1) Stephenson Center for Appalachia to Host Novelist Joshua Simcox ’05 on Sept. 18
Boone novelist Joshua Simcox ’05 will present a program at Lees-McRae College on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. As the first fall speaker in the Stephenson Center for Appalachia Lecture Series, Simcox will read from his novel Bone and Cinder: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller, and discuss the publication process. This lecture is free and open to the public. Simcox graduated from Lees-McRae in 2005 with an interdisciplinary degree in creative writing. Since then he has worked in the publishing industry and as a freelance writer. HIs novel is the first in the Zapheads series, which is part of the post-apocalyptic world created by local author Scott Nicholson. Nicholson’s After series already has an enthusiastic following, and to satisfy the demand for more books in the series he collaborated with Simcox. “Scott wanted to expand the series and do a spinoff. He knew I could write and invited me to write a series with my own plots and characters in it,” said Simcox, who is already working on the second book in the Zapheads series. Reviews of the novel have been positive. Reviewing a Kindle edition of the book, Frank Pero wrote: “This is a riveting novel that I couldn’t put down once I started. We are introduced to new characters…some nice, some downright evil, in the world that Scott has so vividly created. And yes, if you want Zapheads … there’s plenty to be found here! You will not be disappointed in this story.” Bone and Cinder, published by Haunted Computer Books, Inc. is available in both digital and print editions. “We are proud to have Josh return to campus to share his success, and we look forward to hearing both his reading and his insight into contemporary publishing,” said Dr. Michael Joslin, director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia at Lees-McRae College. “His novel provides exciting reading and insight into today’s issues.” The Stephenson Lecture Series is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Megan Hall, director of communications, at 828-898-8729 or hallm@lmc.edu. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lees-McRae College is a private, four-year college offering diverse baccalaureate degrees, strong athletic programs and outstanding faculty. With 900 students hailing from 35 states and more than 10 countries, Lees-McRae’s broad core curriculum is enhanced by field-specific career preparation and experiential learning with an emphasis in leadership and service. For more information please visit www.lmc.edu.