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| By Erin O'Connor Staff Writer WESTFIELD "The biggest thing for a young writer is to try and get some of your short stories published," Renee Hurteau of Westfield State College (WSC) said to Reminder Publications last week. Hurteau, a WSC senior, will finish up her last semester this fall and is celebrating the recent release of her first book in a trilogy that is titled, "The Secrets of Serised". "In the days ahead that hint at four-dollar-a-gallon gas with little hope of relief, why not take a week off from scurrying about the neighborhood? Explore an alternative mode of transportation- your imagination! Hop on the back of a six-winged lion, jump through a tear in space itself, row down rivers teeming with whirlpools and sea monsters, race on horseback while fighting off a swarm of angry Snagap," Hurteau wrote. The young author, who grew up in western Massachusetts and now lives here with her husband, said that she has been inspired by authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Hurteau said that her writing contains Christian intonations but is not meant only for Christians. "Anyone can read it. It is a story about compassion and faith. It is about two kids that get thrust into an adventure that they never really wanted. They face their own flaws and they get through things," she said. Hurteau began writing the book in June 2004. "It was a story that had been in my head for a long time," she said, "My husband was going to school in Connecticut so I would write everyday. I finished the first draft in two months but it took eight months to edit." Hurteau then went on to get the book published through iuniverse, a self-publishing company. She believes the book is geared to a young adult audience but also recommends the book for parents reading aloud to their children. "It talks about morals, believing in yourself, compassion for others, trust and forgiveness," she said. Hurteau has her book available for sale at www.secretsofserised.com and will be having a book signing at Manhan Cafe in Easthampden from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m on Sept. 16. Hurteau said that she gets a big ego boost from writing, "It is this world made up of little characters and I like to see what happens. I always wanted to be an author. Anyone can do it if they put their minds into it and have a good story," she said. |