Published: April 17, 2008 11:40 am            

Writers’ block

Regional authors draw big crowd at Redbud Festival

By Brad Hicks / Staff Writer

While quilting was the centerpiece of Barbourville’s fourth annual Redbud Festival, it was a new event, Writer’s Row, that took center stage as festival attendees lined up for a chance to meet and greet the local and regional authors on hand.

More than 20 authors were in attendance at the event, selling and signing books. And as impressed as some of those in attendance were with the books of the authors, the writers were equally impressed with the Redbud Festival itself.

Teresa Reasor, who is originally from Harlan and has taught at Corbin Primary School for the past 18 years, said the event is ideal for local authors wanting to get their name out to the public.

“Being a regional person, there aren’t as many opportunities to get out and do book signings and things like this,” she said. “Those others that have regional books have done really well today because people seem to be interested in things that happen in their area.”

Reasor had three books of hers for sale — two historical romance novels, “Highland Moonlight” and “Captive Hearts,” as well as a children’s book, “Willy C. Sparks: The Dragon Who Lost His Fire,” about a dragon who loses his fire and must change his grumpy attitude to get it back.

Reasor said she has used the latter book in her teaching and the importance and joy of writing is something she stresses in her classroom.

“As soon as a child learns to read, they need to be introduced to writing,” she said. “It kind of goes hand-in-hand. You can use literature to introduce anything to children.”

While her students would certainly provide feedback on “Willy C. Sparks,” the Redbud Festival has allowed Reasor to receive feedback on her two romance novels as well.

“I’ve had several people come by and buy the first book and then come back for the second one,” she said.

Laurel County native and bestselling author Silas House praised the Redbud Festival for celebrating the artistry of southeastern Kentucky.

“I think it’s really great we have a thing that celebrates the great craftmemship of this area,” he said. “It should be celebrated more. This is the work of artists.”

House said the turnout says much about the region’s interest in local arts and crafts.

“I like when we have a book signing in eastern Kentucky and we have a good turnout, since we’re not supposed to be able to read and all,” House joked. “It kind of disproves that stereotype.”

Ray Adkins, Artemus resident and author of “The Battle of Barbourville,” said coordinators of the event and the attendees have provided a welcoming environment for the authors.

“They sure have made us feel welcome and feel like family,” he said. “I’ve already been invited to Barbourville City School for the reading celebration. Everything’s went well and went smooth as silk. This was my first year, so I didn’t know what to expect. I’m just amazed by it. I think next year it will be even better.”

Dr. Lynwood Montell’s books included everything from a compilation of Kentucky ghost stories, to the tales of Tennessee lawyers. Like most of the writers at the Redbud Festival, Montell’s books focus on the regio m, n with which he is very familiar.

“The thing I tell people is I could care less about writing about kings, queens and presidents,” he said. “I write about local life and local people.”

Montell, who has written more than 22 books, said each book takes about three years to complete, from gathering information until publication. This isn’t his first trip to Barbourville — he has taken part in the reading celebration previously and said he would be happy to return to the Redbud Festival.

“I just love to come,” he said. “You meet some wonderful people. Even if I didn’t sell a single book, I just love to come.”

Nancy Kelly Allen, who writes children’s picture books, said she had not previously been acquainted with the Redbud Festival, but would come back if invited.

“I didn’t know about it, but I love it,” she said. “There’s such a wide variety of materials offered.”

David Chaltas, originally from Letcher County, showed up in attire to resemble the portrait on the cover of his book, “The Legend and Legacy of Lee” about General Robert E. Lee.

“I’ve been treated so nicely and it’s so well organized,” he said of the festival. “Every writer has the opportunity to sell their wares. The fellowship here, you don’t get that some places, but here you feel genuinely welcome.

“Even if you don’t sell much, you’re able to share history and heritage,” he said. “I really appreciate the opportunity to be here today.”

He also sees big things in the future for the event. While Chaltas has traveled across the country speaking and promoting his books, the Redbud Festival has left a lasting impression on him.

“I foresee this becoming a major event,” he said. “I just feel blessed to do this all over the country. You may rest assured as I go places, I will tell people of the Redbud Festival.”

        

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