Book of the Year Awards
The High Country Writers Book of the Year Award, presented to published HCW authors since 1999.
Criteria
To be eligible for a Book of the Year Award, the author must be an active member of HCW and have joined by January 31st of the year the book is published or copyrighted; the book must have a registered ISBN and bar code and must be in English and nationally available.
How to Apply
Please email Ree Strawser at reestrawser4@gmail.com and request a HIGH COUNTRY WRITERS BOOK OF THE YEAR SUBMISSION FORM for the current year. Complete and return the form by the deadline of March 15.
High Country Headwaters Anthologies
High Country Writers periodically accepts submissions to be considered for publication in a future High Country Headwaters anthology of high country writing by members.
When an anthology is in the works, this page will contain information on how to make a submission, deadlines, the anticipated date of publication for the analogy, and other details.
Our four previously-published anthologies are available from members and on Amazon.com.
Speak at One of Our Meetings
The information below is for any author, editor, or professional interested in presenting a program with High Country Writers. We are particularly interested in topics about craft, how-to, the business of writing, marketing or an area of special interest or expertise. Programs are between sixty and ninety minutes. Afterward, we offer you a chance to sell your books and then take you to lunch.
Suggested list of topics:
Craft:
Character Development
Children/YA Writing
Dialogue
First Chapter
Non-fiction writing
Plot/Pacing
Revision
Series Development
Setting
Show, Don't Tell
Voice
Mechanics:
Business of Writing
Format
Punctuation/Grammar
Submissions:
Editor/Agent
Writing Habits
Promotion:
Interview TV/Radio/Print
Marketing
Book signings
Publishing options
Audio-books creation
Self-publishing
Engage the Audience
We will consider other program topics. Please engage participants in an interactive, participatory session; avoid a lecture style presentation.
High Country Writer Program Presentations take place the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Watauga Library, Boone, NC except when conditions warrant meeting by Zoom. Please see the calendar of events for planned locations and subscribe to our email list to receive updates.
Past Speakers
Hugh Howey
Sharyn McCrumb
Orson Scott Card
Albert Bell
Sandra Balzo
Jeremiah Healy
Joseph Bathanti
Ron Rash
Jack Pyle & Taylor Reese
Robert Morgan
Silas House
Monty Joynes
Joan Medlicott
Christy Tillery French
Sheri Smith
Caleb Johnson
Mark Powell
Harvard Ayers
We are available for Speaking and Book Signing Engagements. We are located in the western mountains of North Carolina and will travel reasonable distances. Please contact us for topic and travel information and fees.