Patti Sheehy discovered that writing is merely one part of a novelist's job. Promoting, and hand-selling, the finished product are essential tasks, too.
"I had no concept of the kind of response we would get," says the Haddon Heights resident, 67, whose debut novel 'The Boy Who Said No' was brought to market by Oceanview Publishing last year.
Sheehy and Frank Mederos -- his 1967 escape from his Communist homeland inspired the book -- will be on hand at the Friday, September 12 launch party for 'Stalked,' the sequel (also published by Oceanview). About 200 guests are expected for the 6 p.m. event at the Tavistock Country Club in Haddonfield; proceeds will benefit the Haddon Heights Library.
The two have made dozens of public appearances at libraries, book clubs, and other public gatherings throughout the region to promote the first and now the second novel.
"The new book begins where the first ends, when Frank is picked up the Coast Guard off the coast of Florida," Sheehy says. As her protagonist begins to build a new life in America, a military officer he eluded in Cuba plans vengeance. "It's a thriller," says the author.
Both books tell "a true story about somebody overcoming adversity," Sheehy adds. "To see somebody struggle, and succeed, is inspiring."
The first novel is in its second printing. And Sheehy says she's talked to Mederos about the possibilities for a third installment.
--KEVIN RIORDAN