Foothills Voices Project is a writing and research course for novice or amateur writers. The course will focus on creating a written work of creative nonfiction that tells true stories of East Tennessee’s past and people. Instruction will cover various elements of research, genealogy, composition, and publication.
Completed works will be compiled into a professionally published anthology. This course is offered in conjunction with Southern Appalachian Studies by Blount County Public Library.
People who live in the foothills of the East Tennessee have a diverse range of stories which may live on only in scattered memories, dusty scrapbooks, family lore and hidden bits of history.
The Foothills Voices project of the Blount County Public Library has the goal of discovering, preserving and celebrating the voices of that heritage.
—BCPL News Release, MARYVILLE, TN (May 3, 2016)
Applications
To be considered for this course, completely fill out the Library’s Foothills Voices application form and submit a prose writing sample of no more than 250 words (approximately one typewritten, double-spaced page). Applications are due June 3, 2016. Tuition of $100 is due upon acceptance to the class and must be paid in full by June 20. Class size is limited to 20 students. Selection will be based on instructors’ evaluation of applicants’ submitted writing sample.
Course structure
Classes will meet approximately once per month for approximately two hours in the Learning Lab of the Blount County Public Library from June 23, 2016, until March 23, 2017. Approximately half of the classes will feature guest speakers in the areas of writing or research, or tours of library resources. Speakers include Bill Landry, Pamela Schoenewaldt, Jack Neely, Kate Clabough and David Duggan.
Requirements
All students must have a working knowledge of computers, specifically internet searching and MS Word. A Blount County Public Library card in good standing is required of all attendees. Card applications may be obtained at the library, 508 N. Cusick, Maryville, TN 37804. To check the status of your card, call the library at 865-982-0981 and ask for Circulation.
More Information
For further information about the Foothills Voices Project, please contact the Blount County Public Library, 865-982-0981 and ask for the Reference Desk or email Reference Librarian Jennifer Spirko at jspirko@blounttn.org.
