About
Like so many women, I took time out from a career to care for my mother-in-law who was beginning a downward slide, first with dementia, and then with everything else. After a time, I entered the M.F.A. Program at Carlow University, where I studied in Pittsburgh and in Ireland. The career break turned into a career change when I was fortunate enough to have my manuscript accepted for publication by SUNY Press. Working with SUNY was (and still is) a terrific experience, and they made a beautiful book, Clear Skies, Deep Water: A Chautauqua Memoir.
I live and write in beautiful western New York State, with my husband Jeff Hunter and our dog Henry. And I live alongside many of the characters in my book, who are all still speaking to me.
I hope to use this site as a venue to keep the conversation going about the news in Maple Springs, things related to my book and, as the muse strikes, other writing, or other things about writing.
Stay tuned, and stay connected!
Hi Beth,
I just finished your book, and loved it. I discovered it last weekend when my husband and I were staying at The Maple Springs Inn. I love memoirs so when we got home, I looked for it and bought it. After I started reading, I realized we may have met you. We were sitting around the fire on Friday night and you and Jeff came in and docked your boat. You sat and talked with us and another couple while Jeff tied up the boat. After you left, the woman we were sitting with said your names were Beth and Jeff. I’m not sure it was you, it was kind of dark, but my husband and I both thought it looked like you from the picture we see here on your website. Anyway, I loved the book and we both loved the area. It was our first visit. If it was you, what an honor to have met you, and if it wasn’t you, I’m sure you probably know those people. I kind of felt like I knew you while I was reading it, as silly as that sounds. Your story is inspiring and heartwarming.
Take care,
Melissa
Thank you Melissa! I’m glad you liked the book. It was us. We just started docking up with Rose and Paul this year. Glad you love the area — we certainly do. Summer is drawing to a close, for sure, but our kids and grandkids should be here any minute. We hope we have nice weather, because we have big plans! As usual. I think we met that other couple on our way out. Were they the ones who were traveling across the country? They seemed very nice. Hope to see you again when you come back…