ALDERSON W.Va. (WVDN) – The Writers Station is scheduled for April 19, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Alderson Train Depot, #1 Railroad Street in Alderson, WV. We are excited to announce a tie-in to Lion Days in Alderson, with the Writers Station being the culminating event of the week. Lion Days is a celebration of French, the African lion who lived in Alderson in the late 19th century and is lovingly known as the “Lion on a Leash.” So, if you have a lion story or a lyin’ (get it?) story that you would like to share, please bring it to The Writer’s Station.
April is a month filled with special occasions and holidays. It’s National Poetry Month, so poems will be especially welcome. It was April Fool’s Day, and it will be Earth Day, Good Friday, and Easter. While there are plenty of April-related prompts, be assured that any original work, whether related to April or not, will be welcomed!
There will be a special reading from author Charlie Ryan’s new novel, Lion on a Leash, which is based on the incredible true story of French, who was born in Alderson when a traveling circus came through town, raised by the wife of the town’s blacksmith, then became the first African lion at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and from there joined the Barnum and Bailey Circus!
Signed copies of Ryan’s book will be available for purchase (cash only, please), as will copies of Belinda Anderson’s Alderson History Highlights and Tantalizing Tidbits: French, the Friendly Lion.”
So don’t be ”lyin” around on a Saturday night. Hope to see all aspiring writers and enthusiastic listeners at The Writer’s Station on April 19th.
The Writers Station is sponsored by Alderson Main Street and produced by Cheryl Mansley and Reni Fulton. It takes place on the 4th Saturday of each month, except in December, when there will be no open mic. For more information, contact Reni Fulton at reni.fulton1@gmail.com, 304-994-1703 (cell), 304-832-6390 (landline), or visit ArtBeat of the Mountains on Facebook.
