ASHEVILLE: IN VERSE

[Allan Wolf]

I've been picking at a book of verse about Asheville ever since I moved here 20-some years ago. "Thought Poems" in something of a manic and athletic style, like Thomas Wolfe himself. Here's the question I'd like to put on the table:

What topics MUST be covered? Ex: Transportation (trolley car to AT); famous corpses (Wolfe, O. Henry, Zelda, etc); politics (past and present); The Battle of Asheville; Asheville's Occupation during the civil war; homelessness; race relations; architecture; historic business past and present, etc.

What would YOU add?

[Rob Neufeld]

What comes to my mind, Allan, is history told in verse by characters in character. Because that would give you the opportunity to play very loosely and wildly with the characters' personality and speech quirks.

It's interesting thinking in terms of you doing it, because it depends on your talents.

What then? Have a history slam with the characters competing for top billing. How would a homeless person do against Thomas Wolfe on an even playing field? How would a laconic businessman do? What about a well-known contemporary person?

Hey, it's great to start forums within groups, but I have found you occasionally have to say something in the general group discussion to let people know it's up there for response, too.

(I've got more to say about historical figures, but I'd like hear what you and others are thinking.) /Rob

[Allan Wolf]

Actually, Rob, I was trying to post this prompt to then entire community here, not just Creative Publishing. I think I figured out how to do that, but it prompts me to select one of a set number of Categories. Do I have to put a new discussion in a particular category?

[Rob Neufeld]

That's a good question, Allan. The only way to start a new category is to use the Manage tab on top, and then click Forum Discussions. I may be the only one that has that manage option.

So, in that case, you either choose one of the categories--Book & Culture Issues, maybe--and start your forum. I then can link to it and feature it. You can also start a blog on this site which goes onto the front page automatically.

You make me realize that I should redo the forum categories to represent a wide range of general topics, into which people can then put their specific ones. So, if you need a different category, let me know and I'll get that going.

I'd love to feature some of your Asheville in Verse progress--if you decide to go with that--teasers, not giving away the franchise.

/Rob