The New York Times bestselling author and UNC Asheville Writer-in-Residence Wiley Cash discusses his latest novel, When Ghosts Come Home.
Q&A with Erica Abrams Locklear, professor of English at UNCA
Update, Sept. 6, 2021: This piece was updated to reflect that Natasha Tretheway’s book Native Guard is a collection of poetry. Growing up in Leicester, Erica Abrams Locklear imagined becoming a pediatrician one day. She loved to read, though, and remembers enjoying Southern authors Jill McCorkle and Clyde Edgerton. But Abrams Locklear didn’t become aware […]
Asheville Archives: Literary expectations hound Thomas Wolfe, 1931
Despite public outcries over his 1929 debut novel, Look Homeward, Angel, local residents were still eager to know what Thomas Wolfe had planned next. As pressure mounted to deliver his next book, Wolfe begged his mother to not leak any information to the Asheville press.
New book explores 1936 slaying at the Battery Park Hotel
After nearly a decade’s worth of research, local author Anne Chesky Smith celebrates the publication of her new book, Murder at Asheville’s Battery Park Hotel: The Search for Helen Clevenger’s Killer.
New book by local author pairs WNC history with vintage postcards
At the start of COVID, local historian Mary McPhail Standaert began sending out emails to friends and family featuring tidbits of local history. She considered it a fun and creative way to stay in touch amid the pandemic. But as the project evolved, she came to realize she had unintentionally launched her latest book.
Author Terry Roberts blurs genres in his latest novel
In his latest book, local author Terry Roberts takes readers out of the South and onto Ellis Island for a murder mystery set in 1920.
Lake Monster Parade offers accessible family fun
Aquatic creatures flock to Lake Tomahawk, two pairs of artists form new studios and more area arts news.
Around Town: Urban Renewal Impact website goes live
The findings of Priscilla Robinson’s 14-year project are published, a recent Asheville High graduate earns a spot in the prestigious GRAMMY Camp and more area arts news.
Local author examines his life growing up in the Jim Crow South
Local writer Robert “Zack” Zachary discusses his debut essay collection, Forgotten Stories Remembered.
Kristy Tolley mixes local and visitor perspectives in new Asheville guidebook
The travel writer and longtime Asheville devotee discusses narrowing down her list of 100 local activities for a new publication.
Around town: Local musicians cast in ‘Yacht Stops’ reality series
April Bennett, Jaze Uries and Brennan Dugan take to the sea; the Historic Montford Garden Tour returns; and more area arts news.
Author Kevin McIlvoy and the art of satire
In his latest novel, One Kind Favor, local author Kevin McIlvoy examines racial violence in a small, rural North Carolina town.
Around town: Say Their Names
The YMI Cultural Center and First Congregational United Church of Christ renew their partnership; Asheville Pizza & Brewing reopens its theater; and more area arts news.
Peggy Weaver wins 2021 Xpress Poetry Contest
Local poet Peggy Weaver earns the 2021 top finish in Xpress’ annual poetry contest.
Around town: Hide and Seek
Multidisciplinary artist Kira Bursky celebrates her first print collection. Also: new theater, live music, books, exhibits and more!
Ann B. Ross concludes her Miss Julia series — maybe
The bestselling author discusses life during the pandemic, the decision to end her popular series and its potential second life on the screen.
Thomas Calder’s debut novel explores fraught relationships in contemporary Asheville
The Asheville-based author (and Xpress Arts & Culture editor) discusses his long, rewarding path to becoming a published novelist.
Local children’s author explores world religions
“Kids don’t actually care about what other people believe,” says children’s author Vicki Garlock. “They don’t care about dogma. A good way to educate kids is through traditions — holidays, rituals, food and stories.”
Wayne Caldwell celebrates his debut poetry collection and imaginary muse
Over the last two years, writer Wayne Caldwell has written poems based on imaginary conversations with his fictional character Posey Green. His forthcoming poetry collection, Woodsmoke, comes out Tuesday, Feb. 23.
New digital archive examines Nina Simone’s relationship with Langston Hughes
In 1949, poet Langston Hughes spoke at the Allen High School in Asheville. One of the students in attendance was Eunice Waymon, later known professionally as Nina Simone. In time, the poet and the singer developed a unique relationship, which author and N.C. State University professor W. Jason Miller is currently documenting in an online archive, Backlash Blues: Nina Simone and Langston Hughes.
Around town: The latest history talks, art exhibits and poetry contests
There are plenty of free virtual and in-person exhibits and educational opportunities in and around Asheville. Poets and visual artists are also being called to submit works for a pair of contests.