Today author Ron Rash visited Byrnes High School and spoke with students in the media center. Ron is the author of three of my favorite novels – One Foot in Eden, Saints at the River, and The World Made Straight. He has also published several books of poetry and short stories.
Ron lives in Clemson and grew up in the Upstate of South Carolina. His novels are set in this area, and each has sparked moments of deep recognition of places I have known and experienced.
Ron’s easy mannerisms and colloquial nature really went over well with the students. The Byrnes Media Center was crowded, but the kids were well-behaved and listened attentively. Since the BHS prom was this past weekend, Ron began by reading one of his short stories about a prom date disaster. He then talked about the writing process, and about his new novel, Serena, which will be coming out in October. Afterwards he took questions from the students, who asked some very well-thought out questions.
I purchased a copy of Eureka Mills, a book of poetry, and had the author autograph it. We only had a few minutes to chat before the next group came in, but it was as if we had been friends for the longest time. This was a welcome diversion to my normal day, and I appreciate media specialist Judy Parham arranging the visit and allowing me to take part.
[tags]Ron Rash, author [/tags]
AWESOME!!
Ron Rash used to come into the Clemson News Stand (when it was still here) to talk. Really a super nice and bright person. I’m rather envious of the students up at Western Carolina who get him as a professor and mentor.