Port Clinton writer publishes new novel

PORT CLINTON — Port Clinton novelist Patrick Lawrence O'Keeffe has released his second novel, "My Mother's Voice," and scheduled a series of local events to meet with readers. "My Mother's Voice" features a character mentioned in O'Keeffe's first novel, "Cold Air Returns," Agnes May. In the new book, Agnes May runs away from her Arkansas home and is picked up by a couple from Niles, Michigan, who eventually adopt her. As she grows up, she discovers she has an aptitude for mechanical work and for manufacturing. As her career develops, her personal life and relationships become complicated. O'Keeffe says he's "very happy" with the new book. The author's first book, "Cold Air Returns," was put out by Bottom Dog Press, the small press established in Huron by Larry Smith, a writer and retired BGSU Firelands professor. Smith asked to see the new novel, too, but requested changes which O'Keeffe was unwilling to make, so O'Keeffe decided to publish it himself, setting up his own publishing company. "My Mother's Voice" is available on Amazon as a paperback and Kindle ebook and will eventually become available at other venues, O'Keeffe said. The author's wife, Karen Maoney O'Keeffe, is a local artist who did the cover. O'Keeffe said he plans to publish other local authors with his new publishing company, Taft Hill Publishing and wants to launch a literary periodical. Note that the author's full name, Patrick Lawrence O'Keeffe, is necessary to distinguish him from another Ohio author listed on Amazon, Patrick O'Keeffe, who also writes fiction and is a professor at Ohio University. Here are the three events being held to promote "My Mother's Voice." O'Keeffe will read from his new novel, and people at the events can buy copies for $16 and get their books signed: • 6 p.m. Friday, March 27 at The Arts Garage, 317 W. Perry St., in Port Clinton • 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, the Sandusky Book Bar, 2101 W. Perkins Ave; That event will also feature mystery writer R.J. Norgard, suspense writer P.J. Grondin and Richard Morgan, who has penned a childhood memoir. • 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 for the Firelands Writing Center event at Mr. Smith's Coffee House, 140 Columbus Ave., in Sandusky