Merry Barn

Wed, 04/03/2024 - 1:00pm

Stephanie McSherry

Kay Tobler Liss, author of “Coming Home: A Novel,” and “Last Resort,” is April’s featured author. Courtesy of Stephanie McSherry

Ellen Baker, author of the recently published “The Hidden Life of Cicely Larson,” spoke with Sounding Board Facilitator Kelsy Hartley last Thursday about the new novel and shared a yet-to-be published chapter of a novel-in-progress. Baker described the extensive research she conducts to write engaging historical fiction. She then joined the audience and offered feedback to participants who read work aloud. Generous conversation followed about the strengths of each piece.

Novelist Kay Tobler Liss will be the featured author at The Sounding Board on Thursday, April 11 at Merry Barn Writers’ Retreat. Liss’ most recent work, “Coming Home, A Novel,” was released in December 2023, to much praise.

Publishers Weekly Booklife reviews wrote: “….Coming Home explores the importance of family members talking about their feelings, all with a strong focus on the beauty of nature and art. Fans of novels that center around familial bonds, secrets, and self-discovery will find this resonant, with engaging, believable characters and a plot that’s drawn from life and stirs real tears.”

In the month when international celebrations of Earth Day abound, Liss’ deep appreciation for nature is the perfect antidote. “I believe there’s nothing more important at this time in our history than our relationship to the natural world,” Liss says. “ I want to bring this urgent message to the world through my novels.”

A few spots remain for readers wishing to share their work and receive supportive feedback. Writers interested in reading at the April 11 event should submit a piece, of up to 750 words, to Kelsy Hartley at merrybarnwritersretreat@gmail.com by Monday, April 8. More information at merrybarn.com.

Merry Barn is at 417 River Road in Edgecomb.