The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) began publishing eMerge, to offer novice and established WCDH writers of diverse genres an opportunity to see their work published and to nurture their artistic endeavors. eMerge Acquisitions Editor Charles Templeton explained, “It is our hope that by promoting the work of those who stayed with us, we are also promoting WCDH as a sanctuary for creativity.” The first edition, in which fifteen WCDH alumni were published, became available in the summer of 2017. Four issues are planned for 2022 with about 40 literary pieces in each. Submissions for the 2022 issues of eMerge are open through October 1, 2021.
The Dairy Hollow Echo, released in August 2020, is an anthology of selected works from eMerge. It features 107 stories, poems, essays, and other creative work by 87 authors. Templeton said, “Dairy Hollow Echo writers ask us to look deep within ourselves and question who we are and where we are going. They ask us to look at our values and morality and equate them to our actions with those we love, those who are different, those we envy, and those we despise. Their stories ask us to share their experiences or to enjoy the moment and be entertained. And when you read these stories, you will have a greater understanding of the power of the human spirit and why language is so important.”
Writers who contributed to the Dairy Hollow Echo have been enthusiastic in their praise of the book’s design and content. Feedback includes:
“I just received some print copies I ordered of Dairy Hollow Echo and am impressed with the quality of this book. I can't wait to read every one of the stories and poems. Just by perusing it, the outstanding quality is obvious. It is an amazing collection of top-notch writing, and it is clear it took substantial effort to produce it. Thanks so much for this effort in support of writers.” ~ Nikki Hanna, Author, Speaker, and Writing Coach
“The book is beautiful! I am so honored to have my poem Seashells a part of this creative project! ~ Anna Gall, Poet
“What a beautiful anthology! Thank you so much for your recognition of my piece, My Red Shoes on my little sister who bravely lived a life challenged with cerebral palsy. She helped shape my life and set the bar for the type of person I aspire to be.” ~ Annie Klier Newcomer, Poet
“This is absolutely wonderful!! I am honored and grateful to have my poem included in this anthology. In addition, the cover of the anthology is stunning—Wow! Just amazing. Thank you again. I feel so fortunate to be a part of the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow community.” ~ Sallie Crotty, Writer and Educator
WCDH Executive Director Michelle Hannon said, “The vision of WCDH is, to be a sanctuary where writing is encouraged, shared, honored, and respected. eMerge is a wonderful platform for us to promote our writers and share work that is as diverse as they are. The Dairy Hollow Echo is an apt celebration of our writers and the impact that WCDH has had made over the last 20 years.” The Dairy Hollow Echo may be purchased at WCDH during office hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00). Print and Kindle versions are also available from Amazon. Proceeds benefit the WCDH scholarship fund and the continuation of eMerge. Past issues of eMerge are available at https://emerge-writerscolony.org.
The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow would like to thank board member Charles Templeton, his wife Sandra, and his daughter Cat, for conceiving the idea for a WCDH online literary magazine, seeing it through to fruition, and nurturing it for the last five years. Together, they spend over 400 hours on editing, artistic design, and coding to publish eMerge on behalf of WCDH. If it wasn’t for their support, eMerge would not exist.
The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow is a 501(c)3 nonprofit literary arts organization whose mission is to nurture writers of all genres, backgrounds, and levels of experience in a supportive environment that builds community, energizes creative expression, stimulates new thinking, and optimizes productivity. Since opening its doors to writers in 2000, the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow has made a lasting impact on the arts and literary communities hosting over 1,700 writers from 48 states and 13 countries. For more information, please visit www.writerscolony.org or call Michelle Hannon or Jeanne Glass at (479)253-7444.