REVIEWS
“Emily Edwards offers a fresh approach to ideation and the development of screenplays, laying out existing character types and genres and suggesting ways to mix them up in unique and interesting ways. She also emphasizes the pursuit of truth in fiction that can be more truthful than the recitation of facts.” — Paul Gulino, Professor, Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Chapman University, US
“This is a smartly written, comprehensive book that includes many nuances of screenwriting that other guides ignore.” —Evan Smith, Newhouse School at Syracuse University, US
“The overriding thesis of bringing truth to the writing experience, and having that truth reside in someone’s experience, or life, makes this book a valuable contribution to the field.”—Bob Arnett, Old Dominion University, US
“Captures the South in its paradox of professing one set of moral values but living another and how this created a vibrant music and social scene.”
“Great stories from local blues men and women about the character of local blues “drink houses”
“This book takes you away from your plain ghost or zombie stories bringing something else altogether to stimulate your mind and broaden your imagination. As an avid reader I am always looking for the perfect tale. I came across this incredible writer and all I can say is THIS is how it’s done! Short stories are certainly not everyone’s cup of words, but many people simply don’t realise how supremely satisfying it is to read a complete story with vivid characters, engaging plot and the all important twist…in a small, delicious package.”
“This is a fantastic collection of Christmas themed horror! The perfect accompaniment to a winters night. Not a dud story among them, just wonderful!”
“This is so much more than a historical look at the ‘juke joint’/’drink house’ culture that existed in the South. It is a joyous romp through these places by musicians who actually experienced them. Bars, Blues, and Booze brings to life one of the most sought-after experiences blues fans seek out. With the diminishing number of these establishments today, we are treated to a bar seat on the front line of live music and the blues. Many of us may never be able to visit a drink house or a juke joint, but we have this book. Lovingly assembled by Emily D. Edwards, we can see and hear the events almost firsthand. There are stories here that will open your eyes and ears, and more importantly, teach us the way it was from the people who lived it.”– Chef Jimi Patricola, Blues411: Where Blues Thrives
“I found the book difficult to put down, as I found the behind-the-scenes stories amusing, engaging, and enlightening. The author exhibits a true love for the subject matter, and I am not aware of any other book-length publication that covers the connection between the musical community and the drink houses of the American South.”– Laura Moody, Association for Recorded Sound Collections Journal
“Emily D. Edwards’ Bars, Blues, and Booze: Stories From the Drink House is an engrossing collection of stories from musicians, music lovers, and other denizens of “drink houses”—alcohol-serving music venues, both legal and illegal—and the scene that surrounds them. Taken together, these oral histories provide a fascinating glimpse into the richly complex nature of southern music culture.”– Melanie Young, Living Blues
“Emily Edwards provides the reader with a glimpse into the social world of ‘drink houses,’ the unlicensed (and hence illegal) drinking establishments that serve as alternative sites for alcohol and popular music-driven ‘house parties. ‘ These drink houses served as nexus points for ‘fellow travelers’ in the late twentieth century, for individuals who were driven by their love of authentic American music, which, by virtue of it being performed mostly by African Americans, was not readily accessible in mainstream racist and race-conscious America during that period. Through a collection of in-depth interviews with drink house musicians, drawn primarily from the Piedmont region of North Carolina, from which the term ‘Piedmont Blues’ originated, patrons, and other key people in the drink house subculture, Edwards provides an intimate and intriguing portrait of an important part of the American popular music tapestry.”– Jonathon S. Epstein, Greensboro College