Naked and Hungry Hits the Road in 2012!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Thanks to the support of fans like you, Naked and Hungry had a great year in 2011, with invitations to speak at two bookstores, three Rotary clubs, Spa at Bell House, Coffee and Crepes, The State of Things, and the crowning event, being the guest of the Happy Bookers Club at the Asheboro Library last month.

We’re excited to announce that we’ve got an exciting line-up for Spring 2012, as Naked and Hungry hits the road again, with stops in Pittsboro, Colfax, Asheboro, and Cary.

If any of these events are near you, I hope that you’ll find the time to attend. As always, I’ll be reading from the book, discussing the joys of fiction….and giving away a crepe pan from Williams-Sonoma!

The highlights are listed below, but there is much more to come (including area bookstores), so please stay tuned to the Events Calendar throughout 2012. All events are free and open to the public.

Thursday, January 26 at 7 p.m. – Chapel Ridge Book Club, Chapel Ridge Community Center, Pittsboro, NC

Tuesday, February 21  at 7 p.m – River Landing Retirement Community, Colfax, N.C.

Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m.- Friends of the Library Adult Program, Asheboro Public Library at 7.p.m.

Wednesday, March 28  at 7 p.m – Glenaire Retirement Community, Cary, N.C.

Hope to see you soon!


Naked and Hungry Goes Home…to Asheboro!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

December ushered in a whirlwind of activity for Naked and Hungry. Last week, I read at the noon meeting of the High Point Rotary Club in High Point, N.C. and met many new friends, many of whom share a connection with my hometown of Asheboro.

On the same day I traveled to Charlotte to read at Park Road Books. There I had the pleasure of greeting many old friends and several relatives that I hadn’t seen in far too long. I was also privileged to be the guest of my friends Twing and Keith, who rolled out the red carpet with their kindness and hospitality.

This month’s activity culminates with an appearance at the Asheboro Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. as the guest of The Happy Bookers book club.  Special thanks in advance to my friend Delores (mother of my dear high school friend Lorie) for inviting me.

In many ways the journey of Naked and Hungry began at this same place, for it was at this library that my love for stories was first nurtured. Here I spent countless hours curled up on a bean bag, indulging any whim or interest that came to mind. It’s also a fitting location since my hometown was one of the models for the setting of Naked and Hungry.

If you’re local and would like to join us, I hope you do. The best part of this journey has been reuniting with old friends and the opportunity to talk about a common love for books and storytelling. See you soon!

 

Naked and Hungry is Featured in Asheboro & More Magazine!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Heads up! My amazing and dearest friend Sarah Beth Robbins kindly wrote an article on Naked and Hungry for the November 2011 issue of Asheboro & More magazine. The article includes more about my inspiration for the book, including the influence of my hometown of Asheboro, and other fun childhood memories.

Check out pages 68-69 of Asheboro & More.

And speaking of Asheboro, please also note that I’ll be reading from the book at the holiday meeting of The Happy Bookers at the Asheboro/Randolph County Public Library on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. Would love to see you there!

Naked and Hungry Goes to Kernersville!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Although I’ve lived in North Carolina all my life, until yesterday I never had the pleasure of going to the charming town of Kernersville. Located in Forsyth County, the town is aptly described as the “heart” of the Piedmont Triad.

Along with about fifteen other authors, including my talented editor and friend, Judith Geary, the acclaimed author of the Getorix book series,  I had the pleasure of attending the Fall Book Fest hosted by Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore.

I met many new faces, but one of the highlights was re-connecting with dear friend, Anna Sandelli (pictured on the far left), who now lives close by. I had the pleasure of working with the UNC journalism major for two years at Chapel Hill and I’ve enjoyed watching her star rise.

This experience was just another reason I hope to return to Kernersville in the future. History abounds in this small town, from the founding in 1756 by an Irishman to a visit by George Washington in 1791. The town is named for Jule Korner, a German immigrant who left his mark in the form of a mysterious Victorian mansion known as “Korner’s Folly.” WIth 22 rooms spread over 7 levels, don’t you bet this place could inspire a novel (or two)?  I can just picture H.T. making a visit, getting lost and locked inside.

We’ll have plenty of creepy adventures ahead in my follow-up novel, Born Again, Dead Again. Here H.T. attends a Halloween gathering populated by “prombies” (zombies frozen in their high school prom attire) and a mysterious Celtic-themed dancer named Boudicca who guards the secrets of a growing list of dead men. Stay tuned for a preview just in time for Halloween!

Naked and Hungry Coming to “The State of Things” on WUNC Radio!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Naked and Hungry will be going public soon! Public radio, that is. This week I was delighted to receive an invitation from WUNC Radio (91.5 FM) to appear on next Wednesday’s (Oct. 26) edition of “The State of Things” hosted by Frank Stasio. I’ll be interviewed during the last half hour of the noon show, which is a live program featuring the issues, personalities, and places of North Carolina.

Recent guests have included diverse personalities such as Charles Frazier, author of Cold Mountain, Wanda Jackson, America’s first female rock and roller, and researcher Michael Fishbach, an advocate for whale conservation (one of Jessica’s heroes, by the way). I’m particularly humbled to follow in the footsteps of good friend Mary Lambeth Moore, author of Sleeping with Patty Hearst, who also appeared earlier this year.

For the past 25 years, WUNC has been the bastion of quality programming, NPR news and classical music in our state. Are you a fan? If so, do your part and pledge now to help support everything you enjoy on WUNC. And you might also win a trip to Italy!

I’m very excited but my heart’s already racing. In fact, I can hear Myrtle right now: “Lordy be! Girl, you’re a writer. Do you think you’re ready for 17 minutes of live radio?” I’m hoping she’ll pray for me. Also hoping you’ll send positive energy my way next week.

Coasting Down to Earth in Naked and Hungry Style

Posted on by Ashley Harris

It’s just two days after the “BIG EVENT” and I’m still coasting down to earth. I say “coasting” because there’s something rather divine about a day at Fearrington Village with sunshine, friends, art, and books.

Yes, it’s true. Naked and Hungry has now been “officially” launched! A combination of family members, old friends (from nursery school, no less) and even new friends (hijacked from the Art Festival next door) helped me celebrate this important milestone. A special thanks to Pete Mock, McIntyre’s mystery guru, who helped arrange the reading and lent such a gracious introduction and to my photographer and dear friend, Melissa Kotacka for the fabulous photographs.

As I stated while looking out toward a sea of loving faces, John Grisham could not have wished for a more supportive group of fans. I could relive this day forever. This book is for you.

Naked and Hungry Named a Promising Read by Library Journal

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Just learned that Library Journal has named Naked and Hungry as one of nearly 200 “promising debut novels” in their semi-annual list of recommendations for library collections. And it’s just one of five N.C. novels to make the list. It’s mentioned on their website and October print issue. Read more.

I was thrilled with this news because it means this little book may come to the notice of more readers and perhaps even more book clubs. And the timing couldn’t be better because I’m slated to speak at the Randolph County Public Library in December of this year, thanks to the Asheboro Happy Bookers. It is with humble gratitude that I share this honor with this local club (thanks Delores!) as well as the Lakeland, Fla, Happy Bookers (thanks Jeanne!). And of course, I will always be grateful to the Randolph County Library,  the source of countless afternoons spent curled up on a beanbag chair lost in a pile of books.

Remember those days? The library was the one place where parents could feel safe about dropping off their kids for the day. I can’t say that I knew I would be a writer in those early days because I was more captivated by the joys of reading. There the shy little girl could give free rein to her interests and imagination. I could go anywhere, be anyone, and take home as many books as I liked. What about you? Do you have a favorite library memory? If so, share it here!

Naked and Hungry Goes to Fearrington Village!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

In less than two weeks (Oct. 9), Naked and Hungry will make its official debut at McIntyre’s Fine Books in Fearrington Village here in Pittsboro. It’s the ideal bookstore for book lovers. Why? It’s cozy yet full of wonderful little nooks to explore. It’s also a cook’s paradise because they are known for their outstanding cookbook selection and for being a regular venue for celebrity chefs such Paula Deen and Giada DeLaurentis. Our wannabe chef, H.T., would undoubtedly approve!

I’ll be reading in the area known as “Pete’s Mystery Room” which is named after  McIntyre’s bookseller and mystery lover, Pete Mock. (It’s wrapped rather charmingly in crime scene tape, by the way.) If you attend an open mic event (held on the first Wednesday of every quarter), you might be lucky enough to hear Pete read from his own work-in-progress, which I hope he finishes soon.

What are you doing on October 9 at 2 p.m.? If you love books, quaint country settings (with black and white cows!), and want to show your appreciation for one of the south’s best independent bookstores, I hope you’ll plan to join us. I’ll be reading from the book, but most importantly, celebrating the many family and friends who have made this event possible. I can’t say it enough, so again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and belief in me.

P.S. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to register for 1 of 10 free copies of Naked and Hungry on the Good Reads Giveaway. You’ve got four days!

Naked and Hungry Goes to Greensboro!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Just returned from the 10th Annual Celebration of Farmers at the Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market, a surprisingly extensive local market founded in 1874, which makes it one of the state’s oldest. The market offers a variety of seasonal produce, home-baked goods and even crafts, such as jewelry and crocheted hand-towels.

My good friend Donna Myers from high school organized this event, which offered a delicious country breakfast on red-checkered table cloths and live music. I recommend the biscuits and homemade strawberry jam! All total, there were more than 100 attendees, some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. These included tobacco and corn farmers, members of a Peruvian friendship mission, even Presbyterian minister-song writers. A highlight was my friend Cosmo pictured to the left showing off his new trick. Paws up to Naked and Hungry!

A special thanks to Donna for inviting me, and to Claudia and Charlie Griffin for their hospitality and cheerful help setting up the Naked and Hungry tent. Couldn’t have done it without you! Also, thank you Yolanda and Emma for making the trek from Durham to hear the reading. Wish I’d gotten your picture!
For more pictures, check out our Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market album.

Naked and Hungry Celebrates N.C. Farmers at the Greensboro Curb Market!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

When high school chum Donna Myers asked me to attend the 10th Annual Farmers Appreciation Day at the Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market, I was thrilled to say “YES!”

It’s no secret that the title of my novel was inspired by the slogan of the Future Farmers of America —  the dedicated men and women whose efforts keep us from running around “naked and hungry.” My main character, H.T. McMullen, is not a farmer by trade, but having recently turned his back on materialism, he is now embracing a hand-to-mouth existence. He built his own cabin from recycled materials and lives on fish he catches himself and homegrown fruit and vegetables. With no mortgage, fresh food, an abundance of wildlife, it’s a dream lifestyle until…

H.T. discovers that his pristine retreat is anything but. In fact, it’s been built on the site of a hazardous waste dump. And that’s when the story gets a little more interesting.

To hear more about the book, and register for a FREE crepe pan (H.T.’s favorite cooking tool), join us on Sept. 10 (less than two weeks away) at the Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market. There’ll be a host of other fun activities, including a locally produced breakfast, live music, and organizations that support eating local and eating healthy.

Hope to see you there! For more, and to sign up for the event, see the Facebook event page.