Ivey Celebrates the Release of New Book
By Leah Baldwin
Professor Randall “Randy” Ivey’s newest book, The Gift of Gab, takes the reader back to the fictitious town of Compton, South Carolina. This illusory place was inspired by the decline of Union County. Typically, in Ivey’s novels, the collection of stories is all interconnected with each other, having a similar setting or time period. This collection of stories allows the viewer to take different perspectives from various walks of life, empathizing with a myriad of characters. In a brief overview, this is his fourth collection, following his publications of A New England Romance, The Shape Of A Man: A Novella and Five Stories, and Where the Streets Are Paved With Gold: A novel in the Compton Cycle. His most recent work was published on October 16, 2024, which consists of 194 pages of heartwarming and compelling stories that are interwoven with each other to enthrall the reader with diverse characters who find their path in the fictional setting of Compton, South Carolina.
This collection of stories depicts the struggles and pressures that young people have to face. This publication presents concepts that are close to the heart, such as young people's dreams, bullying, the pressures of youth, and the difficulties of those who have special needs. Ivey hopes some of these depictions of young people’s challenges will be relatable to students here at USC Union. Other themes presented in his newest work that can be interpreted as ‘illusion versus reality’. In some of the stories, there are hints of love, jealousy, and evolution. Additionally, there are significant notions toward economic advancements and destruction of the county, which reflect the current state of Union after the dismantling of the mills.
At the age of thirteen, Professor Ivey knew that he wanted to be a writer. He found inspiration from different comic books, movies, and stories. Additionally, music was a significant source of inspiration for his novellas and stories, particularly artists such as Bob Dylan and John Lennon. Poetry and literature also swayed his creative ambition after reading the works of Edgar Allen Poe and William Faulkner.
This inspiration can be seen in his work as he masterfully creates an entire compounded universe that all his characters share as one, equivalent to the concept that was used by both Faulkner and Balzac. Ivey stated that he also draws inspiration from other writers such as Goyen and Chekhov.
When asked about any advice he had for student writers, Ivey expressed the importance of discipline and diligence. The hard work must be done before publication can become an option. Ivey also stressed the importance of reading, which is pivotal to the success of a professionally written book. “Any up-and-coming writer must possess a foundation, which includes vocabulary and grammar, which can only be derived from reading and repetition,” he said.
When asked about any pre-writing rituals or requirements that need to be met before he begins writing, Ivey stated that his “inner voice” must be switched on and narrating his thoughts, so they can be conveyed into literature. In addition, Ivey emphasized the significance of being prepared to write, whether it be having an outline or having your thoughts organized.
When asked about upcoming work, or works in progress, Ivey disclosed that he is completing a young adult novel soon. He also said that he has ideas and projects lined up for the future. For example, he mentioned the possibility of an upcoming cultural biography of William “Singing Billy” Walker, famous for his rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’, that he could begin drafting by mid to late January. He stated that he had already begun researching on the artist, who was a composer and song writer who was born in Union.
Prof. Ivey received his BA and MA from USC Columbia and has taught here at USC Union for thirty-four years. He has published three other books of stories, three novels, and a book for children, as well as numerous poems, essays, and revies in journals, magazines, newspapers, and anthologies. He is also the director of USCU’s annual Upcountry Literary Festival, which gathers southern writers, musicians, and storytellers to share their work.
