“Today, I am grateful for all the people that are loving and kind to me.” ~ Unknown
My old band, Stealin Horses, used to play the Appalshop Christmas parties back in the 1980’s. I think that’s where I met Gurney Norman. He and Judi Jennings used to cut a Hillbilly rug like nobody’s business. They were glorious fun to watch. I was familiar with Gurney before that, having read his book Kinfolks years earlier. Other’s might know his bestseller Divine Right’s Trip. Kiya had a few creative writing courses with Gurney when she was a student at UK in the early 1980’s. I followed her lead in the 1990’s. The point is, me and Gurney go way back. I hold him in high regard as he is one of the kindest humans on the planet. He’s genuinely curious about people. He’s passionate about writing. I doubt you’ll find anyone more knowledgable about Appalachian writers or writing than Gurney. He is a kind and gentle teacher, careful with his words, generous with his knowledge. I’m fortunate to take another creative writing course with Gurney this semester. “Let’s make history,” he said as he introduced class tonight. This is the first semester of the newly minted MFA Creative Writing Program. Gurney has worked hard for decades to have such a program. I was honored to witness his triumph, and especially touched to be part of the class. I’m honored, too, that my friend and mentor let me take his picture.
Leave a Reply