By Linda White
Summer Solstice, June 20: The official first day of summer brings to mind free time on the beach, at the pool, a cabin in the woods, on the water or in your favorite chair. You have sun screen, a cold drink and time, but do you have a good book to read? Not to worry! A group of talented local authors are ready to help you with a few terrific suggestions.
Local authors Abby Hafer, Cynthia Anderson, Don Cohen, Erin McCormack and Denise Waldron recently participated in a panel discussion moderated by McCormack titled “So You Think You’re a Writer” at the Bedford Public Library.
The meeting room was packed with those aspiring to become writers as well as a few additional Bedford authors in the audience. The panel shared their thoughts regarding why they write, what they write, how they approach the writing process, getting published and how to promote your work. Their published works included selections from memoir, non-fiction, science, novels, and short stories. One or all of the following titles should fit comfortably in your reading bag.
- The Not-So-Intelligent Designer: Why Evolution Explains the Human Body and Intelligent Design Does Not
By Abby Hafer
Dr. Hafer is a Bedford resident, author, scientist, educator, and public speaker. Her scientific credentials and sharp wit are both evident by a quick read of her back cover synopsis and comments, “Why do men’s testicles hang outside the body? Why does our appendix sometimes explode and kill us? And who does the Designer like better, anyway–us or squid? The human body has many faulty design features that would never have been the choice of an intelligent creator.”
- Pilgrims of Mortality
by Don Cohen
Cohen, a Lexington resident, has worked for many years as a writer and editor of social capital, organization and business related materials and is a past managing editor of NASA’s ASK magazine. This is his first solo book, a collection of short stories. Cohen explained, “The book draws together stories I have been writing for many years. Although the 17 pieces vary in length and subject, bringing them together gives a sense of how I see and respond to the world around me and my interest in people’s efforts to make sense of their lives. I like to include things that may or may not be relevant or make sense – just like life.”
- One Foot in Front of the Other: A Widow’s Journey
by Cynthia Anderson
Anderson is a Lexington resident and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The day after Anderson and her husband Ted celebrated their 33rd anniversary, Ted died suddenly after crossing the finish line in a singles sculling event. Devastated, Anderson turned to journaling as a way of dealing with her grief. This spiritual memoir chronicles her journey through the dark days and into the light again. Her experience and the lessons she learned and shares will inspire and comfort anyone who has lost the love of their life. It is also a lesson in hope, survival, and a life affirming happy ending. - Blue Eyes in Black Wonderland
by Erin McCormack
McCormack is a Bedford resident. She is married with two sons and is a career educator teaching English and writing workshops for college level and adult students. McCormack takes pleasure in the new worlds that she has created in both her first novel, Spanish Soap Operas (Telenovelas), and this most recent work of fiction set on the eastern shore of Maryland in the early 1980’s. McCormack describes her main character Celia as “a 19-year-old, white, college student from California who is forced to leave college due to a family crisis and begins working as a waitress in an elegant restaurant where her co-workers are predominantly black. Celia must navigate the unspoken rules that govern social relations in a small town along with some humorous, dangerous and romantic predicaments.”
- Seven Plates at the Table
by Denise Waldron
Waldron spent many years as a writer of programming code and documentation and then engaged in what she refers to as “personal early childhood education.” She is a Bedford resident, married, mother of two grown children and now finds herself with time to write for fun. She is quick to tell you “if it wasn’t fun, I would not be doing it.” Seven Plates is her second self-published novel following Yoga Guy and provides the reader with a view into the lives of Greta’s family. Greta’s wish is to share a picture-perfect happy, peaceful Norman Rockwell inspired Thanksgiving with her family. What ensues is the real life drama, lies, hidden talents, secrets, and desires of her family and many families who take their seats around the family table on a holiday.
Please support these talented local authors and fill your reading bag for the summer. You might also find yourself inspired to follow their example and take pen to paper as they have done! Check Amazon.com for availability as well as the Bedford Public Library.
Happy Reading!
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