Red Lion Inn Hosts Local Authors' ReceptionBy Stephanie Salvini, iBerkshires Correspondent
03:54PM / Tuesday, June 23, 2015 | |
 The Red Lion Inn hosted a group of local writers on Saturday, including Kevin Larkin, right, and Kevin O'Hara. |
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Local authors from around Berkshire County gathered in the cozy, quaint Red Lion Inn's Side Parlor on Saturday to showcase and discuss their recent publications, and to read selections from their varied works.
While they all shared the common thread of being residents of the Berkshires, each author brought his or her unique talents and a wide range of literature to the lightly catered reception.
From Kevin Larkin's second baseball-themed novel showcasing the life and games of Lou Gehrig, to Diane Kavanaugh's essay on the wellness benefits of yoga chanting, to Stephanie Abrams' first novel in a whirlwind who-dunit series – each writer had something to contribute.
Erin McHugh, a former publishing executive and award-winning author of more than 25 books, read from her latest feel-good collection of quotes she calls "What My Father Always Said" (a followup from the popular "What My Mother Always Said").
From the book:
"'If I had to make a sweeping generalization, I'd say mothers were more often watching out that you don't run with scissors, eat too much candy, or fall off the roof – while all that's going on, your dad is busy thinking about your firm handshake, your 401(k), and the worthiness of your future spouse."
Jana Laiz is the first writer-in-residence at Herman Melville's Arrowhead in Pittsfield, and is the author of the award-winning "Weeping Under This Same Moon," Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Silver Medal winner for "The Twelfth Stone," and co-author of a biography of Elizabeth "Mumbet” Freeman entitled "A Free Woman On God's Earth."
She and gift shop manager Jayne Church each read a selection of their upcoming tribute to the 200-year-old inn and its history and individuality as seen through the eyes of Simon, the Red Lion Inn's beloved cat, affectionately called Simon Says:
"'I came to the Red Lion Inn quite a number of years ago, and found the place so entirely to my liking that I never left. The staff treats me like royalty, and I am well known among guests ... and by the way, did I mention I was a cat?"
Stephanie Abrams is a nationally sydicated radio show host whose expertise begins in travel, rather than literature. Her background plays into her fictional work as well as her soon-to-be-released travel guide through Ireland. Her novel, "Rumors," is a debut that Abrams says is the start of a fast-paced seven-part series.
The novel has received good reviews on book seller sites and a nod from the Quarterly Black Review.
 Jana Laiz reads from the Writing Fire anthology. |
"Sixty-seven percent of [Amazon.com] reviews were 5-star; 19 percent were four stars," she says of her book, which is on the shelves at the Red Lion's Gift Shop, the Book Loft in Great Barrington, and is published as an ebook on Amazon.com and through Barnes and Noble.
"You're gonna love it, I promise you – you're gonna love it. Everybody does."
Jan Hutchinson shared a selection of six poems from her contribution to the anthology "Writing Fire – An Anthology Celebrating the Power of Women's Words." The whimsical poems centered around the narrator's imaginary friend, Grace, who quoted Einstein while knitting.
Also contributing to "Writing Fire" was Kripalu-trained Diane Kavanaugh Black, who eloquently read her essay titled "Why I Chant" – a moving, lyrical piece detailing how centering oneself physically translates into the emotional realm as well.
Kevin Larkin read from "Gehrig," his newest publication that he dedicated to all those suffering with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease; and Kevin O'Hara read an excerpt from his latest book set in a psychiatric ward – a tip of the hat, he says, to his many years working a "locked psych ward."
The authors were all welcoming to guests and supportive of each other, and each reading intrigued a few passers-by who stopped just outside the red velvet drape that enclosed the room – though Simon, unfortunately, was occupied elsewhere.
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