John Campbell Folk School Festival was Fun

In 1996 I signed up for my first writing class at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC. If you have never been to this special place nestled in the beautiful mountains between Chattanooga, TN, Asheville, NC, and Atlanta GA, please add taking a class at JCCFS to your bucket list.

This weekend my sister and BIL, Stu, came up and we had the greatest time. Saturday afternoon we drove over to Brasstown and found ourselves caught up in a traffic jam. Who would have thought we'd have a traffic jam on Settawig Road? Cars were bumper to bumper and we had become discouraged by the time we reached the parking area on the campus. Stu dropped off Gay and me at the entrance near the Gift Shop. Thousands of people come from all over the country and I'm sure from other parts of the world to visit JCCFS on festival day.

This is a place where I always see people I know. We made sure we arrived in time to see Butternut Creek and Friends, a great singing group that includes Steve Harvey who plays banjo, ukulele, guitar and he sings.
We have been fans of the group for over sixteen years. Steve is an essayist and will be teaching a class at the Ridgeline Conference this weekend.

We didn't want to miss seeing the lovely twins, The Pressley Girls, who have blossomed into quite a singing group backed by their grandpa, their mother and their uncle. The girls belong to Tipper of Blind Pig and the Acorn.

The folk school holds many good memories for me from my first class there with Nancy Simpson, poet, to my first opportunity to teach a writing class. I was asked to sub for a weekend class. I had taught some classes already, but this was my first time at John C. Campbell Folk School.

I'll never forget the emotion that rolled over me as I turned the key to the door of the room where we would gather. I thought I would burst with gratitude, and I wanted to laugh and to cry at the same time. I felt I'd reached a milestone. I hoped I could give my students the same feeling I had in my first class at this magical place.

Years have passed since that day and many men and women have sat before me in writing classes at the folk school, at classes in church fellowship halls, at Tri-County Community College, at ICL classes held at Young Harris College and in my own studio. But I never forget that my life changed forever the day I took my first writing class at John C. Campbell Folk School. 

Invest in Yourself

Alice Osborn sends out a newsletter chock full of good advice for writers. This is a little snippet from one of them.

6. Invest in yourself with a good computer, and with go to conferences, classes/workshops to keep developing professionally as a writer. Read "how to write" books and books within your genre. Hire a writing coach and do your homework. You need to put some skin in the game and when you spend money on yourself, you’ll know you’re a “real” writer.

I believe that we must invest in ourselves as writers and in our writing. 
If I want to be a doctor, I will study medicine. If I want to be a painter, and I did at one time, I will study painting with the best teacher I can find.

When writers tell me they can't afford to go to workshops or study with writing teachers, my reply is we spend money where we want to spend money. We set our priorities. We pay dues to organizations for writers because the organization can benefit us and other writers. How do they do that? Sometimes it is simply by connecting us to those who can help us. It is by bringing together the best authors for us to hear and learn from their experience. 

I am pleased to look back on the past year of classes at Writers Circle. We hosted excellent instructors, some who teach at colleges in North Carolina and Georgia: Scott Owens, William Wright, Robert S. King, Carol Crawford, Karen Holmes, Robert Lee Brewer, Michael Diebert and Dr. Gene Hirsch. That is an outstanding line up of talented writers and poets. Thanks to Karen Holmes who introduced several of the poetry teachers to Writers Circle. She is already on the schedule to teach next year.

Beginning in March, 2014, we will start a new series of workshops and we are in process of lining up more excellent teachers for the writers in our area. I hope everyone will take advantage of the opportunity to study with them.

I am blessed to have had classes with outstanding writers over the past seventeen years including Kathryn Stripling Byer, Nancy Simpson, Steve Harvey, Maureen Ryan Griffin, Fred Chappell, R.T. Smith and so many other writers at conferences and through the John Campbell Folk School writing program. Conferences and week-long writing retreats are well worth the investment if you want to be a writer. But those who can't afford to spend a few hundred dollars in one lump sum, can certainly set aside $35 - $40 dollars a month for a three hour writing class. Meantime, they can attend critique groups and get feedback on their work. That is always helpful if you join a group with writers who are experienced and who have had their work published in reputable publications. 

Check our Schedule page on this site often to see who will be teaching at Writers Circle around the Table in 2014.

Ash Rothlein, World War II Veteran, awarded French Legion of Honor Medal

Today I received an email from a former student and now a wonderful friend, Ash Rothlein, Veteran of WW II. Ash has just received the French Legion of Honor Medal at a ceremony at the Miami Biltmore Hotel. 

Ash was in my class in 2008 having come to learn to write about his life. He had never written anything other than technical reports and such for his work. He is retired from owning and managing his own successful business. His friends said he wrote good letters, he told the class with a smile. I suggested he write about his life just as if he were writing letters to his friends. And he did.

His vivid images of  events and his experiences while serving in the military during World War II, and the emotions he provoked in his class mates will always stay with me. He is in his late 80s now, but he has plenty of life to live yet. He plans to go to France, to Normandy, for his 90th birthday, and he is in training every day for the walk up that beach where so many of his comrades lost their lives. He wants to do this in memory of those who died there. Ash doesn't think of this medal as his. He intends this medal to be given and placed on a statue recognizing those heroes.

Ash's dear wife, Liz, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, but she is his biggest supporter. Liz said the writing class changed Ash's life forever. When he realized that others were interested in his stories, his past, his life became more meaningful to him, and he has a mission that keeps him going every day. His story has been published in numerous newspapers with photos of him as a young soldier and him as he is today. 

Ash has been invited to speak at colleges where the students find his talks riveting and he has received mail from many of them. The following is an email telling about the ceremony where he was awarded the French Legion of Honor Award.

French Legion of Honor Award

Honorees - Ash Rothlein seated second from left front row.

WWII Veteran Ash Rothlein wears his medal proudly with wife Liz

"I just want to report that this past Monday the French Legion of Honor Medal ceremony was held in the Miami Biltmore Hotel at noon. It was a gracious affair sponsored by the French Consulate with the General Consul as the Master of Ceremonies and Major General Disalvo of the Southern Command. 

Ten of us were honored reverently and the crowd of friends family and invitees along with major press coverage made for a stimulating and inspirational affair. I attached a sample of photos taken and more will come as I receive them.

The best part was that I was able to bring Liz and she enjoyed it thoroughly.  We hope your winter is not too severe and that you are all keeping warm in your cuddle wraps by a roaring fireplace when it is cold. With this event behind me I am now working on stage two which I will bring you up to date on when we return in early March."

"Ash"

We look forward to stage two of your plans, Ash, and thanks for keeping us up to date. I love the photos and am sending hugs to you both. Glenda

Book Party for Nadine Justice at Writers Circle

Writers Circle studio was filled with joy, encouragement and congratulations for Nadine Justice, author of I'm a Coal Miner's Daughter, But I Cain't Sang, her memoir on the theme of perseverance and belief in one's self. 

Nadine read a couple of excerpts from the book, answered questions, and talked about how she came to write the book. Friends from her writing group in Georgia as well as friends from her first class with me, at Tri-County Community College, were on hand to honor Nadine on her published book. Several Netwest members came and met the new author.  

Nadine Justice stands beside the cake with the photo cover of her book. It was too pretty to cut, but we finally made the first slice.

Linda Smith, Vicki Dumsford, Ash Rothlein, Liz Rothlein, Maren Mitchell

On left Ash Rothlein and on right, Idell Shook

Cake 

Glenda, Ash and Liz Rothlein, Ginny W

from left, Staci Bell, Linda Smith, Joan Howard and Ginny  Walsh

A very big thank you to Staci and Ginny for all there help, and to Joan Howard.

Saturday afternoon
October 27, 1:00 - 4:00

Ronda Birtha –  

Self-publishing Using Amazon's CreateSpace

We will discuss how and why it may be useful, how it has benefited authors, and how cost-effective it may be, as it has a "built-in" advertising infrastructure. Discussion on E-books.

$25.00 registration fee

Now taking registrations for this class. Mail your check to Writers Circle, 581 Chatuge Lane, Hayesville, NC 28904

Ronda knows her stuff and is passionate about helping others learn.  She's practical, fun and nice too. … Karen Holmes

 I gained valuable social networking information through a class taught at Writer's Circle by Ronda Birtha, a teacher in best sense -- easy to learn from, informed and patient.        Maren O. Mitchell

My Thoughts on JCCFS

Although I am not teaching at John C. Campbell Folk School this year, I encourage my readers to take one of the writing classes offered this summer or fall. JCCFS has influenced my growth as a writer and poet and as a teacher. Click on the link below and read my thoughts on this wonderful little place in Brasstown, NC.

http://blog.folkschool.org/2010/03/08/instructor-glenda-beall-and-the-folk-school-writing-program/

MAUREEN RYAN GRIFFIN and SCOTT OWENS teach in October

October is chock full of writing events, that's for sure. We have two major events scheduled for Writers Circle and you don't want to miss either of them.
From Charlotte, NC, Maureen Ryan Griffin, poet, writer, teacher and owner/director of WordPlay ( See her website here) will stop by and give a three hour workshop on Saturday, October 29. If you haven't had the experience of taking Maureen's classes, don't miss this opportunity. The theme for the day? FOOD!! How much can you write on that subject? Anthologies have been published on just that theme.
If you are a beginning writer or an experienced writer you will learn and have fun in this class.
As you know we have limited space, so don't wait to register. Send a check  ($22.50) to Writers Circle, 581 Chatuge Lane, Hayesville, NC.28904

Also in October, Scott Owens, poet, editor, teacher and more, from Hickory NC, will spend the weekend with us. That is October 15 and 16.
He will read at Writers Night Out in Hiawassee, GA on Friday evening. But he will teach at Writers Circle on Saturday, October 15. His class is not only for poets, but for fiction and non-fiction writers as well.
Come to the Netwest Picnic on Sunday, October 16,  and hear him talk about his favorite subject writing and publishing.

See Schedule at the top of this blog for time and other information.

Upcoming Classes at Writers Circle around the table

If you are interested in Genealogy and writing about your ancestors, you must sign up now for Bones to Flesh, the class starting at Writers Circle in August. Mary Michelle (Mary Mike) Keller is once again holding her popular class on discovering your ancestors with the great resources she offers, and then fleshing out the stories of those men and women to make them come to life. .
Mary Michelle Keller - Wednesdays, - August 31, September 7 , 14
  10:00 AM -1:30  PM -
Michelle Keller, a seasoned genealogist and published writer, will teach a class on finding your ancestors and how to write their stories.

Bones to Flesh, Genealogy and Writing Class

The class will be an introduction to genealogy, how to do research and where to look, not only for the obvious, but those details that will give life to the person you are writing about. You do not need to know who your ancestors are to join this class. We will find them.
All handouts will be included in the fee of $40. For information call Michelle Keller (706)896-1899 or contact Glenda Beall, 828-389-4441 or nightwriter0302@yahoo.com

Michelle Keller will teach a follow up class for those who took her class last year and those who take her beginning class this year. The class will introduce unusual places to find information, pitfalls that can easily snare the researcher and lead them down the wrong path and new option on the internet for much easier searching. The class will also address how to move forward when you seem to be mired down.

Registration begins February 1 for Spring Writers Circle Classes

Estelle Rice - March 12 at Writers Circle in Hayesville, NC

We have several instructors lined up for Spring Classes at Writers Circle in Hayesville, NC.

March 12, at 10:30 a.m. Estelle Rice will kick off our second season at Writers Circle. Estelle’s classes are such fun because she digs deep to find new and exciting things to bring to her students. Registration begins February 1. contact: nightwriter0302@yahoo.com


Karen Holmes will teach two Sunday afternoons, the 19th and 26th of March. She will instruct us in Reading Out Loud. Writers often present their work at public readings. Part of Karen’s course includes videoing each student’s performance.
Glenda Beall will lead a six week course beginning 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 23 with following classes March 30, April 6, April 20, April 27 and May 4. Want to write memoir or family stories? Write for your grandchildren; write for a newsletter, stories to share at family reunions, or any place you want to share your writing. Prompts, tips and detail instruction on making your work grab the reader on the first page.

On April 31, we have a new instructor, JoAnn LoVerde-Dropp, who recently received her MFA in Creative Writing from Spalding University. She teaches ESL classes in Cobb County, Georgia and is the poetry workshop facilitator for the Georgia Writers Association in Kennesaw, Georgia. She will teach poetry memoir. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

In May, Ronda Birtha will begin a series of three Saturday classes on Using Social Media to Promote Your Writing.
On May 4, Saturday, Rosemary Royston will hold a poetry class. More information later.
Michelle Keller will teach three classes on Wednesdays, June 15, 22, 29. She brings her knowledge of genealogy and writing to the students who want to write true stories about their ancestors.

Paul Donovan plans more Spiritual Writing classes to be held at Writers Circle. More information forthcoming when the schedule is complete.

Email Glenda Beall @ nightwriter0302@yahoo.com for registration information.

Time to Write - How do we find it?

At our last class here at Writers Circle we discussed the largest issue all writers seem to face. When do we write and why do we let everything come ahead of our writing?
Jo said she writes first thing in the morning. Jo is working on writing about her interesting life. Jo used to go out to homes in south Georgia where she lives and interview good cooks for the newspaper in Cairo, GA.. One morning she went to a home where the cook had a meal on the stove when Jo arrived. Jo said that was the first and only time she ever had grits with catfish stew for breakfast.

Barb wanted to know how to make herself write instead of doing dishes, laundry, and other chores around the house. One of the best writers I have ever known, personally, was Doris Buchanan Smith who lived here in Hayesville. She was a prolific writer of books for young people and won awards for her work. Her books were published in many languages and were read around the world. Doris did not let housework get in the way of her real work -- writing books. She could leave the dishes in the sink while she holed up in her office and created stories. I don't think she ever felt guilty about those dishes like I do. But Doris had an agent and a publisher and her books earned her money. If I had that going for me, I'd not give those dishes or the dirty clothes a second look.

When do you like to write? Do you have trouble finding time to write?

Classes at the Writers Circle

For the past three Wednesdays, Mary Mike Keller has taught a most interesting class at Writers Circle. With a class filled to the max, she held the interest of all the women and one man with her vast knowledge of research on the Internet and her findings of her own family. She gave each person in the class individual attention so that today, on the last day, everyone had written a story of their ancestor researched during the time they were enrolled. And each one was written in a different style.
I know Mary Mike will be in demand in the future for more classes on finding ancestors and writing their stories.

Coming next week, Tuesday, June 8, I am teaching a class, Why Do You Write?, and registration has begun. We will write, share our work, and discuss why we want to write, how to best write our true stories, whether memoir or another type of non-fiction.

On Saturday, June 12, William Reynolds will teach a class on self-publishing your book. Most important, he will teach what an author must know before he begins his book. He will discuss marketing your book once it is published.

Contact me by email: nightwriter0302@yahoo.com for more information on registration. And be sure to let me know if you want to be on our address list for coming classes.