Books, Music & More: Show & Tell Friday

Last week, I inaugurated “Show & Tell Friday” here at The Writing Scott and over at my author website.

I dug it. I’m doing it again.

First up, my dear writer-friend Christine Byl’s debut book of nonfiction: Dirt Work: An Education in the Woods. I was lucky enough to get to know Christine back in 2008, when we spent a month as writing fellows at the Vermont Studio Center. We talked the wonders of Alaska, and she lent me her cross country skis. She is good people.

I know from personal experience reading her work that she’s an incredible talent. This is a book worth buying! It releases April 16, 2013 from Beacon Press, but you can reserve your copy now at Amazon and other stores, including your local independent bookstore.

By the way, that’s her in the wheelbarrow on the cover!

Next, a poem to share: “Waking,” by Stephen Dobyns. This was Monday’s featured poem on my daily dose of The Writer’s Almanac (which can show up in your Inbox, too, dear reader, if you only sign up). I am an awful poet, yet I adore poetry. And this poem just touched me with its gorgeous familiarity. It’s about marriage, and family, and it says so many of the things I’d like to say if I could.

Bradley Carter

Then, for you Western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee readers–heck, anyone in the near-enough area–there’s some great music being created in my neck of the woods. This time, by two of my favorite people: Bradley Carter and H.R. Gertner, guys I worked with in my college days at an outdoor adventure camp in the mountains. Back then, I got to listen to these two pick, play, and sing on Sunday nights around a roaring campfire. (They’re also mad climbers and paddlers.) Check them out on Facebook!

Now they’re sharing their talents with the world. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for dates when they’re playing near you. Bradley will be coming home to Brevard, N.C. on April 16, 2013, to play at 185 King Street!

Finally, I’ll be signing copies of Keowee Valley and chatting with readers this Saturday, March 9 at the Oconee Heritage Center in Walhalla, S.C., from 2 – 3 p.m. My visit coincides with Old Time Music Day, so there should be a lot of great sounds coming from this fabulous little museum. (There’re also two incredible 18th century, preserved Cherokee canoes–pulled from nearby rivers–to check out at the OHC, along with all kinds of other cool stuff.)

18th c. Cherokee canoes - Oconee Heritage Center

Happy Friday, everyone–hope it’s a great weekend for us all!

Going Home

Oh, I had the loveliest time yesterday down in Greenville, S.C. (I say “down” because I drive down through the Blue Ridge Mountains of N.C. and S.C. to get there from my house) at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s Adult Group.

I got to share so many memories of growing up at Aldersgate UMC, and then talked about Keowee Valley and my research and writing process. There were lots of great questions at the end; and, after, a delicious lunch! I’m so thankful to Director of Children & Leisure Ministries, Ruth Hughes, for putting it all together and inviting me to come.


This was a particularly special book event because I grew up at Aldersgate: I was a member there from the time I was two years old until just last year, when we finally transferred our membership to the church we’d been attending in the mountains. I played on the basketball team, was involved in youth fellowships, went to vacation bible school, acted and sang in church plays–all the good stuff. So it was just like going home.

Last week, I was the guest author at a book club in the neighborhood where I grew up, which was another special treat. I got to sit at a gorgeously appointed table with a fabulous group of women readers, eat delicious dessert and talk all about Keowee Valley, Quinn, Jack, Ridge Runner, and the rest. Such fun!

Tomorrow, I’m headed to another book club–one of which my own mother and one our dearest family friends are members. I know it’ll be a blast.

After this, I’m slowing down quite a bit in my book travels. Being 31 weeks pregnant takes a toll on a girl. But I plan to pick back up in late summer, after my baby is born and my whole family is settled into life in a whole new world.

Book Club Photos

Signing books

Some photos from the Wonderland Book Club ...

Oh, a good time was most certainly had by all!



Chatting with club members

I had a great trip to Raleigh last Thursday-Friday, and a really lovely event with the Wonderland Book Club at the Center for Excellence. We talked Keowee Valley, history, the publishing industry, the writing life, and more. Thanks to all the wonderful folks who came out, and to the doyenne of book clubs, Alice Osborn, for setting it all up.

Almost forgot: Afterwards, my husband and I got to eat lunch with club members at Mia Francesca in Raleigh. I had a panini that made my very pregnant heart sing.



With poet & club facilitator Alice Osborn

Show & Tell Friday

Hello from the Courtyard Marriott in Raleigh, North Carolina! In a couple of hours I’ll get to meet the readers and writers of the Wonderland Book Club, and I can’t wait! There was the threat of a little icy weather last night, but from my hotel window it looks like business as usual.

And though I wouldn’t trade it for the world, boy is it nice to wake up–just this once–and not have rush off to preschool and other assorted activities. There is a king bed here. Ahh.

* * *

Back to Show & Tell: everyone’s favorite day at school as a kindergartner. This week, a few items have caught my eye, and I thought I’d share.

Here we go:

1) This clip is from the news in my hometown of Greenville, S.C. (You may have seen it pop up today if you’re a Yahoo News user.) The first bit was taken at Easley High School, a place my mother once taught Spanish. Here, two sons are surprised by their soldier father’s return. It’s a lovely way to start the day.

(And I love that at the end, the dad tells his son, “You know you have to go back to class, right?”) Good dad!

Check it out here.

2) Writers and readers: The North Carolina Writers Network 2013 Spring Conference will be held this year on April 13th in Greensboro, N.C. For those of you in the area–and those of you not–the Network itself is one of the largest in the country, supporting writers in any stages of their writing lives and careers. The conference includes workshops, readings, and a publishing panel.

Check it out here.




3.) My Sunday school class, which I love but am not able to get to as often as I’d like these days, is currently working on a study conducted by Inheritance of Hope. IOH is an organization that supports families where one parent has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Our study will end with a Team IOH race, and the proceeds will benefit those families in need, helping them not only financially, but with books, family retreats, and ongoing individual and group support.

The founders, Deric and Kristen Milligan, and their three children, are members at the church I attend, and also of my Sunday school class. Kristen passed away in the Fall of 2012 after a 10-year battle with liver cancer.

One of the cooloest things TIOH is doing now is supporting different events, and people taking part in different events. Check out a short video here:



Enjoy, have a fabulous weekend, and if you’ve got something you want to “Show & Tell,” let me know!

Heading to Raleigh

Getting excited about Friday’s event with the Wonderland Book Club in Raleigh, N.C.! Registration is still open–and FREE–to anyone who wants to come talk books, writing, history, Keowee Valley, and anything else under the sun.

Triangle area folks, especially, I hope you’ll take a Friday morning break and come on out. Register for FREE here.

The club is city-wide, and facilitated by Alice Osborn, writer and fellow member of the North Carolina Writer’s Network. I’ve been a member of the Network since moving permanently to North Carolina in 2005; it’s a fabulous resource and wonderful writing community for creative types in any stage of their writing careers–from “I think I may want to write a novel,” to being widely published.

* On a side note, I’m deep into reading what’s considered to be the very first historical novel: Sir Walter Scott’s Waverly; or, ‘Tis Sixty Years Since. Set in Scotland during the Jacobite Uprising of 1745, it’s the story of an Englishman named Edward Waverly, and his adventures and foibles in the Scottish highlands.

And don’t worry–I’m still writing Novel 2!

Can I Get a Witness?

Okay, so the Marvin Gaye song "Can I Get a Witness" really doesn't have much to do with my post today, I just love Marvin Gaye. His music makes me want to jump up and dance.

And anything that makes a 28-week pregnant lady want to jump up and dance is a good thing.


(Check him out on YouTube. A little Marvin is always a good way to start the day.)

But the title of this post really should be, "Somebody Help Me!" For that, I guess I'd need to call on Steve Winwood and the Spencer Davis Group.

But help, I need. More like good juju. Good mojo. Send it my way, man. I am in need.

Why? Life is conspiring against me this month, and I need to write. I need to write the rough draft of my critical thesis for my MFA in Writing advisor, and I need to work on Novel 2. And my belly--oh, who am I kidding? My entire self--is growing bigger with Baby 2, and I'm tired, and my 3 year-old needs attention, my house needs readying for said Baby 2, and my dog and my husband are neglected.

Help! I need somebody. Help! (Okay, add the Beatles to the morning playlist.)

But what I'll take are good thoughts. If you've got them, please send them my way. You'll have my eternal thanks.

In other news ...

Just a few reminders:

1.) Today is the last day Keowee Valley is available at a promotional rate at the Barnes and Noble NOOK Store: only $1.99!

2.) Don't forget to vote for Keowee Valley for the SIBA Book Award. You'll be rewarded in the afterlife. Somehow, I'm sure.

3.) If you live in the Raleigh, NC area or will be there on Friday, Feb. 22, I hope you'll come hear me speak and have lunch with the Wonderland Book Club, starting at 10 a.m. Register here.

That's all, folks. Happy weekend!

Keowee Valley $1.99 on NOOK

Happy Ash Wednesday–or, as some call it, pouting, the day AFTER Fat Tuesday. (I’m looking at you, husband.)

Just thought those of you out there who are NOOK fans should know that Keowee Valley is currently only $1.99 at the Barnes & Noble NOOK Store. It’s a quick promo: only runs through this Friday, February 15th!

Check it out here.

Hope y'all are recovering well from any Mardi Gras celebrations. If you did or ate something particularly fabulous, I’d love to hear about it!