The Appalachian Writers Association

The Appalachian Writers Association The Appalachian Writers Association (AWA) grew out of programs in 198283 at East Tennessee State University, and in recent years has met at Morehead State University, Virginia Tech, Western Carolina University, and Berea College . It is not officially affiliated with any institution, is not incorporated, and is a total volunteer effort. The annual conference is the major AWA project. Three days of workshops, speakers, readings, and intense sharing make these events memorable, fun, exciting , and-most importantly-a major communications network for writers. The Appalachian Writers Association's awards to outstanding books and authors are announced during the conference. Recognized for "Outstanding Contributions to Appalachian Literature" have been Harriette Arnow (1985), James Still (1986), Don West (1987), and Wilma Dykeman (1988). Book of the Year awards have gone to Jim Wayne Miller, Sharyn McCrumb, James Still, and Denise Giardina. Arnow, Still, Miller, Dykeman, McCrumb, and Giardina have all been speakers during recent AWA conferences, as have many others such as John EhIe, Gurney Norman, and George Ella Lyon. An "Appalachian" writer, for AWA purposes, is anyone who lives in or writes about the region. Membership and participation are open. There are no defined categories, no rankings, no distinctions based on publishing success. Alex Haley and Phyllis Hay Whitney are members; so are many whose publication credits are few or non-existent. AWA is supported by dues, donations, and conference fees; dues are $10 per year (Appalachian Writers Association, PO Box 401, Berea, KY 40403). The AWA is coordinated by an advisory board of authors from seven states. Garry Barker serves as executive secretary; Mona K. Helper is newsletter editor; Bill Best is the 1988-89 President. The Program Chair comes from each year's host institution: Tom Frazier of Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky , is coordinating the 1989 conference, set for the third or fourth week of June at Cumberland. Part of every AWA conference is a writing competition, which consistently draws excellent entries in the categories of poetry, essay, and short story. Always, judges are impressed with the high level of competence and creativity, and the competition is intense. Winners come from all backgrounds: an "Appalachian " theme is neither required nor part of the judging criteria. The two following short stories were winners in the 1988 competition. 11 ...