An eclectic path from academic struggles to publishing success

The twists and turns in someone’s life can appear to be a random collection of events without any connection. That’s not how local entrepreneur, author, and publisher of The Paper, Allen VanNoppen, sees the path he’s traveled. 

His seemingly disparate careers, hobbies, and interests have more in common than some might think. 

“I’m going to tell the story of the journey,” he said, referring to the presentation he will make at the Thursday, April 18, Author’s Luncheon. "And illustrate it with some readings of my work."

Every year since 1989 (not counting the COVID shutdown), the Friends of the Library has invited a North Carolina author to speak at a ticketed luncheon. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Library, a nonprofit group whose purpose is to support library programs, services, and collections through the funds they raise from book sales, the Book Nook (used books for sale at library branches), and the author's luncheon. 

“From these, we are able to underwrite the children’s summer reading program ($7,000), Ancestry.com, Simply Green, and WOWBerry services,” said Jane Gantt, a Friend and organizer of the luncheon. “We also provide staff support via way of bonuses, Library Appreciation Week, and birthdays. We also step in when other staff or library needs arise.”

The Friends have been around since the early 1980s. Past luncheons have featured such authors as Bob Inman, Jan Karon, and Doug Marlette. Charlie Lovett spoke last year. 

VanNoppen was the invited author 20 years ago, shortly after his book “Jawbonin’ & Lollygaggin” was published. The book is a collection of essays covering people, places, family, and miscellaneous musings. His presentation in 2004 focused on the book. This year’s event will be broader in scope and will include the story of the development of The Paper, though delivered with his distinctive wit. 

“My academic track was a bit eclectic but it led to good  (careers in) journalism, the furniture industry, marketing,” he said. 

He eventually returned to newspapers, a passion that may seem an odd choice for someone who is dyslexic.

“I didn’t enjoy reading until college,” he admitted. His struggles with words and a curiosity of all things led him to major in physics in college, a subject that required critical thinking and involved more numbers than reading comprehension. 

He credits Jean, the woman he would eventually marry, with creating a pathway to reading enjoyment during his years at Virginia Commonwealth University. She would suggest books and authors she thought would interest him. He began reading all the time, would assess authors’ styles and approaches, and started a robust journaling habit. 

Journalism wasn't on his initial list of career options, but a plan to take a cross-country motorcycle spring break trip with some buddies changed his trajectory. VanNoppen began working a night shift on the layout and page development team at the Richmond Times-Dispatch to qualify for a loan to buy a motorcycle.  He unexpectedly became fascinated with “the entire newspaper apparatus," he said.

“I was immediately captivated by the newspaper business," he said. "I went in early and I stayed late. The  reporters in that giant newsroom inspired me. They were driven, hardworking, and talented. They were experts at becoming experts. No two days were the same. The pressure to perform on deadlines with very visible accountability was relentless.  It was fabulous."

His high-energy personality suited journalism. "Within six months of being there, I began hounding the manager editor for a job as a reporter,” VanNoppen said. He was told he should cut his journalistic teeth at a smaller community newspaper. That advice led to being hired as a newbie reporter at the Morganton News Herald. Eventually he became a reporter with The Greensboro News and Record. 

Subsequent careers in the furniture industry and a marketing agency broadened his expertise. In 2022 he  founded The Paper and realized a long-held ambition to bring a true local-only newspaper to the community he calls home. 

“I take what we do seriously,” he said. “We build relationships with the community. A deep bond is formed. It's a very unique and broad commitment. They like us – or not – but they know who we are.”

Hear more of VanNoppen’s personal and professional stories by attending the 2024 Author’s Luncheon at noon on Thursday, April 18, at First Baptist Church of Morganton Fellowship Hall, 502 W. Union St. Tickets are $25 and are available at all Burke County Public Library locations; Thornwell Books, 202 S. Sterling St.; and The Paper, 110 S. Sterling St. 

Angela Kuper Copeland is managing editor of The Paper. She may be reached at 828-445-8595 or via email at angela@thepaper.media.