Waynesville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Mars Hill

From the rugged "Kingdom of Madison" to Appalachian songcatchers to the oldest educational institution in western North Carolina, the steep hills and remote valleys of Waynesville, Hot Springs, Marshall and Mars Hill are treasure troves of words, music and history.

Writers with a connection to this area: Sheila Kay Adams, Rob Amberg, Olive Dame Campbell, Donald Davis, Pamela Duncan, Keith Flynn, O. Henry, Michael McFee, Caroline Miller, Jim Wayne Miller, Della Hazel Moore, Dellie Chandler Norton, Ron Rash, Christian Reid, Cecil Sharp, Betty Smith, Elizabeth Daniels Squire and Manly Wade Wellman.