CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Taylor Books will host a special LAUNCH PARTY this Sat., Oct. 15, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.. The evening will mark the release of the new book, "Shadows and Mountains: Campfire Stories from the Dark Heart of Appalachia" by state authors Ellen Thompson McCloud, of Verdunville, and Jessie Grayson, of Harts Creek. The event will include live music and many surprises. Ellen and Jessie will also be autographing copies of "Dark Tales of Terror" during the evening, a book that features stores by both writers.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The Mountain State's favorite legend has returned. The Mothman Files, a new anthology edited by 2009 Bram Stoker Award-winner Michael Knost, will be officially released on Oct. 22nd at the West Virginia Book Festival, at the Charleston Civic Center.

"The legend was birthed in the mountains in and around Point Pleasant in the 1960s, but now visitations have been documented around the world," Knost explained. Eyewitnesses abound—from every region of America and South America, from Europe to Asia—of a winged creature of mammoth proportions.

CHAPMANVILLE, W.Va. - The best-selling Southern Gospel Music inspirational title, "After All These Years: The Authorized Biography of The Hoppers," penned by F. Keith Davis, was recently released in softcover at the National Quartet Convention (NQC), Sept. 11-17, in Louisville, KY.

The book, that was originally released in 2007 in hardback, has a foreword by Dr. John Hagee and Introduction by Dr. Charles F. Stanley. This new version is offered in handsome paperback with a high-quality laminated cover.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A brand new anthology from Woodland Press, "Stories from the Hearth," is edited by Brian J. Hatcher and will be released at the West Virginia Book Festival, to be held Oct. 22 and 23, at the WV Book Company booth, at the Charleston Civic Center.

According to Hatcher, the book has an earthy-feel and focuses on the power of solid Appalachian storytelling. "I am especially fortunate to have assembled a stellar group of writers for this special project," he said.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - As book readers mourn the liquidation of 399 Borders stores nationwide, at a time when liquidators have stopped all future functions at the failing book giant, a group of regional authors have received special permission to gather for one final event—to host a book-signing and farewell reception at Borders Express at Charleston Town Center this Sat., July 23, from 4-6 p.m.

LOGAN, W.Va. - The Logan County Chamber of Commerce has announced that among the many activities slated for this weekend, regional book authors will be greeting the public and signing books at the Chamber of Commerce booth during the Chief Logan Hunting & Fishing Expo.

Those scheduled to appear on Sat., July 16th, from 1-6 p.m., will be state writers F. Keith Davis, Kyle Lovern, Ellen Thompson McCloud, Frank Larnerd and Jessie Grayson. Then, on Sun., July 17th, from 2-4 p.m., Bram Stoker Award-Winner Michael Knost will join McCloud and Davis for the event.

PIGEON FORGE, TN - Several Woodland Press book titles are now available at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge. While on vacation, enjoy the brand new attraction that depicts, in good humor and song, the famous mountain feud involving the Hatfield and McCoy families along the Tug River. Wonderful family entertainment.

Sandy Blackburn, a noted speaker and gifted author of "Time Spent With God," will be making a number of appearances through the summer months. Sandy's first book is an inspiring daily devotional that has garnered rave reviews and national attention. "Time Spent With God" is also the first installment of the Hopper Heritage Series—a Hopper family commitment to publishing extraordinary Christian book titles and materials that encourage, inspire and energize believers in Christ.

BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. - West Virginia First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin made an appearance in recognition of West Virginia Author Day, held on Sat., Mar. 26, 2011, at Drug Emporium, at Barboursville, WV. The First Lady greeted the public at the retail store and talked about the importance of supporting independent book publishing and the literary arts in the Mountain State.

In the photograph with the First Lady is state author and Woodland Press CEO F. Keith Davis, at left, and Bram Stoker Award-Winner Michael Knost, a resident of Chapmanville, WV.

Woodland Press authors were invited to participate at West Virginia Author Day activities, on Sat., June 11, 2011, at Matewan Depot Replica and Gift Store, in Matewan, WV. The activity, which focused on Mountain State writers and storytellers, was held in conjunction with Hatfield-McCoy Days in Mingo County. Appearing at the author engagement was Kyle Lovern, Michael Knost and F. Keith Davis. Each greeted the public and signed copies of their respective books.

Photo: Keith and Cheryl Davis, of Woodland Press, stand outside Matewan Depot during West Virginia Author Day activities.