About us
Steve Vannoy was born and raised in Bluefield, West Virginia, to Curtis “Smokey” and Peggy Vannoy. A grandson, nephew, and cousin of several coal miners throughout Appalachia, Steve gained a unique perspective into the history of McDowell County where both of his parents were born and raised. His love of West Virginia and its rich history from an early age led him to become a winner of the “Golden Horseshoe” award. Trained as an industrial engineer at West Virginia University he worked in various industries across the state. Steve’s mission in writing these stories is to preserve the life and community light on the place called home tucked in between the hills and hollows of southern West Virginia. He is the co-founder of an award-winning publishing company, Authors Who Lead, and spends his time with his partner, family, and two adorable pups.
Azul Terronez is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author. His TEDx talk about what makes a good teacher great has been viewed 4 million times. This is his first novel and he is proud to share his partner’s love for West Virginia. He spends his time writing books, coaching authors, and telling stories from the stage. When not writing he is spending time with his family and playing with his rambunctious dogs.
Dedications
This book is dedicated to the loving memory of “Smokey” Curtis Vannoy and to all those who call West Virginia home
Acknowledgments
To our dad, Smokey,
There are so many things I could write about our Dad, Smokey, and how much he inspired us to write these stories. His passion for storytelling and his belief in the importance of life and love were the driving forces behind this book. We are forever grateful for his influence and the stories he shared with us.
Dad gave us a glimpse into what life was like when he grew up in the hollers of Northfork, West Virginia. The stories and his perspective were so unique of the communities in that part of Appalachia. Throughout his life he watched the area rise and fall economically and socially. It’s like Dad got to see it toward the high points and also the big decline. Growing up near a red light district named Cinder Bottom, in a place misunderstood by most of the world outside of McDowell County, West Virginia. Dad saw the good in people and also got to see the wild side of coal mining communities where corruption, gambling, and prostitution were kept in business for decades in a remote and hidden place in the mountains of southern West Virginia.
“a captivating journey from start to finish.”
Kim Karpowitz, Utah