In the works for the past year-and-a-half, a book of fiction by Sunbreaker Cove-based writer Brenda Kimball was published recently, fulfilling a goal she’s had since taking a writing course about eight years ago.
Lost Memories, published earlier this year by Xlibris, follows the story of a girl determined to find out the truth about a family member lost several years prior, and the fallout of her investigative pursuits.
Kimball began writing it while she was working full-time. After retiring almost two years ago, she found herself with more time to write, and eventually completed and published her work.
“I always wanted to write, but when you’re working full time and have things, life gets in the way, and you just really don’t have time,” she said.
Having more time allowed her to edit and re-edit her work, adding and removing things along the way.
It’s an experience she enjoyed so much, she’s already begun writing a follow-up.
Part of her immersion into the book’s subject matter — based on a 20-year-old murder — comes from her own experience with violence, which she feels is something almost everyone can relate to.
“Everybody is affected by violence, no matter what your gender or age,” she said. “Years ago, when I was growing up, I had a nephew that succumbed to violence, and (Lost Memories) is not really based around him, but it’s the idea that violence can affect everybody.”
Kimball began writing the book as a hobby, with no intentions of publishing it. Not even members of her family knew she was writing it.
A positive critique from a friend, however, prompted a change of heart.
“I thought, if this is as far as it goes, that’s fine,” she said. “You always think your work is not good enough, and I think that was my biggest challenge.”
With already more than 100 copies sold, her initial doubts have been overcome.
And with the book’s availability online and in stores, there’s a chance that number could grow even further.
“If it goes further, then that’s great,” she said. “I’m happy with what I’ve done, and where it’s gone so far.”
More information about Kimball and the book is available online at www.lostmemorieskimball.com.