The Lost State Writers Guild is a loosely-knit organization of writers and artists scattered over the Tri-State area of Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. They meet monthly, alternating between the cities of Kingsport, TN, Johnson City, TN, and Bristol, TN/VA. Members share information on markets, publishers, conferences, and book sale/signing opportunities.
Members have participated in such events as the 2006 Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival held at Roan Mountain State Park and the Appalachian Heritage Festival in Blountville, TN. Even when few books are sold, they enjoy these outings and visiting with other writers and vendors. In August members who are also affiliated with the Appalachian Authors Guild were involved in the 'Writers on the Green' tent as part of the Virginia Highlands Festival in Abingdon, Virginia. Individual booksigning events are arranged by members throughout the year at book stores, libraries senior centers and book expos.
If you'd like to contact any Guild member, email them at Lost State Writers Guild.
Click on the link below to see pictures of Guild members at various venues and booksignings.
Curious about the origin of the name 'Lost State Writers Guild'? Here is a brief overview of the Lost State of Franklin. Books on Tennessee history can give a fuller explanation.
In 1784 a group of settlers met in Jonesborough, Tennessee, to form a new state which they called the State of Franklin, named for Benjamin Franklin. The United States government did not want Franklin to be a state. They thought this land should stay part of North Carolina. In 1790 the U. S. government replaced the State of Franklin which became known as the Lost State of Franklin. On June 1, 1796, the Lost State of Franklin was incorporated into the newly formed state of Tennessee rather than North Carolina.
The Lost State Writers Guild takes its name from that time in history when courageous settlers came to stake a claim in this new frontier on the western side of the Appalachian Mountains.
