Shepherdstown Tradition of Appalachian Publishing Paused
Federal funding issues halt 17-year-old West Virginia tradition
The Shepherdstown Chronicle | Thursday, October 2, 2025
By Staff
The Shepherdstown Chronicle reports that the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence Project, which celebrates local authors and publishes anthologies of their work, has had to pause its 17-year tradition due to funding cuts from the West Virginia Humanities Council and the West Virginia Center for the Book. Project director Benjamin Bankhurst highlighted the importance of community donor support during these challenging financial times. Although the anthology won't be published this year, readers can still access Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle's debut novel for free online, ensuring that students in Shepherdstown and surrounding areas continue to engage with regional literature.
