Poetry Reading August 16 !

 

Mountain Word Writers Group,  facilitated by Louise Runyon, will give a reading of their work on August 16 at City Lights Books in Sylva, NC. This year their writings explore the history of violence and peace in one family, the merging of art and science, a different outlook from hospice, a woman with a master’s degree who wants to be a plumber, and children running unknowingly towards war.  See writers' bios below.

Saturday, August 16, 11 a.m.

City Lights Books / 3 E. Jackson St. / Sylva, NC 28779

 Scott Cornwell of Franklin is a veterinarian, with a long career as an army veterinarian.  In a deployment to Bosnia in the 90s, he developed a strong affinity for that country and its people, and has made numerous return trips.  He is writing a memoir about his times there.  Scott has also delved into a deep exploration of poetry that studies the relationship of art and science.

 Jim Howe worked as a community organizer, social justice worker and human relations specialist in Miami before retiring to mountain life in 2007.  He is working on a book about his family's history as pioneers in South Florida and how it shaped him, moving from a family of boxers toward a life of peacemaking.

 Mae Miner spent 56 years as a nurse and has been writing for many years; her work in hospice care has been a particular influence.  Mae writes poetry, non-fiction and fiction, and is the author of Pastor Beloved: Finding the Spiritual in Religion, available at City Lights.

 Louise Runyon, facilitator, is a poet with deep roots in Western North Carolina.  Also a dancer and choreographer, she has published five books of poems and has “a gift for connecting generations… and bridging gaps divided by race, language, and culture.”  All of her books are available at City Lights.  

Erin Smith writes fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry. Her short play Poor Man’s Supper was presented by Calliope Stage in 2024, and her work has appeared in The Sun Magazine, The New York Times and North Carolina Literary Review.  Her writing is inspired in part by teaching on the Qualla Boundary, and her novel-in-progress explores mother/daughter relationships and the role of the military spouse.