By Patricia Hopper Patteson
The Morgantown Writers Group announces publication of River and Stone, a collection of fictional short stories and poems contributed by current and past members. George Lies, founder of the Morgantown Writers Group, initiated the anthology. Melissa Reynolds joined him in planning the project while completing her Master’s degree in Professional Writing and Editing at the time. However, things came to screeching halt when George passed away in April. For the past thirty years, he had mentored budding creative writers in Morgantown. He was instrumental in giving writerly advice, helping writers hone their talent; many moved on to become published authors.
As Melissa and the Morgantown Writers Group mourned George’s passing, they collectively agreed to the complete the anthology as a tribute to his legacy. Melissa widened the submission process by opening admission to others who felt George had positively impacted their lives and wanted to contribute to his memory. The anthology that had started out small, grew the collection of stories to thirty-five. This included MWG member Andrei Nesteroy of Russia who is a WVU graduate. He translated his story from Russian into English. Jeremy Bock, a West Virginia native living with his wife and daughter in Bangkok, Thailand added to the anthology. Cerid Jones, of New Zealand, who joins the group in meetings conducted on Zoom, shared her creative story. And Norman Julian, one of George’s longtime friends and award-winning journalist, provided local flare to the collection.
River and Stone honors not only George, but also the essence of West Virginia. Told through fictional narratives, authors depict the spirit of the mountain state, drawing the reader in like a gentle current. Tales tell of new beginnings, grand adventures, and poignant endings.
“Houses bear wounds. They age. They weather. They creak.”
His Project by Justin Crawford
“Whoever this Sharpe is, he’s a canny businessman. We’ve our work cut out for us.”
Tea For Two by Aimee Hoffer
“He wouldn’t be able to do her wish justice. He would fail her.”
Tactile Symphony by Drops by Jenna Lapointe
River and Stone was designed and edited by Melissa Reynolds, with assistance from the Morgantown Writers Group.
River and Stone Anthology is available in print and ebook through Amazon.com
River and Stone Anthology is also available through Barnes and Noble:
For more information contact:
Melissa Reynolds at Melreyn.mr@gmail.com
Patricia Hopper Patteson at pattesonpatricia@gmail.com
Morgantown Writers Group Morgantownwritersgroup@gmail.com
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