HopeWords Is at Home in Bluefield, WV: A Small Town with Big Hospitality 

Surrounded by the magnificent Appalachian Mountains, Bluefield, West Virginia is a hidden treasure that takes some effort to reach. Recognized for its rich history, hospitality, and small-town appeal, Bluefield leaves a mark on each person who stops in. The sixth annual HopeWords Writers’ Conference took place there on April 12 and 13, 2024. Travis Lowe and Robbie Gaines started HopeWords in 2019, hoping to draw in people from the surrounding areas to come and see that Bluefield is still one of the most beautiful places in the world.  

 At one point, Bluefield was a major hub of train activity due to the coal fields and was known as “Little New York.” Time hasn’t always been kind to this little city, as the coal mines have ebbed and flowed in their call to the men and women who live and work there. Bluefield and the Appalachian region have largely become an area forgotten and ridiculed by the outside world. Even so, the history in this place is so very rich. It’s home to an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Bluefield State University, Duke Ellington kept a piano at a local home in the city, and Ike and Tina Turner stayed at a local inn. Another recognizable name is John Nash, the inspiration behind the movie “A Beautiful Mind.” He grew up in Bluefield, and his house is still standing, graced with a plaque. There are so many other examples of integral members of history who have stopped in or called this place their home. 

 

 

 

 

 

Travis Lowe and Robbie Gaines were pastors in this small community, one from an IPHC background, the other a Baptist, when their friendship was first marked with a shared vision and love for Bluefield. They started working to bring local business owners together to study the Word and help each other by keeping as much business in the area as possible, discussing needs, and seeing how those needs could be met in their hometown. They found great success in these gatherings, but soon, their collaboration would reach beyond just local business owners. Lowe, an avid reader who wanted to meet some of the authors inspiring him in a newfound love of writing, asked Gaines if he thought they could bring some of these writers in. Other places have writers’ conferences; why not Bluefield? Gaines, a fellow dreamer, was excited, and the planning for a writers’ conference had begun.  

 

 

 

There was a lot to consider: Bluefield is difficult to get to, with the closest airport being almost two hours away. Would people be willing to make the trek to this little town? Would there even be enough interest? Would Bluefield be able to accommodate an influx of people?  

 All worries aside, they got to work. The first conference came together quickly and was attended by a little less than 100 people; the keynote speaker for that first conference in 2019 was Dr. Karen Swallow Pryor. Gaines, who pastored a church on the campus of Bluefield College (now Bluefield University) in Bluefield, Virginia, arranged for the event to be held in the campus chapel, where it stayed for the first three HopeWords events. As the event grew in attendance each year, it soon became apparent that HopeWords would need a bigger venue if they continued to grow. The perfect spot was about to become available – just across the state line in Bluefield, West Virginia: The Granada Theatre.  

 

 

The Granada Theatre has a storied past of its own. Opened in January of 1928, it was originally designed for Vaudeville acts and brought in the varied talents of Marian Anderson, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Greer Carson. As the years passed, the theater fell into disrepair and was used as a roller rink and a nightclub. In 2012, a few ambitious community members came together to begin the restoration process. There was a lot of pushback at the time, as the theater’s location had become increasingly run-down and even dangerous; it was unlikely to draw people in and be sustainable. The town leaders needed to see that the Granada could be successful. The Blue Spoon, a local café, was started on the same street where the theatre was located and over several years proved to be a successful investment. The revitalization of the area had begun, and the theatre had more supporters than ever! It was restored to its former glory, with many period-perfect pieces and designs highlighted within. Lowe shared that he holds a special place in his heart for the Granada Theatre, as it embodies hope, of what can be accomplished when you remember the past but look towards the future and dream about what could be.  

 

This year’s HopeWords event began on Friday evening with a sold-out crowd of more than 425. The Allen Smith Band set the tone for a unique time of easy-going inspiration with light jazz music.  

Allen Smith 

 

Next, Faith Center Church, a local congregation, shared their praise team, led by the pastor, Bishop Fred Brown.  

 

 

Aaron Hanbury, editor of “Common Good” magazine and representative for sponsor Made to Flourish, led the attendees in prayer. Travis Lowe came to the stage next, beginning this sixth HopeWords event as he had the previous five, by sharing his essay, “Bluefield: Light of the World.” Lowe’s words are an integral part of the event, as he sets the stage for why the event is held in Bluefield and how this forgotten area and its people are a beautiful picture of Hope.  

 

 

The theme for this year’s HopeWords was “inbetweenness.” Lowe shared that inbetweenness can have many meanings, one of which can point to living between cultures. Daniel Nayeri, the Keynote Speaker on Friday night, knows quite a bit about living between cultures. Born in Iran, his mother became a Christian while he was still a young boy, and to save their lives – due to persecution, they were forced to become refugees to America. He shared some of his own thoughts about what it means to be “inbetween”; the idea of “already but not yet.” Just as all of humanity, whether they believe in God or not, longs for heaven, we all feel “fernweh,” which is a German word meaning “farsickness.”  

 

 

The evening was not one of only heavy thinking, though. Nayeri used humor to punctuate his ideas about this concept, sharing how no other community of people writes more wistful songs than those from the Appalachian Mountains. He led the attendees in singing a few of those songs. Nayeri also light-heartedly ruffled a few feathers when he proclaimed, “There will be no books in Heaven.” There was a collective gasp among the assembled writers, because who wants to believe that their words will not stand the test of eternity? Nayeri explained that we want to believe that Heaven will be more of our favorite things; however, Biblically, Heaven will be holy. One attendee, Deana Miller, shared this about Nayeri: “I was not familiar with Daniel Nayeri before coming. I am a fan now. He was such a dynamic and fun speaker.” 

 Amanda Held Opelt, an author and musician, followed Nayeri with a traditional folk song and an original that touched on her feelings about the recent total eclipse. Friday night ended with an opportunity for the attendees to fellowship; local churches and individuals made desserts that were shared following the benediction.  

 

 

Saturday morning opened with music performed by Noah Spencer, a talented young man who hails from thirty minutes up the road in Richlands, Virginia. He was recently a contestant on the reality talent show The Voice. He shared some of his favorite songs, ending with “I Saw the Light.” Dr. Justo Gonzalez was the first speaker for the day. He shared many inspirational words, such as: “Don’t be afraid to publish before all your ideas are all finished,” “We are taught to write to impress people instead of to write to communicate,” and lastly, “We tend to think that the importance of the Word of God is that it tells us something. The importance of the Word of God is that it does something.”  

 

 

 

 

Mitali Perkins followed Dr. Gonzalez. In a segment entitled “I’m from stories,” she discussed the idea of being from or coming from stories. She encouraged the attendees to understand that “Stories belong to the reader” and that writers should “Leave room for the reader.” She also mentioned that sometimes, as writers, we try too hard to send a message; it becomes propaganda.  

 

 

An extended break of two hours allowed people to eat a meal in the town, shop at the bookstore set up in the Clover Club, look through the old antique stores nearby, or visit the House of Art and the One Thin Dime Museum. Serrah Thomas, an attendee born in the Virgin Islands who currently lives in Maryland, shared this about her experience in Bluefield: “The history is amazing, along with the resilience of the people. The love of the residents for their home is infectious.” Upon returning from the lunch break, Amanda Held Opelt took the stage again to share a few more songs.  

The first speaker after lunch was Hannah Anderson. She encouraged the attendees to write regardless of their current circumstances and not to wait for everything to be “just right.” Writing with words of hope proves that “no matter what evil does to stop it, goodness, truth, and beauty will always emerge.”  

 

 

Next, the much-anticipated Jackie Hill Perry encouraged the writers to be true to their voices, not to “bend or shapeshift.” She emphasized the importance of “knowing who you are and honoring that so that it’s your voice” that the reader hears. Perry shared that even if there are numerous other books on the same subject that you are pursuing, none are written by you. Billy Douglas, a first-time attendee, reflected on Perry’s ideas as he thought about what he would carry from this conference: “Never change your original words or thoughts.” 

 

 

Next, Sam Smith, a speaker who has been a part of every HopeWords to date, shared a humor-filled session poking fun at Travis Lowe, bringing much laughter to the event. He also included several pieces of helpful advice, such as “invest in creation and connection” and “remember your roots.”  

 

 

Daniel Nayeri returned to the stage after Smith to answer questions that the attendees had on any number of subjects, from the writing process to publishing issues to personal questions about Nayeri’s writing history and motivations. Nayeri kept the tone light, encouraging the writers to “tell it simply and tell it true.” The last speaker of the event was Dr. Lewis Brogdon. He focused on the importance and necessity of writing from hard places, focusing on the lessons we can learn from the prison epistles in the Bible. Brogdon emphasized that “ministry is not just what is spoken, it’s also what is written.”  

 

 

HopeWords is set apart from other conferences because it isn’t an opportunity to “sell” yourself or your book. Jonna J. LeVan, a first-time attendee, shared: “HopeWords was a writer’s conference like no other.  I came with usual expectations of conferences like these.  HopeWords was friendly, unpretentious, and generous.  There was no atmosphere of marketing or networking.  There was a sense of personal, deep connection with writing and with the Lord.” This conference is a place for inspiration and refreshing—an opportunity to restore your soul. Steph Cherry, who has attended three HopeWords conferences, shared what sets HopeWords apart in her mind: “Heart. I am not that interested in learning writing techniques. You come to Bluefield to be inspired in the places Christ met you in death and sparked hope.” 

Katherine Cooper Wyma, an English Professor from Anderson, South Carolina, who has also attended three HopeWords conferences, explained how HopeWords re-infuses her with hope and excitement at the end of a long year: “HopeWords is such a boost and encouragement. It comes at the end of my academic year when I am tired and worn. But every time I leave encouraged in my own stories and writing and with faith that God can give me the words I need to keep going.” 

Next year’s HopeWords will take place at the Granada Theatre again on April 4 & 5, 2025 and will be just as inspirational, hospitable, and encouraging as the ones that have gone before. Christian Wiman will be the keynote speaker, and while the entire line-up hasn’t been decided, we know he will be joined by Dr. Craig Keener, the regulars Hannah Anderson, S.D. Smith, and Dr. Lewis Brogdon. If you cannot attend in person, consider purchasing a ticket to attend virtually. Lowe and Gaines added the virtual option in 2021, and they have seen the online presence grow quickly in the last few years. 

The HopeWords team is also excited to announce that it is expanding its reach this fall with “Painters. Prophets. Poets.” According to its website: “Painters. Prophets. Poets. is a weekend conference in Oklahoma City for everyone who is trying to embody the good, true, and beautiful through their life and work. The event is designed to promote redemptive creativity, counteract current fragmentation, and inspire participants in their shared calling of cultural renewal.” You will see a few familiar faces, like Makoto Fujimura, Dr. Malcolm Guite, Hannah Anderson, Miroslav Volf, and Travis Lowe, and some new faces in Beth Moore and Haejin Shim Fujimura.  

 

 

To learn more about the experience that can only be had at HopeWords in Bluefield, West Virginia, visit: HopeWords.org 

 

To register for Painters. Prophets. Poets., please visit: https://hopeconferences.regfox.com/painters-prophets-poets