Novelist to sign her books in Athens

F.C. Pearce, the author of the novel, “Listen for the Mourning Dove,” is traveling to Athens from her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico for a book signing.

The signing in Athens follows the book being published by Book Leaf Press on Feb. 2. She has already done signings in the Texas cities of San Angelo and Ballinger.

“This is a debut novel,” Pearce said. “It's a book I really wanted to write. I've always wanted to write a novel about life.”

Pearch said it took seven years to write “Listen for the Mourning Dove.”

“I am a writer, and so having always the desire to write the novel. That's the inspiration, the desire – To write a novel about something that we as human beings all experience.  All human frailties, along with all strengths.”

As a child, Pearce attended school in Ballinger. One of her classmates, Kathie Cox, who today resides near Cross Roads, is the person who arranged the book signing in Athens.

“We kept up with each other all these years,” Pearce said.

Cox said she had read the book, and that it was a great read.

“It is a Texas story,” she said. “It's a study of characters, with a good depiction of the time and place.”

Athenian Daniel Dwelle said he met with an old friend, Kathie Cox at a book signing out of state, and that's when he met Pearce.  

“I have not yet read her book,” he said. “I am looking forward to the book signing, and for her coming to town for the event.”

On a poster advertising the book signing, it briefly describes the contents of the story in the book. It states, “On a rainy autumn night in 1953 West Texas, the close-knit Randolph family, and a disparate group of strangers become inextricably linked by a tragic event.  Over the 40 years that follow, their bonds-whether by blood, will or chance – remain unbroken.  Will fear and greed succumb to the pull of ruin or give way to courage and compassion?”

A limited supply of books will be available at the signing, and orders can also be placed.  The book price is $20, and includes shipping.  Cash or check is accepted.  For your convenience, you might also consider ordering your books in advance at Amazon.com to bring with you for the author's signature.

According to her website, F.C. Pearce was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and Ballinger, Texas.  She was destined for a nomadic life, first being educated at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she studied creative writing, then modeling in Dallas. Before divorcing, being married to a diplomat with whom she shared an adventurous life overseas (Winding over the Khyber Pass on the back seat of an Afghan bus was but one of many fine adventures), eventually she returned to the United States to live in Washington, D.C.

“Leaving her life in high-powered Washington to begin anew, and to take a chance on love again, she took up residence in a rustic one-room cabin on the Big Wood River in Ketchum, Idaho. That led her to another river in New Mexico where, for a time, she called a 30-foot Airstream home. It was a fairly smooth, entirely voluntary transition from dancing in the White House, to sitting on the banks of the Little Tesuque protecting her suppers from a greedy resident raccoon.”

Of that time, she comments, “Well, love certainly had its day, and I made off with some good fodder for my creative pursuits.  But there were challenges.  No regrets.”

Then, until now, she has lived coast-to-coast as a business owner, project manager, copywriter and freelance writer.

“Coupled with her considerable writing skills, she has gathered plenty of inspiration along the way to fuel a lifetime of storytelling. Relaxing at the piano, playing classical to Latin to jazz, provides the perfect counterpoint to life’s commotion. She now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the company of her cat named Sweezer.”

Pearce today owns her own company, Pearce Project management.  She is single, with no children.

The Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library invites all residents to the book signing on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon.  The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library organization.

The Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library is located at 121 S. Prairieville St. in Athens.

 Please direct any questions or comments to Pearce at: pearcesantafe@gmail.com.

<<< Return to top of page >>>