Our things literary.
Beth Macy appeared at Book No Further this weekend to celebrate the opening of Doloris Vest's new bookstore and the paperback release of Macy's second book, Truevine (Back Bay Books, 2017). In presenting the motivation behind her work, the Roanoke based author points to the unexpected heroes she's drawn to. They fight the odds—against racial injustice,… Continue reading ★ History and the art of the possible: Beth Macy at Book No Further
In this new series, we're passing along must-read recommendations on key topics from BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke residents. To kick it off, longstanding civic leader Rupert Cutler offers five books on environmental stewardship. About Rupert: Rupert’s seemingly inexhaustible civic energy has fueled the opening of Explore Park and the beginnings of both the greenway trail… Continue reading ★ Recommended by local readers: FIVE ON environmental stewardship from Rupert Cutler
It's nearly upon us, National Novel Writing Month. Also known in its awkwardly catchy abbreviated form NaNoWriMo, November might be a productive month for you. Let's learn more with Liz Bradley, one of our municipal liaisons for the effort. BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke: First, what's the goal of National Novel Writing Month? Liz Bradley: NaNoWriMo believes that everyone has a… Continue reading ★ Liz Bradley says you can do it: National Novel Writing Month
Roanoke will soon have a new independent bookstore. Doors will open at Book No Further on October 17 at 10 AM in the 16 West Marketplace (16 West Church Street, Roanoke). In anticipation, owner Doloris Vest filled us in on what she’s learned planning and preparing for the business. BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke: Folks are… Continue reading ★ What she’s learned: Doloris Vest on the planning of Book No Further
Artemis Journal has its roots in personal transformation and community building. The journal had gone quiet for a number of years, but following a 2014 resurgence, the energy of the longstanding creative team seems boundless. The Blue Ridge poetry and art journal has expanded its focus and reach and this year announces some new collaborations. With… Continue reading ★ On the hunt for new voices with Artemis’ Jeri Rogers and Maurice Ferguson
Roanoke based Groundhog Poetry Press has released Clinch River, Susan Hankla’s debut poetry collection. The 58 narrative poems form a landscape of memory. The terrain is snowy white and coal black. Blood red and peacock blue. The green of algae. Knowledge of the world and the self is colored by what is revealed or hidden. Words… Continue reading ★ Back to the headwaters: Susan Hankla’s CLINCH RIVER
Roanoke, Virginia based author Angie Smibert writes primarily for young adult and middle-grade readers. But even within that target demographic, there’s solid diversity in her work. In fiction, she’s published a number of short stories and the Memento Nora series of novels (Marshall Cavendish, 2011-13). In 2018 - 2020, she’ll release the Ghosts of Ordinary… Continue reading ★ Middle grade author Angie Smibert on her writerly Roanoke neighborhood
The Roanoke Writer’s Collective meets most Sunday afternoons at a local coffee shop for an hour of writing. Monthly, they host peer workshops. Organized by 2016 Roanoke College graduate Rachel Barton, the group is very welcoming to new members. If this supportive group looks like a fit, contact Rachel below about attending the next session.… Continue reading ★ Roanoke Writer’s Collective: Rachel Barton on shaping a creative life
Roanoke County has welcomed a new Director of Library Services. Shari Henry relocated for the position from Northern Virginia, where she was most recently division chief of materials management for the Arlington Public Library. She’s active in the Virginia Library Association and currently chairs the Intellectual Freedom Committee. She graciously filled us in on some… Continue reading ★ New Roanoke County library chief Shari Henry on the marketplace of ideas
Cathryn Hankla on Great Bear a new poetry collection from Groundhog Poetry Press
BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke 