Author: Brian Railsback

Dr. Brian Railsback is an English professor at Western Carolina University and the 2023 Steve Kemp Writer in Residence. Railsback has published numerous articles, essays, and book chapters in addition to the monograph Parallel Expeditions: Charles Darwin and the Art of John Steinbeck and the novel The Darkest Clearing. In 2006, he won the Ernest Hemingway-inspired Prose for Papa Short Story Award, and in 2015, he was elected to the editorial board of the Steinbeck Review. His forthcoming novel, Peter Quince Becomes a Bear, is in the final revision stage after the draft was completed during the 2023 Steve Kemp Writer’s Residency.

Six weeks in the Park—Part 3: Good looping

Editor’s Note: This essay is part of a series written during Railback’s stay in the park from June 22 to August 4, 2023. Afternoons here are for looping. July days are hot and humid. I stick a water bottle in my pocket, put sunscreen on, strap on the helmet, and ride my bike from the front […]

Six weeks in the Park—Part 2: Camp walks

Though modern gadgetries could be found throughout, Railsback likened the Cades Cove campground to a neighborhood from half a century ago. Provided by NPS.

Editor’s Note: This essay is part of a series written during Railback’s stay in the park from June 22 to August 4, 2023. At this Great Smoky Mountains National Park apartment that I call Second Acts, dusk is the time for camp walks. The stream of cars leaving Cades Cove Loop Road thins out. As the […]

Six Weeks in the Park—Part 1: Second Acts

Foggy morning at Cable Mill in Cades Cove.

Editor’s Note: This essay is part of a series written during Railback’s stay in the park from June 22 to August 4, 2023. I live at a place called Second Acts, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will not find Second Acts on a map; this is the name I’ve given my home for […]

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GET THE LATEST FROM THE SMOKIES

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive eNews from Great Smoky Mountains Association, P.O. Box 130, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, US, http://www.smokiesinformation.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION

is a proud partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the National Park Service

115 Park Headquarters Rd. Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865.436.7318    mailorder@gsmassoc.org

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