I was honored to be interviewed for an article in A Look of Asheville: Showcasing the Best in Dining, Shopping, and Sightseeing. The book is an annual publication that goes to live in hotel rooms all over town.
I was interviewed about Asheville’s literary scene, and, in the article, I admit to “a white-hot author crush” on Ron Rash. Just to set the record straight, I’ve met Rash, and while he’s an attractive guy, I have a crush on his writing, not on him himself. Not that I regret saying that, especially because, while thousands of words have been written about Rash’s prize-winning books, I bet I’m the only person who’s said those words about the man’s writing. Of course, I doubt anyone’s going to be asking for me to drop the humor/parenting gig and become a literary critic.
I’d link to the article, but it doesn’t seem to be on-line yet, and there’s a huge reproduction prohibition warning in the front of the book, so I’m not going to copy the section I’m included in without permission.
Here’s the link to last year’s A Look at Asheville. If you find yourself in a local hotel room over the next year and in proximity to the 2009 edition, check out page 67.
Oh, and my top two locally-written novel recommendations: Rash’s Serena and Tommy Hays’ In the Family Way. Read ‘em if you haven’t already.
Thanks to Jer for interviewing me and calling me “voracious.” Great adjective.
I did a search for “edgy blogs” on Google and yours popped up at number one. I’m a big fan of edge and when it comes to edgy mamas, well, you had me at hello.
My girlfriend and I are moving to Asheville in June and I’m similarly smitten with Ron Rash’s work. Does he do many readings in the area? I’m an aspiring writer myself and would love to hear and meet him.
If you get a chance, check out this Mississippi Public TV series that features audio clips of Ron Rash reading from The World Made Straight (such a great title), along with readings from William Gay and Barry Hannah: http://www.etv.state.ms.us/television/series/writers/110-Rights/Audio.htm
Such great stuff.
Hi Taylor,
I met Rash at a NC Writers Con, but he reads/speaks around Asheville fairly often. Thanks for the link. “The World Made Straight” may be my second favorite Rash book.
Welcome, Jonah. Glad you’re into edge!
Thanks for your help with the article and for the shout-out for the book. We’re in the process of updating the website with the new content and hope to give it a redesign that’s more representative of the printed version in the near future. Feel free to post the article here if you want. In fact, I’ll e-mail you the text so you don’t have to re-type it.