McBride’s efforts have led to success in publishing two young-adult novels; the first, “The Tension of Opposites,” was released last year and the second, “One Moment,” will be released this Tuesday, June 26.
“This novel draws from the intense emotions I experienced several years ago when a teen child of a family friend passed away in a car accident,” McBride says. “Although my novel includes none of the details from that tragedy — my novel’s plot and characters emerged from my imagination — I wanted to explore a theme that resonated from that experience: how lives can change dramatically and forever in just one moment.”
The novel, which ultimately has an uplifting message of friendship and forgiveness, also draws on McBride’s love of nature and of the Dayton area. “Nature is a big part of this area and of my life. I draw a lot of inspiration from walks in area parks,” she explains. And yes, she says, Blue Springs in the novel is her version of Yellow Springs, a town she enjoys visiting.
McBride will celebrate the publication of her second novel with a book launch at Books & Co. at The Greene on Friday, June 29, at 7 p.m. She'll read from and sign copies of "One Moment." Her latest novel has already garnered praise from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews.
Although McBride says she’s always written, her success comes after time spent carefully developing and honing her craft. “My first novel was for adults, and it didn’t quite work. I call it my practice novel. My next one was for teens, and that was a practice novel, too.”
However, next came “The Tension of Opposites” and, after a thorough but successful search for a literary agent, a two-book deal with her publisher, Egmont.
McBride, who taught in Springboro High School for eight years and was yearbook advisor, says she likes writing for the teen, or young-adult, market because she’s drawn to themes of overcoming adversity in order to find, and be at peace with, one’s true self. These themes translate well into young-adult fiction.
McBride and her husband, a teacher at Stingley Elementary, are both graduates of Centerville High School and Wright State University. They live in Centerville. McBride earned her B.S., education, from Wright State in 1997 and her M.S., education, in 2006.
In addition to launching “One Moment” at The Greene, McBride will lead a writer’s workshop for teenage writers at the Washington-Centerville Library’s Centerville location on July 25 at noon. Go online to www.wclibrary.info/events for details and registration.
Concert for Literary
Project Read’s eighth annual Concert for Literacy will be held at 8 p.m. Thursdayat Fraze Pavilion in Kettering. It features ’80s music by the band Stranger and upbeat rock and pop by Dayton band Easy Mark and is presented by the DP&L Foundation. Admission is only $5, and all of the proceeds benefit Project READ (www.project-read.org), which provides literary services for adult learners, youth and families in and around Dayton. Find out more at www.fraze.com.
Dunbar’s birthday
Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the first black poets of national renown, was born 140 years ago, on June 27, 1872, in Dayton. Although he only lived 33 years, he was a prolific writer, producing 12 books of poetry, as well as stories, novels and a play. His work gave voice to the challenges faced by black people, as in these lines from “Sympathy”: “I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,/When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,/When he beats his bars and he would be free;/It is not a carol of joy or glee,/But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core,/But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings —/I know why the caged bird sings!”
Sharon Short is the author of the novel “My One Square Inch of Alaska,” to be published by Penguin Plume in February 2013, and the director of the Antioch Writers’ Workshop. Contact Sharon with news about your book club or organization at www.sharonshort.com or e-mail sharonshort@sharon short.com.
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