Local authors produce new works
Authors with Butler County connections have recently published a children's book, a journey of personal and spiritual discovery, a second novel, and a nonfiction chronicle.
[naviga:h3]'Chimney Swift Magic'[/naviga:h3]
In a new book for children, “Chimney Swift Magic,” author Andy Johnson of Slippery Rock tells the story of helping his granddaughter adjust to getting glasses at a young age.
Johnson taught at Butler County Community College for five years and was a former Slippery Rock High School guidance counselor.
He dedicated his book to writing professor and BC3 colleague Eric Peterson.
Copies of “Chimney Swift Magic” are in the collections at Slippery Rock Community Library and the Slippery Rock University library.
Johnson plans to make a donation of the book to the BC3 library a couple weeks before graduation this year.
The 28-page book, illustrated by Rita Johnson (no relation), is available in hardcover and paperback by calling 724-991-5479 or by emailing awj@zoominternet.net.
<h3>'You, Me and God Make Three'</h3>Gary Goerk Sr. of Valencia has published “You, Me and God Make Three,” encouraging readers to join him on a journey of personal and spiritual discovery that will help them in their Christian life as well as other areas of life.Goerk is a board certified advanced Christian life coach and an ordained independent Christian minister of pastoral care who holds a master in divinity and a master's of Christian counseling.“You, Me and God Make Three” includes 52 readings. Each includes a personal reflection, relevant scriptures, famous quotes, probing questions and applications, space for journaling, and a suggested prayer for sharing.Section titles include Waiting to Celebrate with Touchdown Jesus; How to Tame the Elephant in Your Life; Perfection: The Impossible Dream; Avoiding Poison Ivy People; Termite Thoughts: The Silent Destroyers; What to Do When Life Double Dares You; and Having Whatever Faith.The 185-page book is available in paperback online.Goerk plans to release a second book in the series “You, Me and God Make Three: Our Journey Together-Part 2” in April.
<h3>'Forgiving Tess'</h3>Butler resident Kimberly Miller recently published her second novel, “Forgiving Tess.”Miller is a graduate of Grove City High School and Slippery Rock University. She received her Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.She teaches writing and film studies courses in the communication and visual arts department at Grove City College, where she is also department chairman.“Forgiving Tess” is a contemporary Christian romance novel that explores the challenges that come with forgiveness — of others and self.The story follows Tess Carson as her past appears to be an obstacle to an otherwise bright future.Miller's first novel, “Picking Daisy,” was released in August 2017.The 217-page “Forgiving Tess” is available online in digital and paperback formats.
<h3>'Wayward Son: Travels and Reflections'</h3>Novelist David Drayer's first nonfiction book chronicles his return to small-town life in Western Pennsylvania after nearly three decades of living in major cities across the country.Drayer has also written “Strip Cuts,” “A Nobel Story,” “Something Fierce” and “Attachment.”“Wayward Son: Travels and Reflections” is a collection of blog posts and newspaper columns written by the Rimersburg native.Throughout the book, Drayer mixes humorous anecdotes of working as an extra in Hollywood and washing dishes in the Hamptons, with hiking on Rails-to-Trails, visiting long-lost relatives, and pondering the mysteries of nicknames, superstitions, and what matters in life.“Wayward Son” is available online in paperback and digital formats. The book is 214 pages.Drayer will be at Grove City Community Library at 6 p.m. April 1 for an author's talk.
