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Community Corner

A Labor of Love for Essex-Middle River Authors

Local writers more concerned about getting published than getting rich.

Essex resident Melody Ravert has had six books published in the last nine years.

The single mother—her husband died in 2006—began her publishing career in 2002 with the first of a three-part series: The Shadow Stalker Series: Shadow of Death followed by Avenging Sword and Dying for Attention. This faith-based series of books is geared toward young teenage boys. It deals with domestic violence, gangs and stalking issues.

Next, Ravert published The Nightwolf Series: Nightwolf:  In Search of a Hero and When Midnight Strikes and Nightwolf: Book Two—Trouble in Paradise and The Secret Behind the Powers. This series is for both boys and girls who enjoy mystery and excitement.

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Ravert focuses her writing on Christian fiction, which combines her love of superheroes with the desire to spread the word about her faith. She cited Terri Blackstock, a Christian author who used to write popular secular romance, but now writes for the Lord, as a major influence in her writing.

“I could still write about gangs, stalkers, drugs, murders, teenage pregnancies, etc., but made certain to include the message of the saving power of Jesus Christ in each book,” Ravert said.

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“These stories have both Christian and non-believer characters in stressful situations, because all of us have challenges; the difference is, believers have someone who walks through that valley with them and helps guide them through it," she said. "My writing now has a purpose."

Ravert’s work is just one of many local authors who have followed dreams of seeing their work in print, available to the masses to read. While many of the authors have dreams of reaching The New York Times' best seller list, most are just proud to have just completed a manuscript and put it in print.

Vincent Sheets and Ken Rochon, two of FOX45’s Good Fellas, have formed a local publishing company, Perfect Publishing, to assist local authors. With their marketing network, their goal is to help good writers accomplish having their book printed. 

Rochon is also the author of Perfect Networker: One Connection at a Time and Making Friends Around the World.  Rochon has also contributed chapters to several anthologies, e.g., “Perfect Office” and “Unconditional Contribution.”

Health advocate Nancy Parlette feels her years of training and experience have given her the necessary expertise to produce The Busy Mom’s Ten Minute Guide to a Healthy, Happy Family.  It is full of fantastic tips and tricks to reduce stress. It also includes menus for healthier living.

Pickle Dell took the route of writing an autobiographical story.  Her mother was the victim of domestic abuse. Through a Mother’s Pain, the Child Cries is a compelling story of how children are impacted by violence in their lives. It discusses in detail the abuse that took place, along with the emotions and after-effects with which a grown child of a domestic violence situation must deal.

 There are many other great writers who have fabulous books.  To name just a few:

  • Mount Carmel elementary school teacher Carole Ruggerio authored a Christmas hero story about Rudy the Steam Engine.
  • Former rehabilitation staffer and Essex-Middle River resident Carole Spera published In the Garden, a story about a young girl walking through a garden and discovering its joy and beauty.
  • Dawn Converse, Baltimore Networking Inc. Director, wrote How to Network for Business Growth: Tips that Work!

Watch for notices as I bring these and other authors together for mini book fairs in May and June. You will have the opportunity to meet the authors, obtain  autographed copy of their books, and discuss the how and why the books were written. 

And yes, I have my own book available: Anna’s Journey: How many lives does one person get?, which details numerous brushes with death and cancer.

Thanks to all who continue to read "Anna Around Town."  Please leave comments to let me know what you think of the topics I choose.    

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