Monday, May 17, 2010

Great Smokies Writing Program Celebration

The Great Smokies Writing Program, in which I've taught for almost four years now, is celebrating its tenth year of offering classes through the UNCA (University of North Carolina /Asheville) extension program. It's also celebrating the second year of its online literary magazine: The Great Smokies Review.


Yesterday, at Malaprop's Books in downtown Asheville, Tommy Hays, the director of the program, kicked off the celebration by reminding us of the many and diverse students who have been part of the writing program. 

Then we heard reading from some of these students whose work had been selected for inclusion in The Great Smokies Review.  Two of the students who read had taken my classes and I felt like a proud mama as they stood up and read their pieces.  (You can read them too  -- just click on the hot links!)
Joy Boothe, who was a member of my most recent class, read her essay "Jesse"-a powerful  piece with a voice as authentic as the southern Alabama from which it springs. 
And Linda McCracken read an excerpt titled "Elephantizer Grows 'Em Big" from her haunting Young Adult novel String Weavers which she worked on in one of my classes. 

I saw more of my students at this gathering and was so happy to learn that they were still working away at their writing. Though I'm not always confident that I know enough to teach anyone anything, I certainly enjoy trying! It's a rewarding facet of the writing life!


And tomorrow I get to experience yet another -- also fun and rewarding. I'm off to speak to/with a book club in Morganton about Signs in the Blood -- and the writing life. I'm looking forward to it -- they meet at a restaurant on a lake.  I'll take my camera and post about it on Wednesday.

And then I'll get into the garden!
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16 comments:

Victoria said...

Oh, how I wish they'd offer your writing classes online. I would love to take them!

Going back now to read what your students wrote...

Evalinn said...

Sounds like a great day!

Merisi said...

Such a rewarding experience, seeing that you helped give voice to these writers!

You Tuesday by the Lake program sounds exciting, I am looking forward to see the pictures. Enjoy the day!

Martin said...

These excerpts were a pleasure to read, Vicki. I especially liked Joy Boothe's style.

You must come across a wealth of talent in your classes. Recognising it and helping writers to realise their potential is teaching at its best, and must give you a tremendous buzz.

I look forward to hearing about your meeting on the lake.

Pat in east TN said...

Sounds like a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, and an extremely rewarding one for you Vicki.

Brian Miller said...

very nice. i hop eyou have a great trip and a lot of fun...

Unknown said...

Wow. That's great. I am happy so many of your students were able to read out their essays. I will drop by those links.

Toodles!:)

susan garriques said...

I enjoyed meeting you at Malaprops. (attending with Deana gets me lots of new introductions!). Joy's essay is incredible. It was a treat to hear her read.

Vicki Lane said...

I need to talk to them some more about the online option, Victoria. Or maybe come up with something myself.

Me too, Martin.

Hey, Susan! It was nice to meet you. Now I'll google you and look for your web page and your art. (By the way, that was a beautiful necklace you had on yesterday!)

Tess Kincaid said...

How rewarding to see your students blossom like this, Vicki! Kudos to all! xx

Anonymous said...

How you must be proud to see and to know that your students are working to their writing.
It is very gratifying, isn't it ?

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

smoother sailing!

Deanna said...

I have to admit to a large twinge of jealousy. To be able to write a book! I, too, wish you would offer this class online.

It is a wonderful thing you are doing, sharing what you know and your talents with othes.

I'm looking forward to hearing more and seeing pictures of the Tuesday by the Lake get together

Deanna

jennyfreckles said...

Well done that you finished your book! And what a lovely way to celebrate, by celebrating others' talents too.

Pame Recetas said...

Teaching is such great experience and it never ends. I guess you're a terrific teacher, being proud of "your children" means a lot!! big hug

Tipper said...

Looks like a great group-and I'm sure you're a super teacher too : )