Beth Lapin

Members of The Novel Group (TNG), a community of unemployed or underemployed writers who meet in the Middletown area, celebrated the recent publication of one of their associates’ novel. Friends and colleagues surrounded Beth Lapin, author of To Say Goodbye, on Saturday, March 31 at the Cypress Restaurant.

Maria Johnson, founder of TNG, English professor, freelance proofreader, and former newspaper reporter, introduced the event and fellow Novel Group members: Maggie Carbo, a retired special education teacher and published poet and lyricist; Tanja Moriarty, a reporter, freelancer, and grant writer; Jennifer Eifrig, an independent consultant; and former member Alex Dueben, a graphic novel reviewer. Johnson, who formed the group in the summer of 2009 during a period of unemployment, noted,  “Together we have completed five novels and one memoir, with three works-in-progress. We’ve gone from curious amateurs to serious artists, and in the process we’ve changed our lives.”

Lapin, who lost her job unexpectedly a month after the group began, credited it for her book in hand. “I thank everyone in The Novel Group for not only their critical reading of my work but leads on writing query letters and finding a publisher.” Lapin’s book was picked up by Wings ePress, a small outfit linked to a fulfillment printing company. “I found this publisher through an online resource that one of TNG members suggested.” To Say Goodbye explores whether a middle-aged couple can join forces to overcome their individual pasts, risk loving again, and build a new life together.

More information can be found at www.thenovelgroup.wordpress.com/ or at www.BethLapin.com.  To Say Goodbye is available online in both e-book and paperback through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Wings ePress.