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‘J-15’ features local writers

Nine local authors have taken the idea of “local” to new heights by creating and publishing a book of their work entitled “J-15: The Book.” The group took one of the last fiction writing classes offered before the Sonoma Valley Adult School closed.

  The authors will read and sign copies of the book at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Readers’ Books in Sonoma. Refreshments will be available and the public is invited.

  The collection includes short stories, art, photography and verse from Earl Blue, Eileen Hager, Melissa Kenitz, Patty Moretti, Gina Paisley, Gigi Tan, Ruth Rudesill, Mike Ruvald, and Rachelle von Gersten. The book was edited and designed by the instructor, Deb Carlen of Five Ideas.

   “There were months when none of us felt the anthology would ever be published,” said Carlen. “But we edited, cut, rewrote, designed, redesigned, corrected, and finally, self-published the book. It’s the first fiction appearing in print from these authors.”

  The intriguing stories cover a wide range of topics and several excerpts from works-in-progress.

  The stories cover the Arab Spring, classic horror, rites of passage, the émigré experience, personal tragedy, the “Bigfoot question,” coming-of-age and a bit of tongue in check along with other subjects. “J-15” contains adult language and content.

  “It’s a unique effort, and when we started the project we weren’t aware that the Adult School would be closing,” said Carlen.

Copies are on the way to Readers’ and available from blurb.com.