Special to the News-Sun
SEBRING - Local author Millie Richmond has a knack for writing books that help both children and adults deal with difficult situations. Her first book, "Hildy," has to do with a girl growing up with a hearing impairment; her second, "Daddy's Gone," is about a boy dealing with the loss of a parent.
Her books seem to have hit a nerve. A few weeks ago, "Hildy," won the first place Florida Writers Association 2012 Royal Palm Literary Award for (Children's) Chapter Book. "When they announced the winner at the Awards Banquet," Richmond said, "I didn't budge. I didn't dare stand until I was sure I heard correctly. You see, I'm hearing-impaired, too."
Writing books that contain a message, a lesson, appear to come easy to Richmond. She recently retired after 41 years as a classroom teacher and reading specialist, but working with children is still second nature to her. Along with her books, last year she organized a writing festival for local fourth-graders, with another such festival on tap this December.
From the feedback she has received over "Hildy," she says it's an eye-opener for some, a reminder for others ... and many say, "a delight to read." Many of her readers have even asked her to write another 'Hildy' book.
"I see my book as an opportunity to get young readers to expand their thinking about people labeled as 'different'," Richmond said. "Hildy has to learn to deal with the problems and teasing that often come with such an impairment."
"Hildy" is available in print and e-book from amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
Richmond is also available for Author Visits to schools and organizations. Contact her at richmondmil@aol.com. Along with other local authors, on Nov. 24 and Dec. 15, she'll be at McLane's Garden Restaurant, 420 N. Ridgewood Drive, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And on Dec. 20, she'll be at the Kenilworth Lodge from 6-8 p.m. Check out her website at www.millierichmond.com/.
Sunday, November 18, 2012 - www.newssun.com/111812-richmond