Library hosts book reading with author Lisa Guenther
By Corrina Murdoch
听颁辞谤谤别蝉辫辞苍诲别苍迟
On the evening of May 4, Medstead Library found itself packed with a crowd of avid readers and fans of visiting author Lisa Guenther. A group filled the room and socialized before the听 table boasting wine, teas, fine cheeses, crackers and a variety of sweets, all provided by the members of the local library board.听
Fans had an opportunity to converse with Guenther before the reading of her novel, "Friendly Fire" commenced. When the book was published in 2015 Guenther did a book tour, attending thirteen towns and cities. She noted that since this tour, drastically fewer readings have been conducted. As to why she does these readings, Guenther said, 鈥淚 really like talking to readers to hear how they connect with the book.鈥�
In this respect, the reading, held free of charge, was certainly the right place to be.
Many questions and notes abounded and Guenther said humbly, 鈥淚 am honoured when people share things with me.鈥�
The reading itself commenced and some choice quotes with which the audience was graced included, 鈥淵ou won鈥檛 gain anything without losing something.鈥� and, 鈥淵ou need to know what鈥檚 normal so you can tell when something鈥檚 wrong.鈥澨�
The audience followed the reading with questions as to inspiration, process and future works. Guenther said she had begun with the concept over a decade ago, when droughts were the norm in the local area. She noted having worked at Bright Sand Regional Park, where a manager had detailed to her a story of a near drowning, whose details became inspiration for a significant portion of the novel.
Speaking about the artistic process and mentioning that the process for writing is different for every writer, Guenther appealed to the artistic fans in the crowd. As to her favourite part about writing, she stated, 鈥淭he revision process, unexpectedly, realizing what was subconsciously written in.鈥澨�
In a presentation, the author gave homage to her inspiration and noted favourite writer, Edna Alford. In terms of upcoming work, Guenther noted her favourite book "East of Eden," a John Steinbeck classic, and mentioned hopes of channelling some of that iconic stylization into her forthcoming prose.听 She added that the upcoming work will serve as a unique piece, functioning as both a prequel and a sequel to the original.听
After the reading and question period, fans lined up to purchase signed copies of the novel, 20 per cent of which was donated to the Medstead Library. Many socialized and spoke with the author and other locals as the evening came to a close.
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Author Lisa Guenther, pictured bottom right, surrounded by the Medstead Library board who coordinated the hit event. Photo by Corrina Murdoch
