Led by expert speakers, the monthly talks at the West Asheville Library will examine the novels “The Tall Woman” (1962), “The Far Family” (1966) and “Return the Innocent Earth” (1973).
Punch Bucket Lit founder Rachel Hanson on launching a literary nonprofit
The founder of the monthly literary reading series is seeking nonprofit status for the organization.
Richard Chess on the influence of religion on his poetry
In this month’s poetry feature, Chess — a professor emeritus of English at UNC Asheville, where he served as the director of the Center for Jewish Studies for 30 years — discusses the influence Judaism has had on his writing and the role poetry plays in the present day. Along with the conversation is Chess’ poem “Tashlikh 5773.”
Book chronicles complex, colorful story of Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
Local author Craig Gralley has written a comprehensive history of Transylvania County’s Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, a 200-acre site originally found by NASA 60 years ago.
Look Homeward: A new monthly series on influential WNC writers
Xpress’ new “Look Homeward” feature begins with Thomas Wolfe, but aims to eventually shift focus to other celebrated writers with ties to WNC, including, but not limited to Wilma Dykeman, John Ehle and O. Henry.
Joe Fishleigh wins 2023 Xpress Poetry Contest
This year’s competition asked writers to draft an original, previously unpublished piece on the theme of hope.
Charles Frazier’s latest novel takes readers across Depression-era America
Xpress recently caught up with Charles Frazier about his new novel, The Trackers. Set in 1937, the book’s narrator and protagonist Val Welch is an artists turned amateur private eye.
Kids’ takes: Area youths share creative works about spring
This month, we feature three works from third and fourth grade students at Odyssey School.
Erica Abrams Locklear examines the evolution of mountain food
Erica Abrams Locklear will discuss her new book Appalachia on the Table with chef John Fleer at Malaprop’s on Tuesday, April 18.
Mildred Kiconco Barya celebrates the release of her latest poetry collection
Mildred Kiconco Barya, a local poet and assistant professor of English at UNC Asheville, is celebrating the April 10 release of her latest collection, ‘The Animals of My Earth School.’
Daughter publishes book by pioneering physician father decades after his death
For most people, Dr. Charles S. Norburn‘s name may have been a footnote in history, if it was known at all. Yet his contributions to the region’s health care industry are considerable thanks to his 1946 purchase of 32 acres of property at 509 Biltmore Ave., which became the site of the Norburn Hospital & Clinic. […]
Four of a Kind: Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle talks area literary scene
The author talks new projects and the area’s literary scene.
Mallory McDuff promotes attainable climate activism in new book
The Warren Wilson College professor profiles one woman in each U.S. state who’s making a difference on the environmental front.
Kids stuff: Make reading fun!
Kate Spratt, Buncombe County Public Libraries youth services specialist for the Preschool Outreach Program, discusses trends in children’s literature and ways parents can make reading fun.
Kids stuff: Build early literary skills
Jacquelyn Hall, co-executive director of Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe discusses the importance of reading to children from a young age and the how everyone in the community can play a role in promoting literacy.
Susan Reinhardt’s latest novel combines satire and solemnity
Known as a humorist by many, the local author pivots in her latest novel, The Beautiful Misfits, tackling the issue of addiction. Despite the heavy topic, Susan Reinhardt promises that there is also plenty of hope and potential laughter within the story’s pages.
The Rumpus establishes home base in Asheville
Alyson Sinclair and Alysia Li Ying Sawchyn discuss the literary magazine’s rich history and their plans for collaborations with Asheville’s writing community.
Kids stuff: Respect the youths
Ellen Bowditch, a retired elementary school teacher and volunteer tutor with Literacy Together, discusses her work with the local nonprofit, the importance of community involvement and the need to show care and respect to our area’s youth.
Building community through books
Xpress speaks with local book club organizers and participants about the unique ways in which these groups create community.
Poet Clint Bowman on writing about WNC
Clint Bowman shares his poem “A Real Mountain Man.”
Young adult novel brings Asheville’s street-music scene to life
Buskers, bullies, a menacing pet pig and various homages to the characters and colorful businesses that populate the Asheville downtown area show up in local author Jennie Liu’s latest young adult novel.