk School in August. Once again I'll meet interesting people with unique lives, and I will do all I can to help these writers get those life stories on paper for those whom they love. Maybe you will be one of those writers.

Glenda C. Beall - http://www.profilesandpedigrees.blogspot.com/

Local residents, ask for half price on tuition.
Your Life—Your Stories (contact http://www.folkschool.org/ to register online)
Writing
August 21-26, 2011 (Sunday-Friday Session)
Instructor: Glenda Beall
Tuition: $488.00
Use your life experiences, favorite photos, or keepsakes to help you develop stories and personal essays. Your stories are unique. Write to publish or to save for your children and grandchildren. Share your work and get feedback that will help polish each piece you write. This class is for beginning and intermediate writers.

Poet Nancy Simpson IN THE NEWS - ASHEVILLE CITIZEN - TIMES

Poet Nancy Simpson featured at Coffee With The Poets

9:17 AM, Jun. 3, 2011  |  

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The North Carolina Writers Network West (Netwest) will feature accomplished poet, Nancy Simpson of Hayesville, at Coffee with the Poets at 10:30 a.m. June 8 at Café Touché, 82 Main St., Hayesville.

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HAYESVILLE — The North Carolina Writers Network West (Netwest) will feature accomplished poet, Nancy Simpson of Hayesville, at Coffee with the Poets at 10:30 a.m. June 8 at Café Touché, 82 Main St.

Simpson’s most recent poetry collection, “Living above the Frost Line, New and Selected Poems,” was published by Carolina Wren Press in 2010. Her first books were “Night Student” and “Across Water.” She edited the recently published anthology “Echoes across the Blue Ridge.”

She holds an MFA from Warren Wilson College and a B.S. in education from Western Carolina University. She also received a North Carolina Arts Fellowship.

Known as a co-founder of N.C. Writers Network West, a non-profit, professional writing organization serving writers living in  the remote mountains west of Asheville, she is also known as teacher to poets and writers in this area.

Nancy Simpson's extensive body of poetry includes poems published in The Georgia Review, Southern Poetry Review, Seneca Review, New Virginia Review, Prairie Schooner and other literary magazines. 

Her poems are often chosen for anthologies. “Night Student” was reprinted in “Word and Wisdom, 100 Years of N.C. Poetry” and in “Literary Trails of N.C.” (2008). The Southern Poetry Review included one of her poems in their 50th Anniversary issue, “Don't Leave Hungry.” Her poem “Carolina Bluebirds” was chosen for The Poets Guide to Birds (Anhinga 2009), an anthology edited by Judith Kitchen and former Poet Laureate of the United States, Ted Kooser. Seven of her poems are featured in Southern Appalachian Poetry, a textbook anthology published at McFarland Press.

Her poetry is widely published in journals such as The Journal of Kentucky Studies, Cooweescoowee Reviewat Will Rogers University and Pisgah Review.

Through 2010 Simpson served as Resident Writer at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. The literary community in Clay, Cherokee, Towns and Union Counties is largely made up of her students and students of writers she invited to teach at the Folk School. Presently she teaches at Institute for Continuing Learning at Young Harris College and continues to teach poetry writing at John C. Campbell Folk School.

Coffee with the Poets is open to all and any lover of writing is welcome to come listen or bring an original poem, short essay or story to read at open mic.

For more information,  Glenda Beall 389-4441.

www.nancysimpson.blogspot.com

Writers' Night Out

ATLANTA WRITER FEATURED AT WRITERS’ NIGHT OUT

Aimee Wise will read her work on Friday, June 10 at 7 p.m. at Mountain Perk Coffee House in Hiawassee. Those who’d like to share their own poetry or fiction can participate in the open microphone portion of the program following Wise’s reading.

Wise, who lives in Atlanta, writes memoir, short fiction and poetry. She says, “I have finally found the time and inspiration to write” after a career in health care, including work in East Central Africa; owning an interior design business for several years; and raising a family. “My children are now adults; my five grandkids are rapidly leaving childhood, so I have inner and outer space to make writing my priority. I find writing an on-going journey of discovery.” She has attended a variety of writing classes, but the two she enjoyed most were Tom Bird’s course at Emory University on “Writing a Book in 30 Days” and a poetry workshop led by Memye Curtis Tucker, Senior Editor of The Atlanta Review.

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 with an audience averaging 30 people from four counties. It’s a relaxed and fun atmosphere for anyone who loves the written word.

For more information, please contact Karen Holmes at (404) 316-8466 or kpaulholmes@gmail.com, or call Mountain Perk at (706) 896-0504.

Women's Spaces Women's Places has arrived!

Women's Spaces Women's Places, the anthology edited by Celia Miles and Nancy Dillingham is here. Although they had planned to keep the cover secret until the book celebration date, they agreed to let us have the cover to post on Netwest Writers. Almost half of the 50 women writers and poets published in the beautiful book are members of Netwest.

Don't you think this cover is inviting? Makes me want to see what is inside.

Ed Southern - Voices of the American Revolution in the Carolinas

Just to let our readers know, our NCWN Executive Director Ed Southern isn't just running the Network, he writes books and reads his work and holds workshops as well.

Thursday, June 9, 12:00 pm
North Carolina History Center, Tryon Palace, 610 Pollock St., New Bern, NC.
NCWN Executive Director Ed Southern will read from and discuss his book Voices of the American Revolution in the Carolinas. He will also answer questions about the Network and the 2011 Squire Summer Writing Residency, to be held July 14-17 in New Bern.

BLUE RIDGE BOOKFEST WORKSHOP LEADER NANCY SIMPSON SHARES THE WEEKEND WITH YOU

Members of NC Writer Network West were all over the place at BLUE RIDGE BOOKFEST 2011 held at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville/Flat Rock, North Carolina on May 20 and 21.

(in photo Glenda Beall former Program Coordinator and now Netwest Rep for Clay County, Dwayne Drumheller Netwest Rep from Brevard County and our NCWN Board Representative, Jayne Jaudon Ferrer  SC Rep, Nancy Simpson, a co founder of NCWN West, Lana Hendershott Henderson County Rep, Nancy Purcell Transylvania County Rep. and J C Walkup Haywood County Rep.

Poet and Program NCWN West Coordinator Rosemary Royston and 

Poet, Editor and Publisher Scott Owen 

(Nancy Simpson shares the weekend:)

I opened the bookfest with a poetry writing workshop, free and open to the public. The workshop, "Writing Comtemporary American Free Verse Poetry," discussed rules and guidelines for writing in the free verse form today. I gave my definition of  "Lyric" as it applies today  and led the students in writing a lyric poem.

I was amazed to look up and see so many accomplished poets and was more than pleased at how they took my writing prompt and wrote such fine  poems. I was pleased with the specific questions students asked about  how to make a free verse pleasing to the ear?  I was happy to have the poet, editor  and publisher Scott Owens  there because he added much to the discussion.

(in photo above Glenda Beall, Nancy Simpson, Jayne Jaudon Ferrer, Lana Hendrshott, Rosemary Royston, Nancy Purcell and JC Walkup.)

On Saturday, free and open to the public, Glenda Beall, former Program Cordinator moderated a panel discussion on the publication of  ECHOES ACROSS THE BLUE RIDGE:

Stories, Essays and Poems by Writers  Living in and Inspired by the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

  I am happy that I had the opportunity to discuss how I assembled this colletion of stories, essays and poems,  how in editing the book "a variation of individual voices began telling me the story of the wide mountains, the high summits, valley towns, farms, the deep woods, 

rivers, lakes, the critters  and the humans who dwell here." This I read straight from the front of the book.

Our panel had less than one hour to share information. One of my questions was how to assemble a chapbook poetry collection. I guarantee that topic would take weeks to cover, but I  gave my best tips as did others on the panel.

Tom Hooker of Hendersonville, author of the short story "SHMILY" (in Echoes) signed my copy of the anthology, which I carry to all NCWN West events. During the day Poet Joan Thiel Blessing stopped by my book table and bought my book. I asked her to to sign her poem in my copy of the anthology.

I thank The Blue Ridge Bookfest for giving me my first opportunity to exhibit and sell my book  LIVING ABOVE THE FROST LINE New and Selected Poems, published by Carolina Wren Press.

 Poet Linda M. Smith of Hayesville, visited  at my table. Also Rosemary Royston of Georgia  with Poet Ken Chamlee of Brevard who stopped by my table and  bought my book.  I happily signed it for him.

Short Story Writers: Lana Hendershott, Nancy Percell and J.C. Walkup welcome visitors at  the NCWN West table. (THANK YOU LADIES) Copies of the anthology sold like hot cakes. 

Poet Glenda Beall at her own table where sold copies of her chapbook NOW MIGHT AS WELL BE THEN published at Finishing Line Press.

Jayne Jaudon Ferrer at her own book table at the Blue Ridge Bookfest- books, books, books,

This was the 3rd Annual Blue Ridge Bookfest. It was financed by a large grant and offered free to the public.  Their purpose is "Celebrating authorship, creative writing, and the joy of reading." Another is being planned for next year. Plan to participate next year if you missed this year.  

Carole on left, Karen on right at JCCFS

Carole Thompson, Netwest Rep for Georgia and Karen Holmes, Netwest News volunteer editor and publisher, kept the audience applauding last Thursday evening at the John C. Campbell Folk School for the monthly reading, Poets and Writers Reading Poems and Stories. Karen, who has been influenced by some of the poets she has seen in Atlanta, showed us an example of  performance poetry which had everyone laughing out loud.


Carole is always appealing to the audience with her casual ease and her variety of serious and light-hearted work.

This reading takes place with two members of NCWN West featured most months on the third Thursday.

FREE POETRY AND FICTION WRITING WORKSHOPS Will Be Held at Blue Ridge Bookfest in Flat Rock, NC this coming Friday and Saturday

The third annual Blue Ridge Bookfest is scheduled for May 20-21, 2011 at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, NC.  This literary festival brings together over 40 authors and hundreds of readers for a unique opportunity to meet, listen and share ideas.  The Bookfest itself has no admission fee.

A Poetry Writing Workshop taught by Instructor Nancy Simpson, (FREE) will be held on Friday afternoon, 1:30 - 3:00, and a (FREE) fiction writing workshop will follow. 

At 5:30, on May20th, there is a “Meet and Greet” Reception ($25.00/ticket).  This is a wonderful opportunity for the authors and the public to mingle over wine and substantial hors d’oeuvres.    Free activities resume at 6:30 p.m with a program featuring Ann B. Ross, the 2011 Bookfest Honoree and bestselling author.  This event includes an interview with Ms. Ross and a “Miss Julia” dramatization.

 Saturday, May 21, continues with free workshops, book exhibits, conversations with authors, sales and signings from 8:45 through 4:00 PM.  A group of NCWN West Representatives will be featurted on a panel discussion talking about  ECHOES ACROSS THE BLUE RIDGE: Glenda Beall Moderator, Rosemary Royston, Nancy Purcell, Editor Nancy Simpson, Jayne Jaudon Ferrer, Lana Hendershott and JC Walkup.

            

Glenda Beall, Panel Discussion Moderator,  will lead Netwest writers talking about ECHOES ACROSS THE BLUE RIDGE, an anthology of Appalachian poems, stories and essays to be featured and talked about at the Blue Ridge Bookfest.

NCWN West Program Coordinator will speak on the

Echoes Across the Blue Ridge panel. Recently she

presented a scholarly paper about this anthology before

the Southern Appalachian Studies Council in

Kentucky.

Author Jayne Jaudon Ferrer, NCWN West Representative 

from South Carolina and others will speak on the ECHOES 

ACROSS THE BLUE RIDGE  panel.

The complete Bookfest program listing of the activities, authors, area lodging, and directions to the Blue Ridge Community College can be found at www.blueridgebookfest.org.  Questions concerning the Blue Ridge Bookfest may be directed to Tom McCain (828-692-3267) or Bill Ramsey (828-698-1022)

Robert S. King, Poet and Director of FutureCycle

I spent an interesting evening with poet and publisher, Robert S. King and his wife, Diane. I asked questions, and they tried their best to educate me about the world of small press publishing. My head was spinning when I left, trying to keep everything in mind. I am sure I'll be asking them more questions in the future.
Robert is a well-published poet who was featured recently on Living Above the Frost Line. Since retiring in  2010 he has been devoting himself full-time to writing, editing, and publishing. Diane works for the publishing company and has been extremely busy reading manuscripts submitted for their latest contest.She said at one time she was a dedicated writer and poet, but is now engrossed totally in publishing.

Robert is currently the Director of FutureCycle Press,  http://www.futurecycle.org/  and serves as President of the Georgia Poetry Society (http://www.georgiapoetrysociety.org/). Additionally, he is a member of the Georgia Writers Association and the North Carolina Writers Network.

Having recently moved to the mountains of North Georgia, bordering North Carolina and Tennessee, Robert was surprised to find so many writers in the area. We are pleased to see him at the critique groups and readings in Murphy, Hiawassee, and Hayesville.


I am enjoying Robert's poetry book, The Hunted River, and  I am impressed with FutureCycle Press, the website, and the knowledge of writing, editing and publishing shared with me by Robert and Diane -- generous people.

By the way, if you aren't a poet, the press also publishes original flash fiction. Look on the website for their FutureCycle Flash Fiction Book Prize which includes a $500 award plus publication.

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May Folk School Readings

Mark your calendar now for Thursday, May 19, 7:00 pm, Keith House at the John C. Campbell Folk School. May's readers are Carole Thompson and Karen Paul Holmes. Both Carole and Karen are published poets whose work you will enjoy hearing. The event is open to the public and there is no fee. Hope to see you there!

20TH ANNUAL CLAY COUNTY HISTORICAL AND ARTS POETRY CONTEST Names the Winners

First Place, Brenda Kay Ledford, Second Place Linda M. Smith. Third Place Kim Chastain (not pictured)

Winners of the Clay County Historical and Arts Council Poetry Contest read their poems and received their awards on May 5, 2011 at Hayesville High School Lecture Hall. The contest was judged by poet Nancy Simpson.

Nancy Simpson was presented a painting and plaque from the Clay County Historical Arts Council which read: To Nancy Simpson in appreciation for her years of devotion to the creative and cultural development of student and adults in Clay County.














painting by Reba Beck.

COFFEE WITH THE POETS: NANCY DILLINGHAM & CELIA MILES

THIS MONTH'S SYLVA COFFEE WITH THE POETS (10:30 A.M. , MAY 19, AT CITY LIGHTS BOOKSTORE) WILL WELCOME POET NANCY DILLINGHAM AND FICTION WRITER CELIA MILES. SHE AND CELIA ARE THE EDITORS OF THE ANTHOLOGIES CHRISTMAS PRESENCE, CLOTHESLINES AND A FORTHCOMING ANTHOLOGY FOCUSED ON WOMEN FINDING THEIR "PLACE." NANCY AND CELIA WILL DISCUSS THEIR ADVENTURES AS EDITORS, AND NANCY WILL READ FROM HER NEW BOOK OF POETRY. THIS PROMISES TO BE A FASCINATING PROGRAM, SO PLEASE JOIN US FOR COFFEE AND TREATS, BOTH EDIBLE AND LITERARY.

Celia's novels are A Thyme for Love, ThymeTable Mill, Mattie’s Girl: An Appalachian Childhood, Sarranda, and (in 2010) Journey to Stenness. Two short story collections are On a Slant: A Collection of Stories and Islands One and All: Stories and Otherwise. Nancy's books of poetry include include Home, recently nominated for a SIBA book Award in Poetry. Here's an interesting post from Kaye w. Barley's blog. http://www.meanderingsandmuses.com/2010/09/movin-on-by-nancy-dillingham.html.

COFFEE WITH THE POETS

Glenda Beall presided over "Coffee With the Poets" on Wednesday, May 11. It was held in the new location at Cafe Touche, Main Street, Hayesville, NC. Several writers attended the event.

Wayne Drumheller of Brevard, NC, and NCWN Board Trustee, visited "Coffee With the Poets." He spoke about current happenings with the Network and the upcoming Fall Conference in Asheville and encouraged everyone to attend.

Mary Ricketson was the featured poet this month. She also recently won the gold medal for a poem with the Cherokee County Silver Arts Contest. Congratulations, Mary!

Liz Bleaurer, owner of Cafe Touche, welcomed people to her lovely cafe.

Mary (Mike) Michelle Keller read a poem filled with beautiful imagery.

Clarence and Lorraine Newton, and Blanche L. Ledford attended "Coffee With the Poets." Clarence also read a poem.

Bob Grove chuckles during a light moment at "Coffee With the Poets." He also read a poem during open mic.

Carole Thompson enjoys a snack at "Coffee With the Poets."

EVENING WITH THE ARTS

Nancy Simpson judged this year's Clay County Historical and Arts' Council Poetry Contest. She read from her book, LIVING ABOVE THE FROST LINE, during "Evening With the Arts" at Hayesville High School Lecture Hall on May 5. She and retired art teacher, Reba Beck, formed this annual event 20 years ago to celebrate the arts in our community and schools.

Nancy Simpson's book, LIVING ABOVE THE FROST LINE, was published by Carolina Wren Press.

Linda Smith's poem, "Josie's Sunday," won second place.

Bob Grove's poem about an old house received honorable mention.

Brenda Kay Ledford's poem, "Beckoning," won first place in the Clay County Historical and Arts' Council Poetry Contest. She read her poem during "Evening With the Arts" at Hayesville High School Lecture Hall on May 5.

Other adults who won the poetry contest include: Amber Johnson, honorable mention and Mrs. Lamar Chastain, third place.