Appalachian Writers

Today's post starts a new monthly feature on the Blind Pig & The Acorn-interviewing writers from Appalachia. I have a delightful writer to introduce you to, Shirley Bullock from Kentucky.

 

Last summer I had the pleasure of reading Shirley's latest book-Forever Promised. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book shows Shirley's creative side right from the start-it begins in today's world but before you know it you are whisked back in time-literally. Forever Promised keeps you on the edge of your seat and even winds up the story with a surprise ending.

Shirley, when did you start writing?

I have been writing ever since I was able to put my first sentence together. I have always wanted to write. I made up stories and made my siblings listen to them when I was little.

Do you mostly write fiction or non fiction or both? Are your subjects usually the same or do you write about whatever strikes your fancy?

I write both, my fiction genre is usually time travel, christian or secular. My non fiction usually is Christian based.

Why do you write? As a form of expression or monetary? In other words would you write no matter what?

I write because it fulfills an internal urge, I would not be complete if not telling a story of some sort. I write Vacation Bible school lessons, make my own lessons as a Sunday School teacher and write and direct the plays at church. If I am not physically writing words down, I am making a story up in my head.

Where you born and raised in Appalachia?

My mother is from Letcher Co Ky, she married my father and moved 30 miles south of Louisville, Ky and my childhood memories are full of June meetings and dinner on the ground.  June meeting is a big church service in the family cemetery to remember those gone on and a big dinner after.  Memorial day is called decoration day.

Do you think it's easier/harder to be a writer from Appalachia?

I think it is easier because oral history was such a part of us that most Appalachians can story tell with out problems. I don't think there is quite the assumption today that anyone from Appalachia is a hillbilly and thinks only of corn squeezings.

Where can folks find your work?

Look on Helium.com and www.Foreverpromised.com

Can you sum up what Appalachia means to you?

Appalachia is a heartbeat that drums within a person's soul. Being born in Appalachia doesn't make you an Appalachian. Appalachia is a life style as well as the driving force that molds your personality. It drives your work ethic, stimulates your creativity, and emulates God's love in every nuance of your life.

Hope you enjoyed Shirley's thoughts on writing and I hope you'll jump over to www.Foreverpromised.com and check out her book Forever Promised-I know you'll be glad you did.

Tipper

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Comments

[Penny]

I'm proud of you Mom.

[Zola Marshall]

I can attest to Shirley's great writing abilities. I go to church with her and she has written several of our Christmas plays. She is a great writer and a great person. Buy her book, you won't regret it.

[Becky Kelley]

What inspiration for writing! True writers never do it for the money. Shirley's description of what it means to be Appalachian are beautiful

[Shirley Bullock]

Tipper, I humbly thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed by a fellow Applachian! Shirley

[tazebell]

Garret Matthews is another fine writer about the south. He is a newspaper writer and columnist, traveling parts of Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky just talking to people. He has published books that are collections of his columns. I worked with him and he told me how he would find the subject such as stopping by a post office and asking the people behind the counter what was going on in the community - something newspeople today can't be bothered with - the stopping and asking part.

[Jennifer in OR]

Tipper, really great interview! I'll have to check out this writer. I LOVED her description of what it means to be Appalachian!

"Appalachia is a heartbeat that drums within a person's soul." Awesome.

[SandyCarlson]

Shirley is a cool lady!

[Miss Cindy]

Tipper, what a great new feature to add to your blog. We have some wonderful southern writers.
I used to go to a festival of southern writers in Nashville. It is held there about this time of year, every year. It included book readings, panel discussions, book signings and of course book sellers. I could spend a lot of money very quickly there!

[Wanda]

Shirley is also my cousin and I was surprised to find she could write so well! I bought the book as soon as I found out about it! I am so very proud of you girl! I am waiting on your next book!

[Fishing Guy]

Tipper: What a talented lady, it is great to share your talents.

[Janet]

It sounds like a book I would like, thanks for the interview.

[jean kinsey]

I enjoyed the interview. since i know shirley and belong to a writing group with her, I can attest to her superb writing ability.
Jean Kinsey

[Alana Jo]

I am so proud of Shirley. What an accomplishment! She is my cousin. Great interview. Love the site, BTW.

[Mary]

Tipper,

How nice that you were able to interview Shirley. I enjoyed reading about her writing and checked out her book. Sounds very interesting.

Thanks for always having something of interest for your readers. Wishing you a great weekend.
Blessings,
Mary

[PictureGirl]

Great interview! I can't wait to read this book, I'm intrigued!

[Becky]

I loved reading about Shirley. Beginnings and interest from writers interest me.
I am looking forward to this monthly series!

[Jenny-Jenny]

Great interview, Tipper. I think I might need to make a trip to the library. I love time travel stories.

[Rick]

Tipper, I too have realized that I like to write although some days are harder than others. It does seem to be quite gratifying to get a few posts done with what I think is good content and then posting them for others to read.

[Julie at Elisharose]

Thanks for that, Tipper. I'm looking for more installments of this new feature. Very nice.

[Nancy Simpson]

Tipper, Thanks for your post on Appalachian writers.
it is my interest and I will be reading.

Thanks for sharing your books. I'm still holding the last one you loaned me.

[Marilyn]

Hi Tipper,
I love your new monthly feature. I am always interested in hearing from authors about their beginning and how they keep their momentum going when the muse is kind of quiet!! I am going to take a look at Shirley Bullock's book. The cover is most interesting, and I'll bet the book is a super read. Have a great day!
Hugs,
Marilyn