A Blacksburg man has published his fifth book, The Colton Stories, which centers on a fictional compilation that depicts a rural community and its people.
Sam Linkous describes the new book as some sad times; some happy and whimsical times, some funny times, and all that comes in between.
“The book follows the lives of various characters as they interact with one another throughout their everyday lives,” Linkous said.
One character is Old Charlie, whose life is woven in and out of the stories throughout the book, which gives readers a glimpse into the lives of the characters as they go about their daily lives, living and loving, helping each other, and doing what is necessary to get by during somewhat hard times in a rural community somewhere in Appalachia.
Linkous is an author, photographer and artist. He admits he wrote the new book because he had some stories that he wanted to tell.
“One thing led to another, as they say, and I realized that if I blended the pieces together, that I may have something that others might enjoy. That’s pretty much the story with all of my art and writing. I enjoy sharing it and always love it when others enjoy it too,” he said.
Sam is a tenth-generation Appalachian who grew up in Montgomery County. His father worked as a coal miner in the Merrimac and McCoy mines in the 1930s and 1940s. He returned to college in his late 30’s and completed his undergraduate degree and master’s degree at Radford University, with degrees and concentrations in Art, English and Appalachian Studies.
Assistant to the Director
old-time music
Growing up in Blacksburg has influenced Linkous’ writings.
“Well, we all are affected by our surroundings, whether we realize it or not. Growing up in a rural area and raised by honest, hard-working parents, I hope that I gained some of the values they showed. I think my writing was affected the most because I remember little incidents, or people, or just things I heard people talking about, and it’s fun to take those little pieces and give them personalities,” he said.
Though most of his writings are fiction, there’s always a little bit of those people and stories thrown in the mix. As for his art, Linkous can’t honestly tell you where that comes from.
“It took me many years to let go of my previous notions and thoughts on trying to reproduce something on canvas, rather than just producing. Many times, I’m just as surprised as anyone else when I finish a piece, to see how it turns out. I seldom know what it’s going to look like till it’s finished. That’s the fun part. Making myself let go and creating a style of my own is the reason I am still doing it,” he said.
His other books have also caught a lot of attention.
He co-wrote Blooming Valley, with a friend, Dexter Alexander, who lives in Somerset, Kentucky.
Linkous labels it a “call and response” type format, each reacting to the other.
“Sometimes, my art invoked responses, and at other times, I did the art to coincide with what one of us had written. This book is a look into a place called Blooming Valley, where flower farming is king and around the industry. It may be considered whimsical and imaginative but is mainly a fun journey into a land where the weather is always fair and the people deal with their everyday lives. Ultimately, when the Valley is threatened, it is saved by the existence of a thought-to-be-extinct flower, the Mumazalea, and the waters of Blooming Creek will forever flow freely, as an ancient treaty demanded,” he said.
…to this day, and maybe a little folklore thrown in. … One such poem is “Corn Bread.”
Another of his books is Slate Creek and Other Stories, which is a compilation of a couple longer “short” stories, some short pieces, and some poetry.
In the works at this time is a new book called “Sacred Ground and Other Collected Poems,” which will be a collection of Sam’s poems, some previously published, but mostly unpublished pieces. He hopes to have that by the end of the year.
All of Linkous’ books are available at Amazon Books. Just search for Sam Linkous and you’ll see the books, ranging in price from $8.99 to $19.99.
