Maryville, Tennessee, October 6, 2025
News Summary
The Blount County Public Library will host an event on October 25, featuring four accomplished authors discussing their connection to rural America. The day includes the Anna Belle Smith Literary Festival, showcasing over 50 regional authors, and culminates in the evening panel titled ‘Writing Rural America.’ This initiative aims to highlight diverse voices in rural literature, addressing the challenges faced by rural communities. Free admission makes this event accessible to all literary enthusiasts.
Maryville, Tennessee – Four accomplished authors will gather at the Blount County Public Library on October 25 to discuss their writing and its connection to rural issues across America. The event aims to shed light on the diverse voices within rural communities, an often overlooked aspect within the broader literary landscape.
The day will begin with the Anna Belle Smith Literary Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring more than 50 regional authors representing various genres. It will culminate in the evening’s panel discussion titled “Writing Rural America,” part of the Tremont Writers Conference, scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
The featured authors include Crystal Wilkinson, David Joy, Maurice Manning, and Karen Spears Zacharias, all of whom have achieved recognition for their contributions to literature. This initiative marks the fourth Anna Belle Smith Literary Festival and the third Tremont Writers Conference, emphasizing the continuous effort to celebrate regional writers.
Both the literary festival and the writers conference, while organized separately, collaborate successfully to engage audiences at the Blount County Public Library. The library’s writer in residence, Sheri McCarter, highlighted the significance of this partnership, which aims to bring literature to the local community.
The Tremont Writers Conference focuses on enhancing the skills of selected writers through workshops and exposure to inspiring surroundings. The evening discussion will not only focus on Appalachia but also cover broader issues affecting rural communities across America. This inclusive approach allows for a comprehensive dialogue on the challenges and experiences faced by those living in rural areas.
The discussion will take a panel format and include author readings as well as audience Q&A sessions. The sessions will be moderated by Tremont Writers Conference organizers Jeremy Lloyd and Frances Figart, who will prepare for the discussions by reviewing the authors’ works and devising insightful questions. These discussions aim to address the sentiment that many rural residents feel ignored by society, highlighting how the authors celebrate rural spaces within their literary works.
Many of the authors featured during the events have received significant accolades, including awards such as the 2023 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. The festival’s goal is to connect published authors with readers and aspiring writers, fostering a sense of community and promoting a passion for literature.
McCarter encourages writers and literature enthusiasts to engage with the festival’s events, especially as the National Novel Writing Month approaches in November. The Tremont Writers Conference is coordinated by the Smokies Life organization and the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Applications for participation in the conference open each January and close in early May, with selections announced by July.
Furthermore, both events are free to attend, requiring no prior registration, making them accessible to all interested participants.
Key Details
- Event Date: October 25
- Location: Blount County Public Library, Maryville, Tennessee
- Start Time: 10 a.m. for the Anna Belle Smith Literary Festival
- Evening Discussion: 5:30 p.m. for “Writing Rural America”
- Featured Authors: Crystal Wilkinson, David Joy, Maurice Manning, Karen Spears Zacharias
- Free Admission: No prior registration required
FAQ
What is the date of the literary festival and discussion?
The event will take place on October 25.
Where is the event being held?
The event will be held at the Blount County Public Library in Maryville, Tennessee.
What time does the Anna Belle Smith Literary Festival start?
The festival begins at 10 a.m.
What is the title of the evening discussion?
The evening event is titled “Writing Rural America.”
Who are the participating authors?
The participating authors include Crystal Wilkinson, David Joy, Maurice Manning, and Karen Spears Zacharias.
Are the events free to attend?
Yes, both events are free to attend and require no prior registration.
Event Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 25 |
| Location | Blount County Public Library, Maryville, TN |
| Festival Time | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
| Evening Discussion | 5:30 p.m. – “Writing Rural America” |
| Number of Authors | Over 50 during the festival; 4 featured in evening discussion |
| Admission | Free, no registration required |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Times: Blount Library Events to Celebrate Appalachian Writers
- Wikipedia: Appalachian Literature
- Business Alabama: Spotlight on Blount, Etowah, St. Clair Movers & Shapers
- Google Search: Blount County Tennessee
- WATE: Hidden History – African American History in Blount County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literature
- Knox News: Go Knoxville’s Things to Do Calendar
- Google News: Appalachian Writers Events
- Knox News: Historical Events Overview
- Google Scholar: Appalachian Literature Authors
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