Just who is an Appalachian writer?

The Appalachian Writers Association defines Appalachian writers as those who either live in the Appalachian region or write about Appalachian culture, folkways, and concerns. Therefore, writers who depict Appalachian life, no matter where they live, have a place in the AWA. In a like manner, residents of Appalachia writing any genre of material, from drama and songs to fiction and screenplays, can also find a place in our organization.

If I am not certain whether I live in Appalachia, where can I find out?

Chances are that if you live in the mountainous regions of the eastern third of the United States, from southwestern New York to northeastern Mississippi, you live in Appalachia. If you are not certain whether you are Appalachian, visit the Appalachian Regional Commission, where you will find a list of counties defined as Appalachia.

Do I have to be an established, published writer in order to join AWA? Will I be welcome at the conference?

The AWA welcomes everyone with an interest in Appalachian writing and Appalachian writers. Participants in our conference have a wide range of experience, from novices to established freelancers, from self-publishers to authors represented by regionally and nationally renowned publishing houses. Many AWA members refer to the annual conference as a "family reunion." We hope to preserve a friendly, supportive atmosphere for writers in all stages of their careers.

Does the AWA favor any particular type of writing (that is, does it consider some types of writing more "respectable" than others)?

The AWA takes an inclusive stance when it comes to welcoming writers. Members of this organization include poets, playwrights, storytellers, fiction writers, lyricists, journalists, biographers, academics, and scriptwriters. While AWA has a strong representation of writers of traditional literature, active participants have made presentations on historical novels, romance novels, science fiction, how-to books, crime novels, and mysteries. The AWA membership represents the diversity and diverse interests of the Appalachian region.

How much is membership in the AWA?

Annual dues for the AWA have remained modest for a number of years, and we are happy to announce that they will remain unchanged this year. Regular members pay only $20.00 annually, and students pay only $10.00. All members of the AWA can participate in our sponsored contests; membership is also required for attending our annual conference. Aside from the networking and informational opportunities AWA members enjoy, we also hope to increase our presence in cyberspace. AWA members are welcome to list their webpages on our "connections" page here on our website.

What does the AWA conference offer for me?

The annual AWA conference features a number of events that should appeal to writers in all stages of their careers. Recent sessions have included instruction in how to prepare manuscripts for publishers, the importance of literary agents, the changes screenplays go through from script to production, web publishing and the evolving definition of literature, the transition from journalism to writing fiction, blending photography with the written word, and marketing one's work. The AWA conferences will also include workshops for poetry and fiction writers. Various readings occur throughout the conferences:  open-mic nights, designated fiction and poetry readings, readings by contest winners, and keynote presentations from such noted writers as Lee Smith, Robert Morgan, Jo Carson,  Sharyn McCrumb, Nikki Giovanni, and Jo Harper. Finally, the AWA conference presents participants the opportunity to join a community of creative, enthusiastic writers who celebrate Appalachian life and culture.

Will I have the opportunity to sell my own books at the conference?

We have a bookdealers' room. Vendors wishing to sell at our conference must pay an additional $10 table display fee, and we do not discourage authors from sharing tables with friends.

If you have other questions about the Appalachian Writers Association, please send an email message to c.walton@moreheadstate.edu