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Leduc Authors

Pipestone Flyer

Last week we ran into David Mackenzie at the Leduc Library. David was setting up a display for his recently release second novel titled “Calypso”. David is the first local author to be featured by the Leduc Library for an author signing. Library Director Carla Frybort indicated that there were a number of local authors and the library hopes to feature other local authors throughout the year.

A quick stop at the Leduc Artisan Market, the only store in Leduc that highlights books by local authors, shows that there are over a half dozen local writers working on their craft and the variety of books include autobiographic, children’s books, and mysteries.

George Campbell is an author who has an interesting book that tells his story about what it was like to be a Morse Telegraph Operator called Good Night Old Man. Then there is Francis Walter’s series of mysteries that follows Detective Hannah Abel as she solves various crimes. Nicole Brook is a children’s author and you can follow The Amazing Adventures of Abigail Andrews who is a grade three student with a wild imagination. A.J. Myrfield’s The Dagger of Souls series follows Megan McAllister as she develops strengths she never knew she had as she goes on a journey of self-discovery. David Mackenzie’s Calypso is an interesting story that weaves the author’s knowledge about the oil industry with his love of the Caribbean, particularly Barbados Island.  Our own book, Sweaty Eyes, is a story about a child with ADHD finding acceptance among his peers, are all available at the Leduc Artisan Market. Leduc authors come in all stripes some are retired while others can be found serving the community by sitting on city council or working as a police officer still others are full time moms or teachers. But, each one has an interesting story to tell.

The Leduc Artisan Market was recently nominated by the Leduc Chamber of Commerce as one of three businesses chosen as a Start-Up business for 2014.

Leduc has had a long tradition of encouraging individuals who want to share their experiences in pen. Clarence H. Stout was the first person from Leduc to make his mark in print as he became a renowned news editor for papers in Edmonton and Calgary and then became the editor for Leduc’s principal historic book called From Frontier Days in Leduc. At the age of 91 he published his autobiography called Backtrack. Bob Edwards the publisher of the Eye-Opener got his start in Leduc when he produced a newssheet in the late 1890’s. Another author who told the stories of her life is Gwen Hooks who wrote The Keystone Legacy and several books of poetry.

With modern technology many local authors have taken advantage of the various avenues available in the self-publishing industry. Some like David Mackenzie have gone the full route of establishing their own publishing company while others have used two Alberta publishing firms, LoveLight Creations or Dream Write Publishing to see their creations transformed into a book for everyone to enjoy.

The Leduc community is fortunate to have so many local individuals telling their stories for all to read and hopefully adore. The authors are also grateful for the support they receive from the Leduc Artisan Market, the Leduc Public Library, and you the reader.