Author, editor to discuss books, writing

As the author of four novels and a short story collection, an editor who teaches through the Loft Literary Center and a book reviewer whose work has appeared in the papers across the country, Ellen Akins of Cornucopia understands and appreciates original stories. Well-crafted writing and the work that goes into turning a concept for a story into a piece that will connect with readers isn’t easy.

One of Akins’s clients, Janice Deal, will be coming to Honest Dog Books, Bayfield, on Aug. 8 for a conversation about her newest novel, “The Sound of Rabbits.”

Deal lives in northern Illinois. She connected with Akins through the Loft Literary Center of Minneapolis, hiring Akins as a manuscript coach for a collection of short stories.

“Janice started as a client, but she has become a friend,” Akins said.

Akins said as a coach, she can be tough, but Deal not only took Akins’s tough love in stride, she welcomed it, working hard on multiple drafts, knowing the hard work would pay off.

“We really were in sync,” Akins said. “My job as a manuscript coach is to help a story become the best version of itself. I was able to sense what her stories were trying to get at, and help Janice realize her vision.”

Akins said Deal’s work often features a strong sense of small-town place, with characters who are complicated, sometimes somewhat isolated and find themselves dealing with life’s uncertainties.

“Her stories are subtle, moving, and insightful,” she said. “Things emerge, but her point of view is kind, she has an empathy that makes for good writing.”

Akins said her conversation with Deal will feature a reading, a discussion of the work and writing process, and a time for audience members to ask Deal or Akins questions.