Living Above the Frost Line: ..."held in abeyance by a great leaf wall" lines by Nancy Simpson

My window on the valley closed. The curtain has been drawn, so I no longer see the ridge line.

But do not feel sorry for me. My woods are filled today with multiple shades of the wild flame azalea.

I am "held in abeyance by a great leaf wall every shade of green we can imagine." (lines from "Walking Up With a Friend."

HATS OFF Update Feb. 21, 2009

Hats off to poet Nancy Simpson for the recent publication of "In the Nantahala Gorge" at Pisgah Review, edited by Jubal Tiner, and for "Bus Duty" and "In Room Nine" published at Solo Cafe in California edited by guest poet Lenard D. Moore.

At the recent 2009 American Writing Programs Conference in Chicago, two important poetry collections were presented: The 50th Anniversary Issue of Southern Poetry Review, titled Don't Leave Hungry, with an introduction by Billy Collins,

(University of Arkansas Press). Nancy Simpson's poem, "Grass" was reprinted. At the same event, Anhinga Press unveiled THE POETS GUIDE TO THE BIRDS (Anhinga Press) edited by Judith Kitchen and Ted Kooser in which Nancy Simpson's new poem, "Carolina Blue Birds" was included.

Submit Poems, Stories or Essays on Line - Submissions May Be Compiled In Book Form

WRITING THE NEW SOUTH
The North Carolina Writers’ Network has launched a program called "Writing the New South," offering its members a platform to record and share their experiences and interpretations of living in North Carolina as North Carolina changes dramatically. The Network has created a special section on its Web site – http://www.ncwriters.org/features/writing-the-new-south - for submissions. Network members can upload their poems, stories, essays, or other submissions. Each submission will be reviewed by qualified editors, and the best of the submissions will be displayed online. The Network is also in discussions to have the submissions compiled and published in book form.

COME TO THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS FOR Week Long Writing Class - Choose from List Below

DID YOU KNOW? JOHN C. CAMPBELL FOLK SCHOOL, hidden in the southern Appalachian Mountains of western NC offers week long writing classes. Call 1 800 FOLK-SCH to register or to ask for a catalog. www.folkschool.org

I’ve been associated with the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina for more than fifteen years. I work part time as the resident writer? What does that mean? My main job is to schedule the writing classes, which is done a year to one year and a half years in advance. I’m also asked to help keep the writing studio working. During the year, I teach one poetry class and one creative writing class. Meanwhile, I go there as often as possible. There are always good programs going on, including free exhibits and music programs for the community.

What I like best about my job as Resident Writer is that I get an opportunity to meet many interesting people, both the students and the master writers who come to teach. I have an anonymous quote I hang on the in the studio while I am teaching: “To live for a time with great minds is the best education.” That is the way I feel each time I spend a week at the folk school. Creative energy is shared across the campus. You only have to walk across the grounds of the school to feel creativity in the air. I come home renewed with more creative energy than I can sometimes manage.

At this time all of the 2010 classes are already scheduled. I look at the schedule and I am amazed at the new line up of upcoming classes. There are more classes to choose from and there is something for all student writers with all genres offered. For the first time ever, five different poetry classes will be offered during 2010. One of them is the specially scheduled master class to be held in January taught by Dr. Gene Hirsch.

Check out the list and make your plans. 2009 is winding to an end, but do not wait. There is something you may not know. Each writing classes are limited to eight students. To get a seat, you should study the list and make your decisions as soon as possible.

Writing

At the Folk School, you’ll find one of the most encouraging and supportive writing programs around. Explore writing poetry, fiction, historical accounts, short stories, children’s stories, and more in weeklong and weekend classes. Overcome the blank page, shape your thoughts, and execute your story in written form. You’ll leave inspired to continue writing at home. Ask about 1/2 price if you live in the Folk School area. (Counties listed in catalog)

Nature Writing: Exploring the Natural World

Instructor: Elizabeth Hunter

Daily jaunts through field and forest will color our writing experiences this week. We'll walk, rain or shine, over moderate terrain, then retreat to recapture in words what we’ve seen, smelled, heard, touched, and even tasted. Classic and contemporary writers who celebrate nature in poetry and prose will also inspire us. Neither writing nor nature experience needed--only a capacity for wonder.

October 25-30, 2009 $460.00 1 800 Folk-SCH or www.folkschool.org

Write Right Now

Instructor: Sue Ellen Bridgers

Writing creatively requires time to look, to listen, to think, to write. This class will provide all four, plus the camaraderie of a writing community, a couple of great short stories to examine for techniques and writing prompts, and spontaneous writing exercises to jump-start creativity. Beginners are welcome.

November 15-20, 2009 $460.00 1 800 Folk-SCH or www.folkschool.org

Creating Children's Picture Books

Instructor: Elizabeth Dulemba

Delve into the art of creating a strong story through plot, tension, characters, and delivery. We'll discuss the difference in writing for children versus adults, and the marriage of images and text. Learn rules of a good critique, then trade manuscripts. Also gain insight into the children’s publishing industry. More ...

December 4-6, 2009 (Weekend) $290.00 1 800 Folk-SCH or www.folkschool.org

ADVANCED WEEK, JANUARY 17-22, 2010

Your Poetry and Your Life-World

Instructor: Gene Hirsch

Delve into relationships between poetry and peoples’ life-worlds. We will study dynamics of recognizing, thinking, and feeling about the meaningful influences that surround us, and how better to write about them. Join us, intermediate to advanced writers, and bring previous poems for exploration. $527.00 1 800 Folk-SCH or www.folkschool.org January 17-22, 2010

More 2010 classes will be posted here soon

WRITING CLASSES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR - with class description and other info see bottom right column Click >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Living Above the Frost Line

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

..."held in abeyance by a great leaf wall" lines by Nancy Simpson

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NOW MIGHT AS WELL BE THEN by Glenda Council Beall - book review

Leaf Color at Peak in Western North Carolina Mountains

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WELCOME TO my Blog, Followers. Thank you for your visits. Stop by often. I'll visit your place.

Oct. 9, 2009, Hello to Two New Followers: day dreamer 81 of Western North Carolina and Pam Ippel.

Beside the path, red nasturtiums still blooom.

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HATS OFF Update Feb. 21, 2009

Where Can I Submit My Writing?

Listen to Physician Poet read his poem

Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without words.

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Submit Poems, Stories or Essays on Line - Submissions May Be Compiled In Book Form

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The Poets Guide To The Birds - an anthology, COFFEE WITH POETS WILL FEATURE A READING OF BIRD POEMS

Classes at John C. Campbell Folk School

John C. Campbell Folk School WRITING CLASSES Throughout the Year

Nancy Simpson

About the Poet

COME TO THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS FOR Week Long Writing Class - Choose from List Below