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By Buzz Trexler
Star Correspondent

In the waning months of the summer of 2024, word began to spread on social media that a new publication highlighting life in Roan Mountain was in the works.

As fall emerged, the sunflower-bedecked cover of Roan Mountain Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 1, could be found at various distribution points in and around the village in September. Inside, readers found an introductory column describing the goals, plans, and what could be expected in that and future editions; a “Business Spotlight,” featuring The Appalachian Station at 19E and H&H Whiteway Grill; the requisite guide to fall colors; and an amusing look at odd sayings, expressions, and more in a piece titled “Say What?”

That was not the extent of the content, and if it’s whetted your appetite, the publisher, Amy Campbell Clark, has been forward-thinking enough to create a website, roanmountainmagazine.com, where you can find digital versions of that and other editions.

As any publisher or editor will tell you, getting the first edition of a publication out the door and on the street is filled with planning, hard work, anticipation, relief, and even a certain amount of joy when one holds a copy in your hands. Then comes the realization that you have to do it again.

For Clark, the second edition — slated for October — was the most challenging, thanks to Hurricane Helene. “I ended up having to skip publishing that month, which wasn’t optimal so soon out of the gate, but our advertisers and the community understood,” she said.

The magazine is currently an all-volunteer production with a dedicated team, Clark said, “though I hope to build our advertiser base to the point where we can pay writers and photographers for their submissions.”

However, she admits to struggling with selling advertising, but not because businesses are uninterested in the product. “I’m a writer, and you know we creative types don’t exactly thrive on rejection,” she said, “but luckily, Roan Mountain businesses have been incredibly supportive.”

In early February, as she was publishing the fifth edition, Clark took time out to answer a series of questions by email, including one about staffing, making it clear, “I may gently steer this thing, but it’s a team effort. A community effort.”

She’s appreciative of each one, sharing details about their work. Among her current contributors:

• Editorial assistant Diana Stockton, who writes a short story each month, but also “takes on other writing as needed, helps with proofreading, and is a wealth of local knowledge. In addition to being a friend and cheerleader!”
• Staff photographer Faith Lynn, who “captures beautiful nature scenes plus great flora and fauna shots as well. When I need a local image, she either has it already or will go shoot it.”
• Noah Blair, who writes features and “The Last Word” column, “a slice-of-life piece on pretty much whatever he’s compelled to share.” Blair also has been writing “The Grace Place,” a column focusing on Christianity, while Clark looks for someone to permanently take on that task.
• Jon Strydom, owner of 2nd Amendment Arts, a local Roan Mountain gunsmith, writes “Gun Talk,” sharing his expertise on firearms. “In a community where hunting is a favorite pastime and there are guns in most households, his knowledge is greatly appreciated,” Clark said.
• Ranger Marcianne O’Day, of Roan Mountain State Park, writes “News from the Roan” with updates about the park and “information about all things wild.”

Clark said readers also submit photos and articles for publication, including recipes that are published under “Taste of the Roan.”

Clark likely knows that in the publishing world there is a saying: “Content is king.”

“I’m talking with Cloudland High School staff about a variety of ways we can get the kids involved, such as writing about community history for a section called ‘Remember When’ and several other possibilities, hopefully, to include internships,” she said.

“I also want to add that we are always interested in articles, photos, and ideas from Roan Mountain residents,” she said. “This is a community magazine, and we welcome their input and participation.”

“Lastly, but certainly not least, I would really like to encourage everyone to please thank our advertisers for supporting the magazine, and also, let our contributors know when you enjoy their articles or photos,” Clark said. “It’s not always easy to put your creations, whether it’s words or pictures, out there for the world to see. Let them know when you enjoy it — make someone’s day!”

The magazine can be found at over 50 locations in and around Roan Mountain. “We’re still fine-tuning our distribution list, though, and plan to increase that number in the coming months,” she said.