Author to Speak on Novel-Writing Process

Not many authors would say writing a novel is exactly easy, but sometimes it’s the journey, not the destination. On Tuesday evening, July 23, residents will get the chance to hear local author Roy Akers speak about the trials and tribulations on his road to publishing his first novel, “A Long Road Home.” The book tells the story of Jimmy Ray Watson, who grew up on a farm in rural Missouri between the Great Depression and the beginnings of WWII. When living with the abuse of his father becomes too much for his mother, readers will follow Jimmy through his often violent life, from childhood into adulthood. “As the story progresses, the reader is able to see how Jimmy Ray grows up to understand and accept the importance of feelings previously unknown to him as a young child. He encounters anger, compassion, absolute terror, friendships won, friendships lost, trying to give love and accept it, all the while having to live with the nightmares of not just one, but two wars,” according to a statement issued by the library. Author Akers is a retired CEO who, when he is not writing, enjoys spending his time with his wife. Akers is also a spokesman for a building materials industry, a position he has held for nine years, and has written a number of industry standards over the last 28 years. Akers will speak about his book at 6 p.m. at the A.K. Smiley Library on July 25. The library is located at 125 W. Vine St. in Redlands.