The Backroads Noir Gathering

When you hear the word “noir,” you may get flashes of Humphry Bogart and black-and-white movies with hard-boiled city detectives. However, in the 21st century, a new genre of crime fiction has risen from the rural small towns, swamps, mountains, and suburbs of the South. Meet some of the esteemed authors writing dark mysteries from small towns and explore the many roots of Southern Noir.

SCHEDULE
Saturday, July 12 The Gathering
9:30 -10 am - Check In
Revolution Mill, Grapes and Grains Tavern, 2001 Yanceyville St., Greensboro

10 - 11:30 am – Exploring the Backroads -Dive into the roots of Southern Noir/ Southern Gothic/Southern Mystery. Listen to author readings and finish this session with an interactive exercise deep diving into the genre. Dive into the roots of Southern Noir/ Southern Gothic/Southern Mystery. Attend one of the following:

“Dark Roots: Crime, Family, and the Southern Gothic”
Explore stories that intertwine crime and family legacies, set against the backdrop of the American South and Appalachia, often with gothic or noir vibes.

“Mystery, Mystics, & Memory: Twisting the Familiar”
Books that play with the uncanny, the eerie, or psychological suspense, often feature strong regional elements and complex characters.
Moderator: Ed Southern, Executive Director of NC Writers Network and author of the upcoming book, The Devil's Done Come Back: New Ghost Tales from North Carolina.

“Underworlds & Outsiders: Crime Fiction with a Social Edge”
Discuss gritty, contemporary crime fiction that highlights outsiders, justice, and shifting power dynamics in American life. Moderator: Laura Beth Vietor, founder of The LB’s Lover of Books. Moderator: Laura Beth Vietor, founder Literary Blog, The LB’s Lover of Books

12 - 2:30 pm - Round Robin Luncheon -$35 person/ $210 group price for Table of 7
What’s better than hanging out with your friends, eating lunch, and hearing about new books? Discover a new favorite author with our version of literary speed dating. Each participating author visits your table for 10 minutes to share information about their latest work. There will be a cost for the luncheon. Group table rates will be available.
Contact for more information.

1:45 – 2:30 pm - Round Robin Luncheon Book Signing - Attendees can purchase books and have them signed and personalized.

3 - 4:30 pm - Closing Session: Celebrating the Backroads
Is Southern Fiction on the rise? What do we know about this genres of Southern Fiction Is Southern Fiction on the rise? What do we know about this genres of Southern Fiction, Gothic, and Noir? Join publishers, agents, and editors discussing their views on the genre.
1250 Gallery, Revolution Mill, 2001 Yanceyville St.
James Tate Hill- Senior Publications Editor, AWP and author of Academy Gothic
Zachary Honey- Agent at Fine Print Literary and author of Blood and Bourbon
and possibly other special guests
Moderator: Jeri Rowe, editor at large, Our State Magazine

Confirmed authors:

Scott Blackburn - It Dies With You (Crooked Lane Books, 2022)
Wes Browne - They All Fall The Same (Crooked Lane Books, 2025)
Russell W Johnson - The Mountain Mystic (Shotgun Honey, 2024)
Meagan Lucas - Here in the Dark (Shotgun Honey, 2023)
Kelly Mustian - The River Knows Your Name (Sourcebooks, Inc, 2025)
Joanna Pearson - Bright and Tender Dark (St Martins, 2024)
Eryk Pruitt - Blood Red Summer (Thomas and Mercer, 2024)
Polly Stewart - The Felons' Ball (Harper Collins, 2025)
Henry Wise – Holy City (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2024)

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