Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
In Our Own Words: A Panel Discussion of Writing and Publishing in Appalachia
Session Abstract or Summary
Appalachia is a region constantly growing and changing. Maintaining a unique cultural identity that respects history and heritage, while also embracing new voices and ideas is a balancing act. Small presses and literary journals are representatives of the art being created in the region; as such, they must carefully articulate their vision, and decide how to represent their “place”, while also appealing to general readers of all locales, as well as promote and contribute to the art of literature. That is a tall order.
This panel will feature several individuals involved with publishing in Appalachia in order to explore the complicated questions of regional authenticity, the benefits and drawbacks of being a regional publication, the role of a journal/press in Appalachia, what they look for in submissions, publishing Appalachian work outside of the region, and the state of publishing in Appalachia. Natalie Sypolt, an editor for the Anthology of Appalachian Writers, will moderate. Confirmed panelists include Jason Howard, Editor of Appalachian Heritage; Abby Freeland, Marketing & Publicity Manager and Fiction Editor of West Virginia University Press; Pauletta Hansel, Editor of Pine Mountain Sand and Gravel; Jennifer Merrifield, Managing Editor of Backbone Mountain Review; and Renee Nicholson, co-founder of Souvenir. This panel could be an important addition to the discussion of publishing in Appalachia, not only for those working as writers and editors, but for all those interested in how the region is represented through literature.
Presentation #1 Title
In Our Own Words: A Panel Discussion of Writing and Publishing in Appalachia
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Appalachia is a region constantly growing and changing. Maintaining a unique cultural identity that respects history and heritage, while also embracing new voices and ideas is a balancing act. Small presses and literary journals are representatives of the art being created in the region; as such, they must carefully articulate their vision, and decide how to represent their “place”, while also appealing to general readers of all locales, as well as promote and contribute to the art of literature. That is a tall order. This panel will feature several individuals involved with publishing in Appalachia in order to explore the complicated questions of regional authenticity, the benefits and drawbacks of being a regional publication, the role of a journal/press in Appalachia, what they look for in submissions, publishing Appalachian work outside of the region, and the state of publishing in Appalachia. Natalie Sypolt, an editor for the Anthology of Appalachian Writers, will moderate. Confirmed panelists include Jason Howard, Editor of Appalachian Heritage; Abby Freeland, Marketing & Publicity Manager and Fiction Editor of West Virginia University Press; Pauletta Hansel, Editor of Pine Mountain Sand and Gravel; Jennifer Merrifield, Managing Editor of Backbone Mountain Review; and Renee Nicholson, co-founder of Souvenir. This panel could be an important addition to the discussion of publishing in Appalachia, not only for those working as writers and editors, but for all those interested in how the region is represented through literature.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Natalie Sypolt, Assistant Professor at Pierpont Community and Technical College, editor Anthology of Appalachian Writers
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Renee K. Nicholson, Assistant Professor West Virginia University, co-founder and Prose Editor of Souvenir
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Jason Howard, Editor Appalachian Heritage
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Abby Freeland, Marketing & Publicity Manager and Fiction Editor of West Virginia University Press
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #5
Jennifer Merrifield, Assistant Professor, Potomac State College, Managing Editor of Backbone Mountain Review;
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #6
Pauletta Hansel, Managine Editor of Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel
In Our Own Words: A Panel Discussion of Writing and Publishing in Appalachia
Appalachia is a region constantly growing and changing. Maintaining a unique cultural identity that respects history and heritage, while also embracing new voices and ideas is a balancing act. Small presses and literary journals are representatives of the art being created in the region; as such, they must carefully articulate their vision, and decide how to represent their “place”, while also appealing to general readers of all locales, as well as promote and contribute to the art of literature. That is a tall order. This panel will feature several individuals involved with publishing in Appalachia in order to explore the complicated questions of regional authenticity, the benefits and drawbacks of being a regional publication, the role of a journal/press in Appalachia, what they look for in submissions, publishing Appalachian work outside of the region, and the state of publishing in Appalachia. Natalie Sypolt, an editor for the Anthology of Appalachian Writers, will moderate. Confirmed panelists include Jason Howard, Editor of Appalachian Heritage; Abby Freeland, Marketing & Publicity Manager and Fiction Editor of West Virginia University Press; Pauletta Hansel, Editor of Pine Mountain Sand and Gravel; Jennifer Merrifield, Managing Editor of Backbone Mountain Review; and Renee Nicholson, co-founder of Souvenir. This panel could be an important addition to the discussion of publishing in Appalachia, not only for those working as writers and editors, but for all those interested in how the region is represented through literature.
