In Loving Memory...

Before I sign off today and pause my catching up until tomorrow, one last literary note must be mentioned.

This week the world lost a wonderful woman. Helen Hiner, artist, journalist, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and, at the age of 100, published novelist, died Saturday, May 15th at the amazing age of 101 (and several months). A truly talented and creative woman, Helen was one of the foremost experts in western Nebraskan history and journalism. She wrote for decades and finally achieved her lifelong goal of publishing a novel just in time for her 100th birthday. She created beautiful art in a variety of medias, some of which is displayed in the Sidney, Nebraska Visitor center. She was also extremely active in her community, in which she had lived, in the same house no less, since 1943. Helen was my great-grandmother and one of my original influences in my personal development of my writing.

Her novel, Yesternight's Dawn, is available below and on Amazon. The novel is partially autobiographical and tells an account of growing up on the prairie in the 1950s and 1960s. As a historian, the detail is remarkable. We have boxes more of her materials, so perhaps another novel or book isn't out of the question. If it can be put together, we intend to do it in her memory.

As a book blogger, this blog wouldn't be complete without a tribute to such a wonderful person. Thank you Great-Grandma. You will be missed.

Sarah