The warm summer breeze of June threads through the trees surrounding Orchard House. The limbs of fig, apple and pear trees sway in a delicate waltz with the shimmering blades of grass below. Embarking from the Harvest Room, a gathering of writers emerges with their pens poised and laptops aglow.

This group of students came together to attend a weeklong session of “Creative Writing Across Genres” with Rosemary Royston, a woman whose wisdom has echoed within the halls of the Folk School for over a decade.

“I’ve lived in the area for 30 years,” Royston said. “I had gone to the Fall Festivals and was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is so cool.’ Even one of my former professors taught there. I’m like, ‘Wouldn’t that be the dream?’”

Royston, an Assistant Professor of English at Young Harris College, carries the strong passion of someone born to teach. Her poetic voice has blossomed into two published books: Finishing the Line Press and her full-length collection, Second Sight.

“All the students I encounter at the Folk School bring with them life experiences and expertise from former professions or current jobs that feed into the discussions we have. So, it becomes more of a community that’s created, because people who are drawn to writing, there is some type of connectedness, period. Finding that connectedness in the real world can be challenging at times, but it always happens in the classroom, and we couldn’t have a better classroom than the Folk School,” said Royston.

The Folk School seems to wrap its arms around those who visit, as its earthy charm and birdsong chorus work to create a sanctuary of creativity. Royston, who earned her MFA from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky in 2009, can feel the magic of campus.

“It has this way of connecting one with nature and creativity in a way you’re not going to get just sitting in your own studio because the view, the change of scenery is always inspiring,” said Royston. “So being able to be cared for more or less and listen to music, Morningsong, dancing, going over to The Crown, all of those things allow one to step out of the daily grind.”

Connected by a shared appreciation of language, students take time to respond and reflect in class. Ideas are spilled onto paper; voices emerge from silence, and original stories fill the air like the dense morning fog of Brasstown Valley.

“My goals are always to introduce students to some new writers and make their writing stronger and not to be intimidated,” said Royston. “So, I want them to know all levels of writing or writers are welcome. Even if you’ve never written anything creatively, you’re going to get something out of the class.”

As the last lines are written and the rhythmic typing of keyboards subsides, echoes of inspiration linger—tucked into journal pages and the humming of laptop screens. Royston’s presence at the Folk School and her upcoming workshop in Murphy emphasize how inspiration can live in quiet moments, unveiled by the willingness to try something new.

“Since I have a range of knowledge in the room, some people might have an English degree, or maybe a retired teacher. Some people don’t know what a metaphor is. So, I do my best to meet them where they are and explain things some people might know and elevate the conversation for topics, you’re not going to get in an intro class, or so those who are more advanced can also be intellectually engaged,” said Royston.

This summer, the same imaginative spirit will waft into Olive’s Porch, where Royston will lead a day-long session dedicated to nurturing voices of every ability. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or trying something new, “Creative Writing Across Genres” offers a welcoming space. Join her on Saturday, August 23, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a workshop that promises connection, encouragement and the chance to discover the writer within.