First Book News of 2025

and a damn good cause to go with it

I have been dying to share this with you all since I was first asked to contribute to this anthology. One because it’s my first foray into the adult market and new experiences are always fun. (Well, always might be pushing it.) And second—and more importantly—the proceeds from this uplifting collection of part craft, part inspiration essays are 100% going to two organizations helping Asheville NC rebuilding/recovery process. As someone who has benefited from fundraising in the past—twice—and who has had to figure out how to keep writing, and sometimes keep going through major crises and disasters, the entire project filled my heart.

Isn’t that cover fantastic!

An auction for this stunning accompanying art piece will also be part of the fundraiser.

Here’s the rest of the details. Please share far and wide and consider buying a copy or two when this comes out in March—for yourself, a gift, or to donate—and know you’re contributing to a great cause as well.

The following is from the Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Book Donates 100% of Profits to Rebuild Asheville After Hurricane Helene

Spinning Toward the Sun: Essays on Writing, Resilience, and the Creative Life will donate 100% of proceeds to support Asheville’s Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Asheville, North Carolina, February 2025—Spinning Toward the Sun: Essays on Writing, Resilience, and the Creative Life is a new guidebook for writers that blends inspiration, insight, and practical advice from an array of nationally-acclaimed and diverse authors. Part craft manual and part life companion, Spinning is a heartfelt reflection on writing, resilience, and the power of community in the face of adversity. Contributors share personal stories and advice, offering both inspiration and hands-on guidance to fellow creatives and anyone dealing with tough times.

But Spinning Toward the Sun is more than a collection of essays—it is a call to action. 100% of the proceeds from every book will go to the recovery of Hurricane Helene.

Helene struck months ago, but the work to rebuild Asheville and its surrounding areas is still just beginning. All proceeds from Spinning will be evenly split between Beloved Asheville and World Central Kitchen, two key organizations dedicated to both long-term community rebuilding and immediate support for frontline workers and residents in the aftermath of Helene. In short, every purchase of Spinning will help provide clean water, food, and financial support for clearing debris, restoring homes, opening schools, and revitalizing the community.

The anthology features essays donated from over 30 established authors, including New York Times-bestseller and former Ashevillian Alan Gratz, National Book Award finalist and two-time Newbery winner Erin Entrada Kelly, and Coretta Scott King & Newbery winner Alicia D. Williams. None of the authors will receive any payment or proceeds from the book; thus, Spinning also serves as a reminder that we all have the capacity to help our communities—with our time, our energy, and our creative gifts.

Spinning Toward the Sun is curated by award-winning Asheville-based author Nora Shalaway Carpenter and published by Burlwood Books, an independent press based in Austin, Texas, with a mission to foster accessible and inclusive art in all its forms. The book will be released on March 18, 2025, and available for purchase everywhere, in both print and eBook. An audiobook version will be released shortly after. Learn more and sign up for updates on the release on the Burlwood Books website at burlwoodbooks.com/spinning.

Spinning also features original, full-size stained-glass artwork by Asheville artist Kelsey Lecky, to be auctioned in support of Hurricane Helene relief:

About Burlwood Books

Burlwood Books is an independent press based in Austin, Texas, known for its authentic approach to publishing diverse and sometimes under-celebrated authors. Its books are full of unapologetically-accessible poetry, storytelling, and vibrant art. Burlwood strives to see beauty in even the most overlooked corners, and believes in the power of words and art to create positive change and bring people together—one raw, beautiful page at a time.

For media inquiries, review copies, or more information, please contact:

Natalie Runnels

Burlwood Books

natalie@burlwoodbooks.com

burlwoodbooks.com