The Shadow
BECKLEY, W.Va. (VR) — Burm Booksellers will host a book signing event with local author B.K. Clay on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the bookstore, located at 209 Prince Street.
The event will give fans and book lovers the opportunity to meet the author, have their books signed and engage with the literary community.
Clay, a West Virginia native, has released “Corner of Main and Fayette,” a collection of short stories set in southern West Virginia in the 1970s. The book brings to life a tapestry of stories inspired by the era — one of camaraderie, mischief and unforgettable personalities. From the Jaycee organization at its peak to escapades in a tight-knit Appalachian town, the 12 tales blend truth with fiction in a way that will have readers laughing, reminiscing and reflecting. The book won the Literary Global Awards in 2025 and was a finalist in the American Book Awards for short stories in 2025.
About the Author
Born and raised in West Virginia, B.K. Clay grew up in Beckley, where community meant everything. He excelled in academics and athletics at Sophia High School before earning a Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University Institute of Technology and an MBA from the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies.
His professional career led him to a long tenure in newspapers, where he retired as a newspaper executive. Before his corporate career, Clay made a mark on his community through involvement with the West Virginia Jaycees, a statewide civic organization dedicated to leadership and volunteerism among young adults.
Clay joined the Beckley Jaycees and was elected local president in 1972. He rose through the West Virginia organization and in May 1975 was elected the 35th president of the West Virginia Jaycees. During his term, he traveled the state, delivering more than 100 speeches, rallying local chapters to greater service and inspiring civic pride. His campaign slogan — “All the Way with B.K. Clay” — became a rallying cry for young West Virginians. His leadership also opened doors to state and national political circles, where he met prominent senators and President Gerald Ford.
As a newspaper operations director, Clay worked at several publications and traveled throughout the U.S., with trips to Europe and Japan. He later became a certified fly-fishing instructor through Fly Fishers International and fished waters from Alaska to Costa Rica. Wherever he traveled, his storytelling became his trademark.
Clay lives with his wife, Judy, his high school sweetheart, and remains close to his family, including his daughter, a medical doctor. In retirement, he has found in storytelling a new way to serve — by capturing the essence of a time and place that shaped him and countless others who came of age in the hills and hollows of West Virginia.
Event Details
The signing will begin with a meet-and-greet, giving attendees the chance to interact with Clay, ask questions and take photographs. Clay will then sign copies of “Corner of Main and Fayette.” Book signing will be limited to three copies per person.
The event will also feature a Q&A session covering Clay’s creative process, inspirations and future projects.
Coffee and doughnuts will be provided by the author and Burm Booksellers throughout the event.
“Corner of Main and Fayette” is available at Burm Booksellers, 209 Prince St., and online at Amazon and IngramSpark as an e-book, paperback or hardback. More information about the author is available at bookbybkclay.com.
Admission is free. For more information, contact Burm Booksellers at 304-228-3255 or follow the store on Facebook.
