Author of Elizabeth Goodweather Mysteries, Vicki Lane workshop June 1

Finding Focus: A Hook to Hang Your Narrative On

Whether it’s an event (such as a family gathering), an object ( like a carefully-preserved cheerleader’s uniform from the Fifties), or something less tangible (a sound, a scent,) we’ll explore how a close examination of something specific can segue into a multi-faceted story. Vicki will provide some sensory prompts; attendees are invited to bring a prompt (object or memory) of their own. There’ll be writing, reading, and discussion.

Saturday, June 1
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Writers Circle around the Table Studio
Hayesville, NC

Vicki Lane has lived on a mountain farm in Madison County, NC since 1975. Her novels include Signs in the Blood and four other Elizabeth Goodweather Mysteries, The Day of Small Things, and the forthcoming (2020) Within My Memory Yet.
Her work has been praised for authentic dialogue, evocative detail, and rich, clear, intelligent writing capturing the essence of the Carolina mountains and their people.

Vicki teaches with the Great Smokies Writing Program (UNC-Asheville) and leads writing workshops at Wildacres and John C. Campbell Folk School. Visit her at her (almost) daily blog http://vickilanemysteries.blogspot.com/ and her website http://vickilanemysteries.com/

To register for this course, contact Glenda Beall, gcbmountaingirl@gmail.com or send check for $50.00 made to Glenda Beall, PO Box 843, Hayesville, NC 28904.
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

Alarka Expeditions has plans

Brent Martin and Angela Faye have many exciting adventures awaiting the outdoor person this month. 
Visit their website, www.alarkaexpeditions.com to learn about a writing workshop by Brent and the opening of their new office in Franklin, NC.
Brent is a member of NCWN-West, a published writer and poet.

Brent Martin on the Bartram Trail in 2018

Email from Charley of Mountain Writers in Waynesville, NC

 Bob Freye & Polly Davis will be leading our discussion this month, when we meet on Tuesday, May 14, at Panacea in Waynesville (room on the right). Bob provided us the following announcement:

Where the Crawdads Sing

At our next meeting, we’ll take a look at Delia Owens’ best-selling novel, Where the Crawdads Sing. Delia has an interesting life story and a fascinating style. I think you’ll enjoy hearing excerpts from the book. We’ll also look for ways her work connects with the stories and poetry that we are writing, so come out, bring your copy of the book if you have one, and discover something interesting at the next meeting of the Mountain Writers of North Carolina.

Also:

I'll be talking about writing medical thriller Scourge twice this month. Glenda Beall invited me down to Hayesville on Wednesday, May 15 for their 10:30 a.m. meeting at the Moss Memorial Library. (Coffee with the Poets and Writers)

And the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) invited me to speak on the same subject on Saturday, May 25, 2-4 p.m at their Waynesville center on Main Street. Fun!

Cya!

- Charley

"Times are bad. Children no longer obey their parents, and everyone is writing a book."

- Cicero

www.charleypearson.com

Charley didn't say in his email, but the meeting at Panacea restaurant is at noon. Some people eat during the program so they can get back to work.

Scammers and fraudulent publishers are waiting to take your money.

Scammers and fraudulent publishers are waiting to take the money from amateur writers and those first time authors who can't wait to see their books in print.

Recently I met a man in a waiting room at my physical therapists office.
 "I have just published a children's book, he said. 
I asked how much it cost him as I was quickly aware he was not an experienced writer. 
"Just four thousand dollars," he said. "I think that's reasonable for all they will do for me."
"Will they market your book"? I asked. 
"Yes. They will give me a page on their website."
When he told me the enormous number of books he had to have printed, I knew he had been taken for a ride. He will sell copies to his friends and family and no one will ever see his page on his website because no one will know to go there to buy his books.

A friend recently told me of another first time writer who bought one thousand copies of her children's book from the publisher (the company which had the book printed for her). This new author has no idea how long it will take to sell one thousand books, if ever.

Sad to say, many people who want to publish a book have been told by friends and family that their book is wonderful and they should have no problem selling it. Friends and family quickly buy books from the new author, the man or woman they like and maybe love. But once they all have a book, the author is lucky to have sold 150 books. The average number of books sold by a self-published author is about one hundred fifty books. 

Authors are not book salesmen and therefore, when they receive hundreds of books, they soon become overwhelmed and realize that it is unlikely they will ever sell them all.

One man bought 1500 copies of his book. He likes to write and doesn't do readings or book signings. He has his 1500 books stored in a warehouse. Some fraudulent company took advantage of this man, I think. But, like with any product, it is buyer beware or in this case, writer beware.

When I write about the pitfalls of publishing, I speak from my own experience. I wrote a family history book and published through Genealogy Publishing company in Sylva, NC in 1998. It is a beautiful, hard back book, nicely printed with black and white photos of my ancestors, my parents and aunts and uncles.

In 1998, four thousand dollars was about average cost to publish this type of book. Many county histories were published this way. After all, no New York traditional publishers would make money on books that only appealed to a very small niche. In my case, I still have some of those two hundred books which I sold to all the family members who were interested in family history. I occasionally, even now, get an order for one of the books. But the niche for family histories is not large. Those researching your family name on Ancestry might want a copy. Last year a third and a fourth cousin ordered my book, Profiles and Pedigrees; Descendants of Thomas Charles Council, (1858-1911).

In today's world, a self-published book with photos can be published for around one thousand dollars if the author is aware and willing to do what he must do and where he must go to get the best advice and the best service. Better than forking over thousands of dollars, the writer would do best to hire someone to format the book and insert pictures where they should go. This is not terribly expensive if your manuscript has been proofed and edited several times. Ask other writers and talk to a number of people who have experience in self-publishing. 

If  a writer is taken in by an ad in a magazine, and he knows nothing about the company he is doing business with, he is like a hungry fish grabbing a worm on a hook. 

A few years ago, a young widow came to me with a rough manuscript she had sent to a Christian Publishing Company. She had paid them two thousand dollars upfront. I asked what the company did for the two thousand dollars. She said they sent the manuscript back to her and told her she needed to hire an editor to get the book ready for printing, and then they would look at it again.

I was appalled at this and advised this young woman to contact that company and ask for her money back now. First of all, it was too soon to hire an editor to help her. She needed writing classes. She needed to do research on the kind of book she wanted to write. She had no idea who would read her book and none of it was original. She had simply taken verses from the bible and organized them in ways that meant something to her. 

Beware of Christian Publishing companies. They use the word Christian to lure in good people who feel that it is safe to do business with anyone who is "Christian."

I will never forget one of my students who published a book about his exciting life as a minister working in third world countries. His goal? Publish this book. It wasn't long before I heard from him.

"I have two hundred books in my basement. What should I do next?"

Relieved that he only had two hundred books, I gave him my best advice on marketing. But he had not given one thought as to how he would sell his books once they were in print. He did not know his audience or how to reach them. That seems to be the way with most first-time self-published authors. 

Some resources to check out before self-publishing. Scamming writers is going on and will go on, but writers can be aware and learn what to watch out for.

The best article on scamming in 2019

https://annerallen.com/2019/01/new-writing-scams-2019/

Writers Beware - Writers Beware was founded in 1998 and is sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, with additional support from the Mystery Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, and the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

Like many genre-focused writers’ groups, SFWA, MWA, HWA, and ASJA  are concerned with not only well-published writers, but also the fate of aspiring writers, first time authors who are anxious to see their books in print. Check with Writer Beware before signing a contract with any publisher.
https://accrispin.blogspot.com/p/about-writer-beware.html

Reedsy.com 
https://blog.reedsy.com/scams-and-publishing-companies-to-avoid/

Local Students receive awards for Simpson Beck Writing Contest in Hayesville, NC April 23, 2019

On Tuesday, April 23, 2019, Hayesville Middle and High Schools received awards for their entries in the Simpson Beck Student Writing Contest. The Clay County Historical and Arts Council (CCHAC) gave awards for the students. 

Winners of the Middle School Contest for Poetry were: 1^st place, E. Holland, 2^nd place, L. Gottlieb, and 3^rd place, D. Fields.  

Winners of the High School Contest for Poetry were: 1^st place, B. Johnson, 2^nd place, M. Gottlieb, and 3^rd place, M. Crawford.

Winners of the Middle School Personal Essay Contest were: 1^st place, G. Gibson, and 2^nd place, A. Gibson. There were no other entries.

Winners of the High School Personal Essay Contest were: 1^st place, R. Bunch, 2^nd place, B. Johnson, and 3^rdplace, J. Green. 

Carroll S. Taylor, Janice Townley Moore, Rosemary Rhodes Royston

Judges for the contests were: Rosemary Rhodes Royston, Poetry judge, and Janice Townley Moore and Carroll S. Taylor, Personal Essay judges. 

Reba Beck and Joan Ellen Gage

This writing event was coordinated by English teacher Carla Beck, Joan Ellen Gage, representing NCWN-West, and by Reba Beck, from CCHAC, a retired art teacher from Hayesville High School. Reba Beck established the original contests, (which at the time included art work), along with Nancy Simpson (Brantley). Teacher Carla Beck was instrumental in coordinating the contest with the middle and high school.

Awards for the judges were furnished by The Copper Door Restaurant, Brother’s Willow Ranch Restaurant, and Rib Country (Hayesville).

Winners Announced - 2019 NC Poetry Society Poetry Contests - Ben Cutler among winners

Swain County Rep for NCWN-West,  Ben Cutler of Whitter, NC is a winner in the 2019  NC Poetry Society Contests

The North Carolina Poetry Society (NCPS) has announced the names of its 2019 adult poetry contest winners. Winning poets will receive cash prizes and their poems will be published in the annual anthology, Pinesong.

Winning poets have been invited to read at Sam Ragan Awards Day at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities in Southern Pines on Saturday, May 11, 2019. All poetry lovers are invited to attend.

The Poet Laureate prize was awarded by North Carolina poet laureate, Jaki Shelton Green, to Maureen Sherbondy for her poem “Gretel.”

Other first-prize winners are:

• Jane Shlensky (Bahama, NC), “A Short History of Mystery” – Alice Osborn Award (poems written for children ages 2-12)

• Crystal Simone Smith (Durham, NC), “slave museum” – Bloodroot Haiku Award

• Benjamin Cutler (Whittier, NC), “Speak of Rivers” – Carol Bessent Hayman Poetry of Love Award

• Alan Michael Parker (Davidson, NC), “Virtual Villanelle” – Joanna Catherine Scott Award (traditional forms)

• Don Ball (Raleigh, NC), “The Grammar of Kissing” – Katherine Kennedy McIntyre Light Verse Award

• Les Brown (Troutman, NC), “I Am from Black Earth” – Mary Ruffin Poole American Heritage Award

• Pam Baggett (Cedar Grove, NC), “Stampede” – Poetry of Courage Award

• Benjamin Cutler (Whittier, NC), “The Church of Unmaking” – Poetry of Witness Award

• Barbara Blanks (Garland, TX), “Time Lines,” Ruth Morris Moose Sestina Award

• Les Brown (Troutman, NC), “Bathing and Grabbling on a Hot Summer Day” – Thomas H. McDill Award

The complete list of judges and winners can be found on the NCPS website (https://www.ncpoetrysociety.org/2019-adult-contest-winners/).

The North Carolina Poetry Society is an all-volunteer organization especially for poets and friends of poetry. We have over 450 members from North Carolina and numerous locations beyond. The North Carolina Poetry Society serves its membership by offering opportunities to study the craft of writing poetry; to participate in contests and competitions; and to enjoy a meaningful connection with poets throughout our state.

Stan Absher

Director, Adult Poetry Contests

NC Poetry Society

Poetry, Wine & Fun in Hiawassee, GA

free event

Wonderful Wednesday 

April 17 

5-7 pm

Poetry Reading - Karen Paul Holmes, 5:30

BodySense

2226 Ridge Crest Circle

Hiawassee, GA

April is Poetry Month and We Celebrate at Moss Memorial Library

We will celebrate in Hayesville, NC at the Moss Memorial Library with award-winning poet, Brenda Kay Ledford reading from her new book, Red Plank House.

Brenda Kay Ledford

 A seventh-generational native of Clay County, Ledford grew up in a red-plank house eating apple butter, wearing homemade clothes, playing hopscotch, and singing shape-note music in country churches. Later she took piano lessons and played hymns for worship services.

Ledford was an honor graduate of Hayesville High School.  She rode a bus over the winding dirt roads.  It was a long route and she observed the mountains changing colors with seasons.  That’s when she grew to appreciate the beauty of our region.

Her favorite teachers were Leslie Carter, media specialist, and Josephine Thurman, senior-year English instructor.  Both educators instilled within Ledford the magic of books.

After Ledford was graduated from HHS, she worked as a clerk-typist with the FBI in Washington, DC.  It was cultural shock.  Ledford returned to her beloved roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
She worked as a secretary at Hinton Rural Life Center.  She also taught Sunday school and directed Bible School.  Ledford loved children and wanted to become an educator. She earned a MA in Early Childhood Education from Western Carolina University and taught the fourth grade at Murphy Elementary School.

While she was teaching, Ledford’s father got Hodgkin’s disease.  She obtained an emergency medical technician certification to help care for him.  She worked in the emergency room at Towns County Hospital part-time and with the Clay County EMS.

 Ledford also took a Creative Writing class at Tri-County Community College under Nancy Simpson to renew her teacher’s license.  Nancy was her mentor and encouraged Ledford to submit her work for publication.  Her poetry has appeared in Pembroke Magazine, Asheville Poetry Review, Our State, Angels on Earth, Chicken Soup for the Soul, 39 Old Mountain Press anthologies, and many other journals. Ledford’s latest poetry book, Red Plank House, was released by Kelsay Books, available at Amazon.com.

Ledford is presently working on a collection of poetry for children.  Many poems are about her great-niece, Reagan Blanche.  Ledford’s favorite pastime is reading to her little niece and viewing the world through the joyful eyes of kids.

Each month Coffee with the Poets and Writers meets at the library on the third Wednesday of the month, 10:30 AM. We feature a member of NCWN-West, sponsoring organization, and we hold Open Mic to allow our guests to read an original poem or two.

This month we will celebrate two poets who were special to us in this region, the late Nancy Simpson and Kathryn Stripling Byer. Everyone is invited to bring a poem by one of them to read at open mic along with an original poem.

The Literary Hour at JCCFS, Brasstown, NC, to feature Joan Ellen Gage, Bob Grove, and Carroll S. Taylor on Wednesday, April 17, 2019

On Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at 7:00 PM, John C. Campbell Folk School and NC Writers' Network-West will sponsor The Literary Hour. At this event, NCWN-West members will read at the Keith House on the JCCFS campus, in Brasstown, NC. The Literary Hour is held on the third Thursday of the month unless otherwise indicated. This reading is free of charge and open to the public. This month's featured readers will be Joan Ellen Gage, Bob Grove, and Carroll S. Taylor. For more information on this event, please contact Mary Ricketson at: maryricketson311@hotmail.com.

Joan Ellen Gage is an author of humor and inspiration written from her own unique perspective. Her recipe for her writing focuses on staying upbeat and laughing at her own foibles. Gage’s photos are the spice in the mix that serve to punctuate the writing and add that special garnish to her creations. 

Joan has written and published five books, Water Running Downhill, Embracing Your Inner Cheerleader, A Redhead Looks At 60, Trinity's Adventures in Imagination, and a special edition of Water Running Downhill! the Rose Edition, as a tribute to her friend Rose Macedo Kull. All of the books are available on Amazon. Currently, Gage is working on a new book entitled: Words of Defiance and Empowerment.

Gage is a former administrator for the NCWN-West blog. Additionally, Ms. Gage has two blogs, Traveling at the Speed of Now, www.joanellengage.com,and A Redhead Blogs at 60, https://joans-zone.com/.

Bob Grove: Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Bob holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University and a Master of Science degree from Florida Atlantic University. His diversified curriculum qualified him to teach high school courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, earth and space science, astronomy and space science, psychology, English, journalism, and creative writing.  

 Bob was an ABC-TV public affairs director and on-air program host, and founder and publisher of Monitoring Times Magazine. He has published 19 books and hundreds of articles in 23 magazines. Additionally, he has published a mystery novella, Secrets of Magnolia Manor, his memoir, Misadventures of an Only Child, a collection of children’s stories: Adventures of Kaylie and Jimmy, and many flash fiction stories as well as some poetry. Grove’s books can be found on Amazon.

Grove is prose critique facilitator for the North Carolina Writers Network and a co-facilitator of the Ridgeline Literary Alliance.

Carroll S. Taylor grew up in rural West Central Georgia. A graduate of Tift College (Mercer University) with a BA in French, she holds graduate degrees in French and English as well as an EdS in Educational Leadership. An educator for forty-three years, Taylor taught French, English, Journalism, Creative Writing, and ESL, and advised students to create and publish school newspapers and yearbooks. After retirement, she moved on to her second career as a part-time instructor at Columbus State University, teaching freshman composition. 

Taylor is the author of two young adult novels, Chinaberry Summer and Chinaberry Summer: On the Other Side. She is currently writing the third novel in the series, Chinaberry Summer: Down by the Water. Her books emphasize generational storytelling and respect for the valuable role of reptiles and amphibians in our ecosystem. One of the personal highlights of publishing her novels was her book reading held in the childhood home of Carson McCullers. 

Readers may find her journal blog at chinaberrysummer.com, and  follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/ChinaberrySummer/. .

Carroll is a member of North Carolina Writers’ Network, North Carolina Writers’ Network-West, and the Georgia Poetry Society.