Fulks promotes latest book about Appalachian stories
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, June 14, 2006
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Author Danny Fulks has spent the past three years working on a follow-up to his locally-beloved book “Tragedy on Greasy Ridge: True Stories from Appalachian Ohio.”
Now, he is ready to go on the road promoting the work, a collection of short stories with the rather lengthy title “Tick Ridge Faces the South: True Stories, Memories and Rare Photos from Appalachia and the South.” The book is published by The Jesse Stuart Foundation in Ashland, Ky.
There are 12 stories in the book and, as with all of his works, Fulks
said they follow the same theme.
“I write things that are about country people from a country person’s point of view,” the author said.
He continued, “After you strip me of my doctorate degree, I’m still a country person.”
About half of the new book focuses on life in Lawrence County, the centerpiece of many of his works. However, Fulks said he has tried to encompass a more regional flavor by adding stories from other areas. One example is the historic piece about Floyd Collins entitled “Buried Five Times.” In 1925, Collins was a caver who died after being trapped for two weeks in a cave at Mammoth Caves, Cave City, Ky. Fulks described Collins’ story as one of his favorites he penned for his latest work.
“I think this is the first time its been told from the perspective of the local people (in Cave City),” he said.
Some of the stories in the book are left over from the final editing of “Tragedy on Greasy Ridge,” Fulks said, and are based on Greasy Ridge and Tick Ridge.
The book also has a number of historic photos.
Fulks will be coming to South Point June 27 for a book signing and will also make two appearances this week in Huntington.