Acceptance focus of East City author’s latest book
The latest book from an East City author tells the story of an impatient young angel trying to get on God’s good side so she can get her wings early – after 997 years of waiting, instead of the required 1,000, to be exact.
Elizabeth Gets Her Wings follows the title character as she is tasked with finding three volunteers on earth for a journey where they are guided only by a star.
It’s the seventh book by Janet Stobie, a writer and motivational speaker and former United Church minister who retired in 2009 after serving in the City of Kawartha Lakes communities of Bethany, Pontypool and Dunsford for nearly two decades.
“She is very impatient and she wants (her wings) now,” she said of her enthusiastic red-haired protagonist, who is based on a younger version of her granddaughter – now a 15-year-old Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School student.
Released Nov. 7, the book is Stobie’s third related to Christmas. The fun, whimsical variation of the story involving the three kings or wise men is similar to a common challenge of today – recruiting volunteers, Stobie explained.
Spectacular Stella and the short stories of Can I Hold Him? Christmas Stories for all ages were also penned by the septuagenarian.
The basic message of her books and speaking engagements are the same – to be accepting.
“We are all called to love and accept,” the author said, pointing out how she always signs her book the same way: “Always remember, you are God’s precious child.”
Stobie, who left ministry to pursue writing, often wakes up with an idea in her mind ready to be translated onto her computer screen. “It’s my passion ... it’s extremely relaxing to write.”
It has allows her to continue to spread her message that we are called to love – a much-needed reminder during these oft-dark, judgemental times. “I reached people from the pulpit, yes, but I reach even more people with my books.”
Elizabeth Gets Her Wings was illustrated by Olivia Phillips, who was once a young member of Stobie’s congregation in Dunsford, a hamlet between Lindsay and Bobcaygeon. (The book was also launched at Dunsford United Church last month.)
Now 23, the artist provided a painting for Stobie, based on her description of her title character, and the author instantly fell in love with the image. She’s hoping the pair are able to work together more moving forward.
Stobie will be signing copies of Elizabeth Gets Her Wings at Keene United Church (30 North St.) following Saturday’s Santa Claus parade, which gets underway at 10 a.m. She will remain on hand as the Keene Lions host children’s activities until about 2 p.m.
The book, which has already sold more than 200 copies, can be purchased through Stobie’s website or at www.Amazon.com.
NOTES: For more information on Janet Stobie or her work, visit www. janetstobie.com ... She also pens a blog, which can be accessed through her website.