South Vienna writer to debut mystery novel

By Dean Shipley

Staff Writer

 

Most of us curse computer glitches. But author Carolyn Williams has reason to believe one of her computer glitches is an answer to prayer. The glitch she experienced, instead of being a roadblock, became an open door, which lead to her first published novel.

Williams, 69, of South Vienna, has two book signings scheduled at which she will autograph her new novel, “Mystery in the Pines.”

After putting her writing on hold, due to the death of her first husband, Williams, a lifelong writer, completed her first novel. After researching the publishing industry, she settled on submitting it to Tate Publishing, based in Oklahoma. It was a Christian-belief-based organization, which appealed to her, a life-long believer in Jesus Christ.

As requested she submitted two chapters for consideration. She said the publisher employs “speed readers,” who quickly go over submissions. She said if something catches their eye in the first three-minute read, then it moves on further in the publishing process.

Williams said when she sent it, a “glitch” seemed to appear. So she re-sent it. That re-sent version found its way to the computer terminal of Mr. Tate himself.

His read of it saw a text worth publishing and the book moved forward. It came out in paperback in January 2011.

Williams is a rarity in the publishing world in that not only was it the first book she had ever written, it was the first submission to the first publisher she queried. It fortifies her belief “in a higher power.”

Williams incorporates a spiritual “message” within her story.

“There is a spiritual being who loves us and cares for us and hears our prayers,” she said.

That being certainly heard hers.

She is now at work on other novels, but will take time out for the following book signings from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Dancing Goats Cafe, 118 Dayton St., Yellow Springs, and from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, at Ann & Tony’s Restaurant, 211 E. Main St., West Jefferson

Book synopsis:

Accustomed to privilege as the daughter of the owner of the town’s newspaper, Connie Winthrop is unprepared for the dangers in store. Eager to please her father as a journalist, Connie has been dedicating herself to the biggest story of her career. When Mr. Winthrop gets word of a series of gas explosions, he sends Connie to cover the case. Forced to spend the night in a seedy motel, Connie is alarmed when several men try to break into her room. She doesn’t know this is only the beginning. Very quickly Connie learns she cannot depend on her father to rescue her from the peril she finds herself in. When she meets the owner of the gas company as well as his son, she is left with a less than favorable impression. On her investigation, she finally meets a decent man who is willing to show her around. But will she be able to defend herself from the murderous thugs who continue to haunt her steps? Follow the clues with Connie in Carolyn Williams’s exciting novel, “Mystery in the Pines.”