Beth Lapin, a Middletown resident, has published her first novel, To Say Goodbye, with Wings ePress. Lapin, who dabbled in literature for years, didn’t start writing in earnest until her job ended in the summer of 2009.
“Suddenly, my day was wide open,” says Beth. “I wasn’t sure how to spend my time. Then, I heard about a group of recently unemployed writers and thought my next career might be writing fiction.” Since then, Beth and her fellow novelists have been meeting weekly at the Little Barn at Wesleyan Hills. Together, they have completed five novels and one memoir, with three works-in-progress. “We’ve gone from complete amateurs to serious professionals,” says Beth.
The Novel Group’s founder, Maria Johnson, adds, “We’re now part of Connecticut’s ‘creative economy.’ We’re all thrilled to have the first of hopefully many books published as a result of our work together.” The group’s blog (TheNovelGroup.wordpress.com) provides information and links to members’ work.
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To Say Goodbye explores whether a middle-aged couple can join forces to overcome their individual pasts, risk loving again, and build a new life together. Joined by fellow Novel Group members, Beth will celebrate its publication on March 31, 2012, 1 p.m., at Cypress Restaurant, 1265 South Main Street, Middletown. Paperback copies, autographed if desired, will be available for purchase for $15. To Say Goodbye is also available online in both e-book and paperback through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Wings ePress.
Prior to her fiction career, Beth wrote technical and nonfiction articles. She has facilitated creative writing groups for social service agencies since the 1990s. With advanced degrees in social work and biological science, her work focuses on relationships, with an undercurrent of sleuthing in historical contexts. Beth’s forthcoming historical novel tells the story of Victoria Williams, Connecticut’s “Gypsy Queen,” in the 1800s.. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, contra-dancing, and family genealogy. Additional information is on her website, www.BethLapin.com.
