Blount County Public Library’s Laurie Smalley Writer-in-Residence program engages with aspiring or published writers who reside in Blount County or surrounding counties and promotes the Library’s mission through the creation of an original piece of work.

The BCFOL publishes books of regional interests. The Foothills Voices books and Vietnam Voices collection are products of the Library’s Laurie Smalley Writer-in-Residence program: local authors with stories to tell. See the BCFOL Publications.

Sheri McCarter is the 2026-27 Writer-in-Residence. She offers support for writers of all ages.

One-on-One Help: Make an appointment to meet with Sheri in the Library Mondays or Thursdays, 5-5:30 pm. Contact Sheri at bcpl.wir@blounttn.gov.

Writers' Group — Nouveau Fifty

This group supports writers at all levels who have a writing project or want to start one. The group offers ideas, support, feedback, and encouragement as members develop their projects. Monthly writing prompts offered for anyone wanting to begin a writing routine, and time for workshopping submitted writing is built into each meeting. Meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month from 6pm-7:30pm at the BCPL.

Contact Sheri at bcpl.wir@blounttn.gov to receive monthly communications.