(June 2, 2016) Writing isn’t often celebrated in the same breath as visual art, and with local art events generally focused on things that can be felt, puzzled over, glanced at or constructed, it can be harder than it already is for the ink-stained few.
But for this First Friday and next, Ann Coates of Bishop’s Stock will host writers at her gallery on Green Street to help recognize the fact that some residents are writers too.
“There’s a wonderful creative energy in writing, and it’s another venue for local endeavors,” Coates said. “I think it can be a great outlet for people.”
Plus, it fits Coates’ own vision of what these monthly events should be about.
“We always have to showcase the creative efforts of locals. It’s going to help the town become what it’s always been,” she said.
But there can be difficulties.
“The written word isn’t viewed the same. It’s not something you can hang on a wall,” she said.
To that end, Jen Labesky and her debut novel “And Then She Flew” aren’t the only attractions at Bishop’s Stock this Friday. Ocean Pines artist Deborah Rolig will also be showing new work at the festival.
Coates said following the plein air event in May, she wanted to focus on promoting writing with book signings in June and July. Though July’s author has yet to be announced, she decided to feature Labesky early in the process.
“She had finished her manuscript and did a little soft promotion early,” said Coates, who then invited her to participate.
“This is a book I started 14 years ago before I had kids,” Labesky said. “I rediscovered it in 2012 and spent the last couple of years working on it. I published in November.”
Labesky had worked in the mortgage industry, and owned her own business, before relocating to Snow Hill a decade ago. The decision to move entailed working a deal with her husband.
Their deal, she said, was to move to a place where one parent could remain with the children full time. The parent who was best able to provide for the family would continue working, and the race was on. Labesky’s husband, who works in the construction industry, quickly became successful enough to support everyone, so she stepped back from mortgages.
Now, years later, with their children are in school, she picked up her novel, dusted it off and completed it.
“It’s a story of healing with multiple characters interwoven into the narrative,” she said. “It’s about trusting things will work out if you remain true to yourself.”
The book can be read in several ways, Labesky said.
“It can be entertaining but it can also strike a chord. It starts in a dark place, but the story is one of healing,” she said.
First Friday will be held in downtown Snow Hill between 5-8 p.m. tomorrow.
But for this First Friday and next, Ann Coates of Bishop’s Stock will host writers at her gallery on Green Street to help recognize the fact that some residents are writers too.
“There’s a wonderful creative energy in writing, and it’s another venue for local endeavors,” Coates said. “I think it can be a great outlet for people.”
Plus, it fits Coates’ own vision of what these monthly events should be about.
“We always have to showcase the creative efforts of locals. It’s going to help the town become what it’s always been,” she said.
But there can be difficulties.
“The written word isn’t viewed the same. It’s not something you can hang on a wall,” she said.
To that end, Jen Labesky and her debut novel “And Then She Flew” aren’t the only attractions at Bishop’s Stock this Friday. Ocean Pines artist Deborah Rolig will also be showing new work at the festival.
Coates said following the plein air event in May, she wanted to focus on promoting writing with book signings in June and July. Though July’s author has yet to be announced, she decided to feature Labesky early in the process.
“She had finished her manuscript and did a little soft promotion early,” said Coates, who then invited her to participate.
“This is a book I started 14 years ago before I had kids,” Labesky said. “I rediscovered it in 2012 and spent the last couple of years working on it. I published in November.”
Labesky had worked in the mortgage industry, and owned her own business, before relocating to Snow Hill a decade ago. The decision to move entailed working a deal with her husband.
Their deal, she said, was to move to a place where one parent could remain with the children full time. The parent who was best able to provide for the family would continue working, and the race was on. Labesky’s husband, who works in the construction industry, quickly became successful enough to support everyone, so she stepped back from mortgages.
Now, years later, with their children are in school, she picked up her novel, dusted it off and completed it.
“It’s a story of healing with multiple characters interwoven into the narrative,” she said. “It’s about trusting things will work out if you remain true to yourself.”
The book can be read in several ways, Labesky said.
“It can be entertaining but it can also strike a chord. It starts in a dark place, but the story is one of healing,” she said.
First Friday will be held in downtown Snow Hill between 5-8 p.m. tomorrow.