Join us for a book launch and signing, featuring WNC authors! Spinning Toward the Sun: Essays on Writing, Resilience, and the Creative Life is a new guidebook for writers that blends inspiration, insight, and practical advice from an array of nationally-acclaimed and diverse authors. Part craft manual and part life companion, Spinning is a heartfelt reflection on writing, resilience, and the power of community in the face of adversity. Contributors share personal stories and advice, offering both inspiration and hands-on guidance to fellow creatives and anyone dealing with tough times.

Stay for a Q&A with the readers! Multiple authors will be available to sign your anthology.

Spinning Toward the Sun is more than a collection of essays—it is a call to action. All proceeds will go to the recovery of Hurricane Helene. Helene struck months ago, but the work to rebuild Asheville and its surrounding areas is still just beginning. All proceeds from Spinning will be evenly split between Beloved Asheville and World Central Kitchen, two key organizations dedicated to both long-term community rebuilding and immediate support for frontline workers and residents in the aftermath of Helene. In short, every purchase of Spinning will help provide clean water, food, and financial support for clearing debris, restoring homes, opening schools, and revitalizing the community.

The anthology, organized by local author Nora Shalaway Carpenter, features essays donated from over 30 established authors, including New York Times-bestseller and former Ashevillian Alan Gratz, National Book Award finalist and two-time Newbery winner Erin Entrada Kelly, and Coretta Scott King & Newbery winner Alicia D. Williams. Spinning also serves as a reminder that we all have the capacity to help our communities—with our time, our energy, and our creative gifts.

Content Warning: This event may include discussion of pregnancy/childbirth.

The organizer of this event marked it kid-friendly. 😛