author interview

On this West Virginia Morning, author Neema Avashia grew up in a neighborhood in Kanawha County as the daughter of immigrants. In her book, "Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place," she discusses growing up queer and Indian in West Virginia.

On this West Virginia Morning, a play about the victims of the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster and their families will debut in West Virginia next month. “Coal Country” just ended a successful run Off-Broadway in New York City. WVPB spoke with Theater West Virginia’s Executive Director Scott Hill to learn more.

On this West Virginia Morning, for a lot of writers and publishers, Appalachia means stories of the country and the coal mining or farming experience, but that’s not true for all Appalachian writers. We hear from Huntington-based author Marie Manilla who identifies as an “urban Appalachian.”

Appalachian Ohio writer Alison Stine’s first novel, “Road Out of Winter,” won the 2021 Philip K. Dick Award in April. Inside Appalachia co-host Mason Adams recently spoke to Stine about the novel and what it tells us about the world of today.

On this West Virginia Morning, Alan Maimon is an award-winning journalist who lived and reported on Eastern Kentucky in the early 2000s. Inside Appalachia co-host Caitlin Tan spoke with Maimon about his new book “Twilight in Hazard: An Appalachian Reckoning.”

On this West Virginia Morning, a new book recently published by West Virginia University Press is taking the literary world by storm. “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” by Deesha Philyaw explores the sexuality of Black women in the church that Philyaw knew growing up. Also, we listen to our Mountain Stage Song of the Week brought to us by singers and songwriters Billy Bragg and Joe Henry.

On this West Virginia Morning, author Robert Gipe’s trilogy of books is set in the heart of central Appalachia. One unique feature of the books is that Gipe illustrates the books himself. We learn about his work. Also, we have updates on West Virginia legislative action and news about a possible city ordinance in Charleston that could limit syringe programs in the city.

On this West Virginia Morning, a bill that would create an intermediate court of appeals is one step closer to the governor’s desk. Also, we have a conversation with an economics professor on the potential impacts of the American Rescue Plan in West Virginia, and we hear the second part of an interview with prolific children’s book author Cynthia Rylant, who spent her formative years in the Mountain State.

On this West Virginia Morning, we have a report on a large coronavirus outbreak in Kanawha County Schools, news updates from the West Virginia Legislature, and a report on the lack of COVID-19 vaccines in state jails and prisons. Also, in this show, we hear from children’s author Cynthia Rylant who was raised in West Virginia. Inside Appalachia co-host Mason Adams speaks with Rylant about her first book and West Virginia’s influence on the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, COVID-19 vaccines are now available to all West Virginians age 16 and older. Also, we have updates from the West Virginia Legislature, and we have a conversation about a new memoir that explores the sometimes strained relationship between fathers and sons.