There are two events you might like to attend: a talk at the Buchanan library on 1/16, and another at the Roanoke Regional Writer’s Conference on 1/18. But first, a story…
“Josh, got something for you.”
She beckoned, 90 pounds of wisdom, grandmotherly, sitting light in her wheelchair.
I went over.
WORD SEARCH NINETY BONUS PUZZLES.
A Hershey bar lurked between the well-worn pages.
She slid it out, furtively. Secrets make the mundane sparkle.
“Here.”
All day was like that. Spinning for the vets over on southside and saluting the flag, listening to the guitar amp repair guy hold forth on fascinating electronic topics (talk about an expert), and dancing to Elvis tunes.
“Ooops, he doesn’t walk like a Chicken.”
Yesterday, I sat around and heard some bootlegging stories at a happy hour, and then we plotted some ideas about visiting WWII songs.
The point is, these days are filled with the best music, and the best people.. I love them.
There are a few road days on the books that you might enjoy, too.
Breaking Bread, Building Bridges
The Buchanan (VA) library is incredible. It’s in a 1920’s storefront on Main street in a tiny mountain town. Across the best creaking wood floors, and then through an impressive door frame, the community room sits ready to host conversation. The plate glass looks across to the old movie theater.
Come on by on Thursday, January 16th, from 5:30-7 pm. We’re trying something new, with food and interesting discussion. We’re calling it Breaking Bread, Building Bridges.
I think it’ll start with some of the “elephant” talk from Jon Haidt’s work in The Righteous Mind. Something to establish a toolbox, so we can all learn to talk to each other better, and practice it a bit. Who knows where it’ll go. But I think it’ll be good, and needed, and a spark of something. That’s what I’m aiming for. I hope you can make it.
Props to Cheryl and the rest of the library crew for making this happen. What a bold adventure.
A Return to Hollins
The 2025 Roanoke Regional Writers Conference kicks off next weekend, and if Brevity is the soul of wit….
They let me back in.
Come on by, we’re going to have a blast.
I’ll be talking about short form. Some of you should picket outside with signs saying
USE LESS WORDS.
SHORT FORM MY FOOT
YOU SIT ON A THRONE OF LIES
Yeah yeah.
Now, it’s snowing (again). I say this whole southern thing is false advertising this winter. Off to move the vehicle.
Finally: if Buddhists wanted to move into the Christmas music market, they might have a go at the reincarnation of Frosty.
Keep up the good work,
Josh
Front porch views
I may actually go to the writer's conference just so I can picket your talk :P I'll be the one with the sign reading: "Short form, my foot! Also, you sleep on a bed of lies!"