by Kenly Corya, Editorial Assistant
After Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina, it seemed unlikely that the annual North Carolina Writers’ Network fall conference would be feasible. Originally slated to occur in Asheville, the NCWN team made expeditious arrangements to host the conference on November 2nd in Greensboro instead.
As attendees filed into their respective sessions and workshops, I toured the tables, chatting with vendors and editors. As a graduate student and young professional, I asked as many questions as I could. Although I came to the conference to share NCLR’s mission of preserving and promoting NC’s rich literary culture, I left with newfound knowledge regarding independent press publications, the complexities of indie bookstores, and literary and historical associations.
The conference concluded with Slush Pile Live! during which writers had the opportunity to receive live feedback on their manuscripts from a panel of editors. As I sat with my fellow panelists, I was struck by the attention and devotion radiating from the crowd. With pens poised, many were quick to scrawl notes as we offered advice to improve their anonymous submissions. North Carolina is known for our flourishing writing community, and the engagement during the Slush Pile Live! reminded me how meaningful these spaces can be.
An attending poet, Tony Robles, asked me about the hurricane’s impact on our writers’ community on behalf of Listen and Be Heard Radio:
“Following the hurricane, I’ve really seen a community stepping forward to support North Carolina writers, artists, who have been impacted. As far as North Carolina Literary Review, … we always want to support our Asheville writers and those in the mountains … anything we can do to support their voices and get them heard. Just in general, as I’ve said, we’ve seen this outpouring of support in this broader North Carolina writers’ community for those impacted by the hurricane.”
I appreciated the opportunity to chat with Tony about our community, and I continued to ponder his question throughout the conference. As I sat at the NCLR table in the foyer of UNCG’s humanities building, I observed writers, artists, agents, students, and editors mingling and enjoying fellowship. The simple but affirming joy of surrounding yourself with similar hearts and minds filled the halls. Despite the last-minute rescheduling following the hurricane, a multitude of writers from across the state gathered to share their love of writing. While the NCWN conference provides opportunities for writers to develop their skills, the real allure is the community.
What is the purpose of a writer? I am not the first to ask this question, nor will I be the last. To those who organized the conference, to the presenters, and to the attendees: thank you. You remind me that when times are the hardest, we must lean into our communities. As a fellow North Carolina writer, I left the NCWN fall conference with a renewed sense of purpose.
We persist.
We observe, we document, and we preserve. Our words are powerful.
We are resilient.
Our hearts remain in western North Carolina as those in the mountains continue to recover from the hurricane. If you are able, please consider donating to support the ongoing recovery efforts.