Poet Brit Washburn discusses the importance of specificity within poetry, forms of inspiration and the ways a poem can help readers feel less alone.
Author: Thomas Calder
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Poet Luke Hankins on the role and power of poetry
Local poet Luke Hankins discusses his writings, the power of metaphor and his interest in spiritual dilemmas.
Burnsville poet Pat Riviere-Seel discusses poetry, voice and gardening
Award-winning poet and Burnsville resident Pat Riviere-Seel speaks with Xpress about her life as a poet and the unique perspectives all writers bring to the page.
Asheville Archives: City feigns optimism amid 11 bank closures, 1930
On Nov. 21, 1930, The Asheville Citizen offered its readers reassurance, following the unexpected closure of the Central Bank and Trust Co. — the city’s largest financial institution — the previous day.
Terry Roberts explores jazz and economic ruin in his latest novel
“I wanted to somehow capture both the ’20s, with its jazz influence, while at the same time explore the decade’s demise — that pivotal point when things start to go south,” says author Terry Roberts, in discussing his latest novel.
Asheville Archives: Local residents adjust to wartime daylight savings, 1941-45
“Clocks all over Asheville, Western North Carolina, and the state will be turned up an hour at midnight tonight, or tomorrow morning, as this state goes on daylight saving time for the remainder of the summer, as a national defense measure,” The Asheville Citizen reported in its July 27, 1941, edition.
Local poet Anne Maren-Hogan discusses the influence of community on her writing
Xpress speaks with the award-winning poet, Anne Maren-Hogan, about the people and places that inspired the poems in her latest collection, “Vernacular.”
Appalachian short-story collection blends comedy and tragedy
Local author Melanie McGee Bianchi discusses her recently published debut collection, The Ballad of Cherrystoke and Other Stories.
Local poet Eric Nelson discusses his latest collection
Xpress speaks with local, award-winning poet Eric Nelson about his latest collection, ‘Horse Not Zebra.’
Asheville Archives: Hyperbole in defense of Mission Hospital, 1923
In 1923, both the city and county questioned the fairness of certain policies in place at Mission Hospital. The scrutiny provoked the ire of The Asheville Citizen’s editorial section.
Ron Rash rounds out Xpress’ celebration of Poetry Month
Writer, poet and New York Times bestselling author Ron Rash shares with us his poem, “Good Friday, 1995, Driving Westward,” which first appeared in his 2000 poetry collection, Among the Believers.
Asheville Archives: City loses its cool over ice shortage, 1919
For multiple days in August 1919, the city was without ice. During that time, the Asheville Ice Co. implored residents “to watch every possible source of waste and to make every pound of ice go as far as it can for the next two or three weeks.”
Celebrating Poetry Month with Mildred Barya
“Poetry is the language of the soul,” says local poet Mildred Barya. “Before I knew what life was, before I knew what writing was, there was poetry.”
Asheville Archives: Local officials promote a cleaner city, 1909
In 1909, Asheville launched Clean-up Day, which later evolved into Clean-up Week. Residents and city officials rallied behind it, going as far as to publish a poem about the advantages of the annual happening.
Celebrating Poetry Month with Jessica Jacobs
Xpress continues its celebration of Poetry Month with a look at local, award-winning poet Jessica Jacobs’ work, “Because You Waited for Me to Fly Your First Kite,” from her 2019 collection, Take Me With You, Wherever You’re Going.
Asheville Archives: City seeks smoke inspector to remedy air pollution, 1916-40
In 1916, the city of Asheville hired A.H. Vanderhoof as its first smoke inspector. Though an ordinance was quickly passed to reduce excess smoke, enforcement proved difficult.
Celebrating Poetry Month: Wayne Caldwell’s ‘Pisgah’
Throughout April, Xpress celebrates Poetry Month with a look at works by local poets.
The Waters and Harvey Show celebrates a milestone
“We try to bring a little soul, a little blues and jazz to the conversation,” says Darin Waters, co-host of “The Waters and Harvey Show,” on BPR. “We try to show that the life of a scholar doesn’t have to be, and isn’t, boring.”
Asheville Archives: The Negro Welfare Council launches in Asheville, 1933
In the summer of 1933, the Negro Welfare Council was established and quickly made a positive impact in Asheville’s Black neighborhoods.
Asheville Archives: Mabel Wolfe Wheaton’s contributions to American literature
Though known primarily as the sister of Asheville author Thomas Wolfe, Mabel Wolfe Wheaton had a story of her own that was published posthumously in 1961.
Asheville Archives: Locals campaign for greater safety among motorists, 1936
In 1936, concerns over automobile injuries and deaths led local residents to launch a safety campaign. The goal was to have all county and city motorists sign a pledge card promising their commitment to safer driving practices.