Comment

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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