Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 85F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..
Tonight
Scattered thunderstorms during the evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Recognizing that this commentary might not settle well with West Virginians propels me to an even greater certainty to write it, hoping that it might make a difference. And, as a seasoned writer of commentary not only for this newspaper but for others across the country over the years, I am more than willing to take that chance. As we all know, tough love is seldom easy.
Since 2016, it’s been gratifying, and so very humbling, to create stories for young readers and working with a team of early readers to make the stories the best they could be; to work with talented, West Virginia graphic artists whose visions for my book covers far exceeded my expectations; and to work with publishers who believed in my work. It’s been an incredible journey.
What troubles me, though, as I spend time in New York City promoting my new collection of short stories, "The Harboring & other stories," is that the reception I have received from so many I’ve approached in the city (booksellers and shop owners and librarians and the person sitting at the table next to me in a restaurant and striking up a conversation) do not match the reception from West Virginia. It’s not easy to acknowledge that truth, but it is the truth.
Years ago, a fellow writer commented that it’s most challenging to promote your work in your home state. I now know that she was right. And so, while I’m thrilled and grateful for the passion my work has received in New York, it also saddens me. But, as they say, the show must go on; and it will.
When I think of some of West Virginia's most successful writers, I remind myself that so many of them left the state to find ways to reach a wider audience for their work (Homer Hickam, Cynthia Rylant and Jayne Anne Phillips immediately come to mind). And while my work resonates with readers, I am still hoping to make the impact each of these well-respected writers has brought to the literary scene. Like them though, even after moving away from West Virginia, they continued to write about West Virginia themes. I can’t love that enough.
West Virginia, it is my fervent hope that you will make certain that not only writers but all creatives throughout the state feel that you’ve got their backs, without hesitation. Read their books, listen to their music, explore their artistic contributions. If you do anything less, they will most assuredly continue to create, but they might find a greater passion beyond West Virginia’s borders. Let’s do what we can to keep them firmly planted on home soil.
Kathleen M. Jacobs is an author living in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä and New York.Â
