CONTRIBUTED TO
THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA —
Anessa Sewell Kent, who grew up in Opelika, will be signing her new book, “The Bitter and The Sweet,” at Botanic on Saturday, May 20, from noon until 3 p.m. Writing a novel and becoming a published author has been a dream of Kent’s for many years.
“The challenge I faced when attempting to write a few times over the past 30 plus years was, ‘Okay, now what and who are you going to write about?’” she said. “I never could answer that looming question. I tried to force the story line, dialogue, characters and none of what I was attempting felt natural and right.
“The one surety I did have was knowing my story would be about Southern people, culture and the dynamic in which we live as Southerners.
“Through the twists and turns of life, and right smack dab in my middle 50’s my once elusive and hidden story, with its colorful characters, found me in one telephone call,” Kent continued. “After the telephone call, the characters began flooding my mind and telling me their stories.”
Kent began writing and listening and in the course of a little over one year, her book was complete.
“The funny thing is the telephone call that started this whole journey is not mentioned until book two, “Shifting Gears,” which I am in process of writing now,” Kent said. “… “Shifting Gears” is the sequel to “The Bitter and The Sweet.” My wish is I hope everyone finds enjoyment out of this simple, funny, emotional, faith-filled story told with a Southern accent.”
Kent, who currently lives in Dothan, and her journey can be followed on Facebook at Anessa Sewell Kent, Author.
