Mother pens book on suicide in family

Mother pens book on suicide in family

“Afterglow” by Jean Catherine Vaughn shares the story of the suicide of her youngest child, Melanie, who stabbed herself.

Vaughn recounts her fragile childhood and two unsuccessful marriages that give her two sons and two daughters and leave her a single mother. Her daughters suffered from Ataxia, a genetic disorder that affects the cerebellum.

In her search for stability, Vaughn meets Twylah Nitsch, a Seneca elder, and over a decade, learns many lessons about life centered on the Native culture. The information helps her survive and thrive after the family tragedy.

Vaughn, now retired, worked 20 years for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Carrollton resident writes kids’ book

“Little Fishy,” a new book by Valarrie Harris of Carrollton, Ohio, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc.

It’s the tale of a courageous fish and the obstacles he must overcome. Little Fishy teaches readers that bravery leads to success in life. Knowing he may succumb to danger or even death, the little fishy hides behind seaweed and dodges the dangers of being captured in a net.

Writers Anonymous members publish

Three members of Writers Anonymous, a group that meets monthly in Boardman, have become independent “indie” publishers with the October release of “Bad Moon Rising.”

Debbie Schukert of Edinburg, Pa.; Cathy Seckman of Calcutta, Ohio; and Darlene Torday of Berlin Center collaborated on the murder mystery that takes place in the months between Woodstock Music Festival and the Ohio National Guard shooting at Kent State University. Peace, love and murder are the conflicting themes engaging the college student characters at the university.

The book is available as an e-book at www.amazon.com and will be in paperback in December.

Vindicator staff reports