Hays Post

Carla Eddie Barber, McPherson, formerly of Hays, will sign copies of her recently published fantasy fiction novel, “Brennem Wild,” from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at Craft Coffee, 120 N. Main St., McPherson.

Barber, a Fort Hays State University grad with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, was curator and then director of the Ellis County Historical Society for 10 years, from 1995 to 2005.

Also on hand to sign their work will be the book’s illustrators, Dr. Alisha Mervyn, who created the cover, and graphic artist Britny Arnett, who created the six interior illustrations.

In addition to copies of the book for sale, artwork from both artists will be on display. The trio welcomes fantasy fiction fans, friends and well-wishers to stop by for a cup of coffee and a chat. The book is also available online at Amazon.com and on Kindle. For more information, visit the Brennem Wild Facebook page.

“Brennem Wild” is the first of a series focusing on a smart but introverted Chicago native who finds herself suddenly on another world, in some ways similar, but in others highly different from her own. Her quest to find a way home leads her into some dangerous, and some awkwardly hilarious, adventures.

Barber calls this series a salute to her hero, C.S. Lewis’s, Narnia series. Some elements, such as the switch of worlds and talking creatures, are similar, but so is the use of the novel to discuss deeper topics. However, while Lewis’s series was written for children, “Brennem Wild” is intended for adults, although appropriate for younger voracious readers who’ve enjoyed fantasy such as J.R.R. Tolkein’s Ring series.