Stories build community. Be a part of the story.
2024 Festival Dates
September 5-7, 2024
2024 Festival Theme
joining voices
2024 Author Lineup
fiction
Dan
chapman
non-fiction
Elizabeth S.D. Engelhardt
Christy A. Smith
YA & Children’s
Constance Lombardo
Lauren Paige Conrad
mildred
K. barya
poetry
memoir
WINNING ART BEAUTIFULLY EMBODIES OUR 2024 JOINING VOICES THEME
Our literary festival recently hosted an art contest centered around our theme "JOINING VOICES," inviting artists to explore the harmony found in the convergence of diverse perspectives. After careful deliberation, we are thrilled to announce the winner. Robyn Johnson-McCann’s creation encapsulates the essence of this theme with unparalleled beauty. Their artwork illustrates the symphony of voices coming together, each distinct yet seamlessly blending into a unified chorus.
Robyn Johnson-McCann grew up in Celo, NC surrounded by the arts. Their grandfather was a passionate painter and always encouraged them to keep making art, even as a young kid. They attended Arthur Morgan School where they embraced their love for painting and drawing, and kept creating throughout high school. Now a freshman at University of North Carolina Asheville, they continue their journey of self expression with an open mind as to what they want to study and life ahead.
Who we are
Carolina Mountains Literary Festival is a nonprofit organization striving to foster community by supporting and celebrating literacy and the love of literature in the Southern Appalachians.
What we do
The Festival
For 16 years, we have brought the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival to downtown Burnsville, NC. The festival brings writers and readers together, and readers and readers together.
Engaging Youth
Through our activities and school programs, we promote literacy and the love of literature in classrooms.
Advocating for Literacy
We aim to support and represent the literary arts in Western North Carolina.
What people say about us
"After experiencing the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival in Burnsville, I was hooked. I had never experienced a literary festival like it, where the entire town opens its doors and participates and welcomes everyone. I think I’ve only missed one or two since."
- Kevin Morgan Watson,
founder of Press 53
"The night of my speech, I told the audience that the festival seemed organic. It felt like it grew out of the ground, with its roots attached. But it didn’t grow out of the ground. Its intimate, multi-faceted effect was the work of some dedicated organizers and an entire community that loves and supports literature and art and local history."
- Gail Godwin,
NYT bestselling author & CMLF Keynote Speaker 2018
"We have supported all aspects of the Lit Fest since its inception and we have particularly enjoyed sponsoring the Keynote Speaker several times... Through its Keynote Speaker series, the Lit Fest is making a long lasting impact here. We are happy to be a part of this effort."
- Bubba & Susan Crutchfield
Festival Planners
Dr. Dan Barron
Chair
Amber Westall Briggs
Vice Chair
Sondra Ickes
Treasurer
Lucy Doll
Secretary
Jada Cash
Hospitality Coordinator
Joy Hollingsworth
Author Liaison
Ronni Lundy
Funding Task Force
Mary Fernandez
Board Member
Erica Griffith Edwards
Board Member
Kathy Weisfield
Selection Committee Chair
Wayne Edwards
Volunteer Coordinator
Caroline Christopoulos
Selection Committee
Maureen Thornton
Selection Committee
Kelly Denton-Blanks
PR Coordinator
2023 Festival Highlights
Are you a
Friend of the Lit Fest?
Setting Level Friendship - $50
- "Be a Part of the Story" Book Bag
- 5% Discount at Plott Hound Books
- Advance notification for events
- Early registration for workshops
& ticketed events
Theme Level Friendship - $100
- "Be a Part of the Story" Book Bag
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- 10% Discount at Plott Hound Books
- Advance notification for events
- Early registration for workshops
& ticketed events
Call for Volunteers
Volunteers are integral to the life of the LitFest. Here are the positions we have available. Join us.
Greeter
Be the face of the LitFest. Greeters help visitors to the LitFest get to where they want to go. Hand out maps, give recommendations, and get to know the festival goers.
Session Coordinator
You’ll get to meet your favorite authors, introduce them, enjoy the session and help the author to end their session on time.
Contact us
Carolina Mountains Literary Festival
For General Information
To Volunteer
For Authors Interested
Registration Questions
@cmlitfest