Spinning Toward the Sun – Author Readings

On Monday, May 5^th at 6:30 pm, the Transylvania County Library will host readings by some of the contributing authors of Spinning Toward the Sun: Essays on Writing, Resilience and the Creative Life, a new guidebook curated by Nora Shalaway Carpenter. The book features essays from a diverse group of over 30 nationally-celebrated authors and Western NC powerhouse creatives. It is part craft manual and part life companion, offering both inspiration and hands-on guidance to fellow creatives and anyone dealing with tough times. Every author donated their time and words to Spinning, and 100% of the proceeds from every book will go to the recovery of Hurricane Helene supporting nonprofits Beloved Asheville and World Central Kitchen. Thus, in these particularly tough times, Spinning Toward the Sun also serves as an act of solidarity, an example of how we can still mobilize to help our communities — and each other. Authors Megan Shepherd, David Gill, Lizzie Brooks, and curator Nora Shalaway Carpenter will present readings from the book. Highland Books will be on hand with copies of the book for sale and signing. The event will be held in the Rogow Room.

The reading will feature Brevard’s own Megan Shepherd, David MacInnis Gill and Lizzie Brooks. Shepherd, a New York Times bestseller and Carnegie Medal-nominated author, grew up in her family’s independent bookstore in Brevard and is the author of many acclaimed novels for readers of all ages including “The Madman’s Daughter”, “Dog Star” and “Malice House”. Gill is the critically acclaimed author of books for both youth and adults including “Soul Enchilada” and “Black Hole Sun”. Brooks has published in “Beyond Words Literary Magazine” and “Door + Jar Magazine”. Curator Nora Shalaway Carpenter is an award-winning author, writing educator, and audiobook narrator. Her books include “The Edge of Everything”, the anthology “Rural Voices” and her newest novel “Fault Lines”. None of the authors will receive any payment or proceeds from the book; thus serving as a reminder that we all have the capacity to help our communities—with our time, our energy, and our creative gifts.

“Spinning Toward the Sun” was published by Burlwood Books, an independent press based in Austin, Texas.  The book was released in March 2025 and is available for purchase everywhere, in both print and eBook. An audiobook version is forthcoming. “Spinning” also features original, full-sized stained-glass artwork by Asheville artist Kelsey Leck, to be auctioned in support of Hurricane Helene relief.  Learn more about the book and its publisher at burlwoodbooks.com/spinning.