ABOUT US
Sassafras Literary Exchange
Inspiring Pickens County Writers for More than 40 Years
“Each time I leave a Sassafras meeting, I feel a bit more like writing than I did when I came.”
~William Young
A wee, tiny want ad in the Pickens County Progress is how it started; the Sassafras Literary Exchange, that is.
You see, Pickens County native Cordia Byers read a book and didn’t like the ending. “I can do better than that!” she said. Somewhere during the writing process, she realized that not only did she not know any writers, she didn’t know anyone who was even interested in writing.
Thus, the advertisement!
Read more HERE
Join us at our next meeting to learn more, to get input and feedback on your writing, and to hang out with some really cool folks.
We Love Words
Basically, we’re a group of diverse people that have one thing in common – we love words!
Whether it’s writing or reading, our group is here to share and collaborate.
We Foster Future Writers
In addition to getting together to chat about writing, we also sponsor an annual writing contest for the youth in Pickens County. Students in junior high and high school are invited to submit their literary creations. Visit THIS page for details.
If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut.
~Stephen King
Contact us for more information or to join us.
President
Jessica Bowers
A local whose family has been in the area for generations, Jessica’s novels and short stories incorporate elements drawn from her Appalachia roots. She writes and performs stories as Odessa Blaine. Jessica loves encouraging the creative passions of others by serving multiple writer focused nonprofits based in the Southeast and providing marketing and project management to small businesses.
President Emeritus
William Young
Moving to the Jasper area just in time for fourth grade, William has been a member of the community off and on since 1951. He married his wife in 1977 and they raised a daughter together. William’s stories are full of adventure, much like his colorful life. He was one of the original members of Sassafras Literary when it started all those years ago with an advertisement in the Pickens Progress.
Secretary & Treasurer
Lora Bunch Carr
A lifelong writer, Lora took up painting in 2014. Her book Roots to Light features 100 poems and 21 paintings including
the cover that tell parts a life changing journey. Lora is an active member of the community, giving her time to Rotary Club, Southern Collective Experience, and Life Packs. She is also a writer with The Best of North Georgia Publication.
Board Member
Angela Reinhardt
Bio Coming