By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

For painters, there are murals and galleries and museums.

For sculptors there are tons of sand and blocks of ice that make their way to downtown Niles each year. For musicians – air to breathe and wind to carry the sound from the Riverfront Amphitheater.

But there is another art from alive and well in Niles, if not a little hidden – the art of the written word. Four local authors will be on hand in downtown Niles for a group signing of some of their work Nov. 7.

“There are a lot of writers in Niles,” said Stephani Wuthnow, one of the authors who will be signing copies of her book at Color Me Christian at 101 E. Main St. in Niles on Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The authors may all be local writers but their featured works seem distinctly different, offering a variety for readers who make their way downtown for the signing.

Joining Wuthnow on Wednesday, Nov. 7 will be:

• MaryBeth Seal, author of the novel ‘Valley Girl.’ “We have all been a valley a girl at some time or another,” Seal writes on the book’s back cover. “Walking through valleys of trouble, sorrow, even the shadow of death is something we all can relate to.”

Where finding a way out of trouble and sorrow may be the subject of Seal’s novel, romance and Scotland serve as the backdrop for ‘Edwina,’ by Patricia Strefling.

The book describes the title character as”a small town librarian” who “loves her predictable lifestyle.” After her stepsister bails on a trip to Scotland, Edwina is left “exhausted and alone in Edinburgh,” where she “collapses into the arms of a tall Scot.” Her adventures with a new cast of characters serve as inspiration for Edwina, in Strefling’s “sweet romance” for readers from teens and up.

Strefling already has a sequel to the book in mind.

• David Kelly’s book ‘Time Out’ brings a new perspective to the phrase in his recollection of his daughter’s fight with cancer.

In the book, Kelly “recounts his family’s journey as his daughter, Hannah, battles a rare form of childhood cancer.

“At the time of her prognosis,” as the book describes, “Hannah was a fun-loving, ten-year-old girl who was looking forward to a summer playing basketball.

“Instead, she and her family would be at the Mayo Clinic, entering into the unknown medical world of oncology, radiology, and childhood cancer support. With thousands of newly-diagnosed children per year, Time Out not only walks you through experiences shared by many but inspires you with this family’s story of faith, strength, and hope.”

• Pastor Kevin Hester of Coloma is also making his way to Color Me Christian Nov. 7. with his books that focus on the harms caused by gossip. The ‘Gossip Free’ series looks at the dangers of the practice of gossip as it affects teens and young adults, children and even the workplace.

And Wuthnow brings a fresh take on teaching children about music in “A Musical Mouse in a Rhythmical House.”

Wuthnow said the “engaging storybook” can serve as a child’s first music lesson and is the first in a series that she’s planning for publication for young children ages 5-8.

“A Musical Mouse” focuses on the principals of music and how to work well with other musicians through the art of storytelling.

“The delightful secret is, adults who wish to begin learning music can also benefit from this series,” Wuthnow states about her book. “The appealing story line and illustrations of this book teach young children basics of rhythm, and resource ideas for parents and teachers are featured in the back pages of the book.”

Wuthnow said there will be door prizes and light refreshments during the signing.