WESTFIELD-Blue Umbrella Books welcomes local author and former Westfield News columnist, Jacqueline T. Lynch, on Dec. 3 for a meet and greet from 2 to 6 p.m.
Lynch, who resides in Chicopee, has self-published several novels and non-fiction books, including Beside the Still Waters, a novel on the “lost towns” of the Quabbin Reservoir, and a book on the career of actress Ann Blyth. Her latest book soon to be published, Comedy and Tragedy on the Mountain: 70 Years of Summer Theatre on Mt. Tom, explores 70 years of live summer theatre on Mt. Tom in Holyoke.
Lynch said she writes in a variety of genres, from non-fiction that includes New England history, to film criticism, biography, and novels.
“I have written books since I was a teenager, and attempted to have them published for many years, but turned to self-publishing, as so many have in the past five or six years, because of the terrific opportunities that await entrepreneurs,” said Lynch.
Her column writing for the Westfield News came during her senior year from September 1983 through April 1984 at Westfield State when then editor Neil Perry hired her on the spot.
“The day I was hired is still a fond memory for me,” said Lynch. “I was 21, just starting my senior year, and I dropped in at the newspaper looking for work. I had samples of my writing from college and high school newspapers, as well as from the weekly newspaper in my hometown for which I had written when I was a freshman.”
Lynch said Perry perused her portfolio and immediately offered her a job as a weekly columnist. The column was called “WSC and Me” and Lynch covered events and student life on campus.
“That was the only time in my life I got a job in that manner,” said Lynch, adding, “Just walking in off the street with no appointment; like in the old movies. The job ended when I graduated, and sadly, Mr. Perry died the following year. But it was a great experience for me that I will always treasure.”
While Lynch also notes she is a playwright, she does not self-publish her plays.
“Plays are published through play publishers and have been produced all over the United States and in Europe,” she said.
Her latest book on Mt. Tom, which she hopes to have available in December, covers live theatre in a small playhouse on Mt. Tom from 1895 through 1965 with several interviews and a host of photographs.
“Several famous names in the theatre world and in films appeared there,” said Lynch. “It’s a fascinating story, and one I hope will appeal to the local communities in the Pioneer Valley, who made up the audience for this theatre company.”
All of Lynch’s books are available online, in print and as eBooks.
“I will be at Blue Umbrella Books for a meet and greet, and all my other books will be on display and available for sale and signing,” said Lynch.
Lynch noted the importance of independent local book shops and looks forward to meeting with many area residents on Dec. 3.
“Blue Umbrella Books is a great new book store, and whenever possible, we should support our local businesses, especially when they are independently owned,” said Lynch. “They are the life’s blood of our community – not just economically, but culturally as well.”
Blue Umbrella Books, located at 2 Main St., carries a wide variety of new and pre-owned books for all ages and features weekly author events and book discussion groups.
For more information on Lynch, visit www.JacquelineTLynch.com. For details on upcoming literary events at Blue Umbrella Books, visit www.blueumbrellabooks.com.
