On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

I'm pleased to announce the addition of our two moderators, Josh and Laura. They should liven things up around the Trail. They are husband and wife, married fifteen years, and don't always see eye to eye on the same group read which leads to some interesting discussion.

For instance, Josh found Tomato Red a little thin. Laura loved it. I happen to agree with Laura on this one.

Both are avid readers. Laura's favorite authors are John Steinbeck (mine, too!), Neil Gaiman, Kate Morton, Daphne DuMaurier, and Ron Rash (Yeah!). Josh opts for William Gay (Gimme five!), Rick Bass, Cormac McCarthy (Unh-huh!), Larry Brown (Tell it, Tell it!), and Trail Member Charles Dodd White.

Most important is their ten year old daughter, Kathryn. They love travel, the Avett Brothers of North Carolina, the University of Tennessee Sports. As an alumnus of the University of Alabama I forgive them that.

Please join me in welcoming them to the Trail.

Mike Sullivan
"Lawyer Stevens"

Wonderful! I always enjoy Laura's and Josh's comments.

Awesome! They are both wonderful ambassadors for Southern literature. Well done.

Welcome, Laura and Josh.

Looking forward to their contributions in this New role. Great fun!

I hope one of the results of a couple of fresh, energetic moderators will be an increase in the number of members voting and participating in our discussions. This is a very large group and more moderators active behind the scenes as well as out front could be just what we need to increase our vitality!

Larry wrote: "I hope one of the results of a couple of fresh, energetic moderators will be an increase in the number of members voting and participating in our discussions. This is a very large group and more mo..."

Is that opposed to old, unenergetic, burned out moderators, Larry? *chuckle*

Go team! The more the merrier. Nobody (not even me!) would dispute the dedication of our ongoing staff! But I am delighted you called up some reserves, Mike. Would one moderator for each 100 members be too much?

Thanks to "y'all" for the warm welcome. Just hope we can add something to the mix. Mike is a wonderful Captain and we will try to find creative ways to support a vibrant group. I think the broader material the wider the following and participation we will have. One suggestion is that for group reads you chose to review, try to remember to reference that it was a monthly selection within our group. I know that's how I stumbled into fellowship here and your gentle recruitment can add exponentially to our following.

Perhaps a recruitment drive for connections you might have outside the group who share a casual interest in Southern Lit, authors, and themes is in order? As and incentive to spur on your competitive natures I'll offer up a signed first edition title from Larry Brown to whoever can verify the most "add ups" between now and Thanksgiving. For those you recruit, perhaps a warm introduction from you will serve as your proof of recruitment. Larry you're on the clock to see who all we can get added in short order.

I recruited new member Julie today before I knew about this little wager. Does she count? She lives in Virginia!!!!

Welcome and congratulations, Josh and Laura. I'm not sure how much I qualify as an active member since joining, since I've been distracted with my own book events. But a signed first edition of Larry Brown's would go nicely beside my signed first editions of James Dickey and Davis Grubb. I'll see who I can recruit.

Go, Josh!

Yep, Diane, signed first editions are pretty enticing stuff.

running a group takes a a lot of work so I think calling up new fresh people maybe help this group run more smoothly.

if the whole group work together
i think that helps a lot too

Josh wrote: "Thanks to "y'all" for the warm welcome. Just hope we can add something to the mix. Mike is a wonderful Captain and we will try to find creative ways to support a vibrant group. I think the broader ..."

Now that's what I call dedication, Josh. Offering up a signed Larry Brown! Whooooeeee. You go, man!

Laura wrote: "I recruited new member Julie today before I knew about this little wager. Does she count? She lives in Virginia!!!!"

Well, let's see...according to the law related to rewards, one seeking the reward must have known that the reward was offered at the time of acting. *ahem* But that DOES relate to criminal law. And besides. I am RETIRED. I read literature these days. I think recruiting Julie from the Old Dominion counts. Yep. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

And I did not introduce myself until Laura knew about the wager so yes I should count as one for Laura!

Woohoo! Alliances are forming and lines are being drawn in the sand.

Hello, I was invited to join by Randy and wanted to make sure he gets the credit towards that book everyone is coveting. I haven't yet added my introduction or books but I will get to that soon.

Welcome Liz! I think you'll have a ton of fun with this group. Anxious to see your book list.

Me covet a signed first edition Larry Brown? You must have me confused with some former Smitty's waitress off the Square.