Shepherdstown Hosts Author's Insights on Appalachian Culture
Author talks finding sense of belonging in Appalachian, indigenous writing circles
The Shepherdstown Chronicle | Thursday, October 2, 2025
By Staff
During the Scarborough Society Lecture at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education on September 25, Annette Clapsaddle, the Appalachian Writer-in-Residence, discussed her debut novel 'Even As We Breathe' and the importance of her Cherokee and Appalachian roots. Clapsaddle highlighted the distinct identities of eastern tribes and emphasized her stronger sense of belonging among Appalachian writers. This resonated with local resident Katherine Hutson, who shares similar heritage and expressed a desire to write about her great-grandfather's remarkable life, paralleling themes found in Clapsaddle's work. This connection showcases a vibrant literary community in Shepherdstown, engaging with deeper cultural narratives.
