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Rob Neufeld posted a blog post

Seeking former teachers at Asheville-Biltmore College

Seeking former teachers at Asheville-Biltmore CollegeClark Adams, a member of the English faculty at Randolph Community College in Asheboro, is seeking information on the following list of faculty who are still living and may have taught when the college was "on the mountain" at Seely's Castle during the years 1949 - 1961.  The college operated under that name from 1936 to 1969, when it was consolidated into the state university system.  See UNCA Ramsey Library Special Collections'…See More
8 hours ago
Rob Neufeld posted a discussion

A walk down Haw Creek Road in 1936

A nostalgic walk through 1930s Haw Creekby Rob NeufeldPHOTO CAPTION: The Haw Creek School that replaced Bell’s church-funded school in the 1920s.             I took a walk down Haw Creek Road the other day—in the year 1936—and I got to hear some folks talking.            I wasn’t sure of my way around, so I…See More
yesterday
Row by Row Bookshop updated their profile
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Rob Neufeld posted discussions
Friday
Rob Neufeld commented on Malaprop's Bookstore Cafe's event CHARLES PRICE READING & SIGNING
"The event is July 21 at Malaprop's.  Looking forward to it; and I'll be writing about it."
Thursday
Sharon Gruber posted an event

"Aftermath of the Civil War" A lecture in WNCHA's Civil War Series at Reuter Center at UNCA

June 15, 2013 from 2pm to 3:30pm
Dr. Gordon McKinney and Dr. Steve Nash will describe and analyze the attempt to recreate the social, political and economic world after the Civil War in western North Carolina.  Special emphasis will be placed on racial adjustment, improving transportation and the development of the Appalachian stereotype.  Sponsored by the Western North Carolina Historical Association and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.  Open to the public, admission to members of WNCHA and OLLI is free.  $5.00 for…See More
Jun 11
Connie Regan-Blake posted an event

"Taking A Leap: An Evening of Connie's Stories" and a Workshop at Hawk and Ivy Bed and Breakfast

June 30, 2013 from 3pm to 9pm
 Connie Regan-Blake, renowned Appalachian storyteller, will perform “Taking a Leap: An Evening of Connie’s Stories” on Sunday June 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Hawk and Ivy Bed and Breakfast in Barnardsville, NC, twenty minutes north of Asheville. Persons interested in learning or developing the craft of storytelling can also attend a workshop entitled “Opening Doors: A Storytelling Workshop Exploring Memories” at 3:00-5:30. Workshop fee is $40 before June 21 and $55 after. Fee includes both events.…See More
Jun 11
Julia Nunnally Duncan posted an event

Julia Nunnally Duncan Book Signing and Reception at St. John's Episcopal Parish House

June 23, 2013 from 11:30am to 12:30pm
St. John's Episcopal Church Women in Marion will host a book signing and reception in celebration of Julia Nunnally Duncan's new book Barefoot in the Snow. The event will be held at St. John's Parish House in the great hall during Coffee Hour (approximately 11:30 a.m.) on Sunday, June 23,and the public is cordially invited. See More
Jun 11

Information

Promoting Writers

We are in the glad business of promoting books and writers, and can benefit from sharing ways to do that--for the field is open to doing a lot more, so that literature gains prominence.

Members: 34
Latest Activity: Jan 20

Discussion Forum

Raising Pastured Pigs Ebook Published

Started by Samantha Ann Biggers Jun 19, 2012.

Author/Bookstore Relations 7 Replies

Started by Spellbound. Last reply by Kathryn Magendie Apr 22, 2009.

Ideas: Getting The Word Out! 2 Replies

Started by Dot Jackson. Last reply by Suzan Tanner McCoury Apr 14, 2009.

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Comment by Gary Carden on June 3, 2009 at 5:02pm
Rob,
I just resigned from Writers Network West for the very reason that we are discussing here. The organization is almost totally oriented toward poetry and the few prose writers that they have seem to be constantly shouting and waving in order to draw attention to themselves. If it is that bad for prose, you can imagine what is like for drama (and drama or theater is a general topic that includes a lot of stuff, including tragedy and comedy) and for storytelling. When I mention this, I am assured that the organization is open to "everyone," but the fact remains that the emphasis is on "traditional formats" like poetry.
I'm just going to stay home and sing all the old songs and drink my own whiskey (well, not literally!)
Comment by Rob Neufeld on June 3, 2009 at 4:50pm
Thanks, Gary! And I know what you're saying. Literary arts decline when lines are drawn. It's best when a storyteller has a large palette and repertoire and can choose the art form or combination of forms to best tell the story. (I think Shakespeare on the stage is better than in the book, and he's an author, ain't he?)

But what's the marketing? Blue Ridge Published Work Fair?
Comment by Gary Carden on June 3, 2009 at 4:44pm
Rob,
I honestly feel that a film of a play should have as much integrity as a published novel. However, we seem to be at an awkward stage and I can assure you, it just "ain't so." The only solution I can see is to be sure that "the step-children" get due recognition at the book fair.

I would be glad to assist in locating storytellers who could provide clips of there work. I would like to suggest that someone set about filming Sheila Kay Adams when she tells the story about the man who received Dr. Brinkley's radio program on his dental fillings (They had to wedge his mouth open so that the sound could carry and the neighbors came in to hear the Carter Family sing "Keep on the Sunny Side." That is for openers. Then, there is Marvin Cole, and then there is Lloyd Arneach and I'm just getting wound up. We won't have any trouble finding the storytellers and/or dramatists to make the videos. Who is going to film them?
Comment by Rob Neufeld on June 3, 2009 at 4:31pm
That's right, Gary, it's hard to find the word. Maybe just call it Book Fair, and let other stuff come in.

I'd love to have help promoting storytellers. I mentioned the idea for this website, which I think would be very helpful. A list of storytellers with three minute clips of their storytelling. If people want to see how effective that is, they can check out Gary's telling; and play writing.
Comment by Gary Carden on June 3, 2009 at 4:18pm
Let me add one final observation. At present, my most marketable creation is a DVD (or two DVDs) and this was a "book" fair. I think all literary events are having trouble with including media products. It also may be that my problems with film creations may be an aspect that will become more pronounced in the future. I know that my film, "The Prince of Dark Corners," is generally considered an artist creation, but book fairs, such as the Blue Ridge Book Fair, is not quite sure what to do with it. It may be that a more
inclusive name is needed. ("Media and Book Fair" or "Book Fair and Film"??) I don't know. I don't want to provoke a discussion that may be extended to include dance and painting! It is a provocative problem. However, if I write a play and it is made into a film, I feel it should have a home at a "book fair."
Comment by Charleen Bertolini on June 3, 2009 at 3:52pm
Rob, I know how invaluable you've been. We actually met at our launch last September. Bob G will be past chair this year and Tom McCain has will be chair. Program Chair will be Bill Ramsey. We want to be sure we have an attractive program for our presenters, exhibitors and attendees. Thanks for the suggestions and we look forward to a terrific 2010! (June 5 again at the BRCC.)
Comment by Rob Neufeld on June 3, 2009 at 3:34pm
Charlene, yes, now that you're using this site to communicate with authors, let's increase the effectiveness. The Top 75 WNC Books list is a good start for authors. I have talked with some about creating a storyteller list--with links to video/audio clips.

There's also this group! And you've seen the publisher list.

I had a number of conversations with Bob G. about who speaks well as well as writes well. That's a factor, too.

There is a huge audience, market, and need for authors and storytellers, and I'm both feet deeply in with helping to develop that. Thanks for your talk and thoughts. (Invite more people to the group.)
Comment by Charleen Bertolini on June 3, 2009 at 3:25pm
I'm sending all your suggestions to next year's program chair so they can be sure to incorporate such a forum for storytelling and drama, comedy.
Comment by Charleen Bertolini on June 3, 2009 at 3:23pm
Thanks so much! Charleen
Comment by Christine Hale on June 3, 2009 at 3:18pm
Hi, Charleen--
I'd second Gary's take that the Blue Ridge CC Book Fair was well managed, well laid-out and socially fun and functional. I also agree with him that inclusivity really matters. Not only should storytellers and dramatists whose work relies on more than just the printed word be given a forum, so should writers who live and work in (and hail from) the region be given a forum, an opportunity to present themselves as author, whether or not their work is about the region.
I'm sure you've already thought of this, but this site's homepage lists WNC books and authors, so contacting all those folks would be at least a starting place for the outreach effort.
 

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