Local author contributes to new grandparents’ book
Grandparents’ Day was recognized Sunday, Sept. 13. Local author, writer and consultant Hal Alpiar of Millsboro is one of the contributors to “The Art of Grandparenting,” a new book released by Nightengale Press.
His short story, “The Dirt Floor Visit,” touches on the sensitivities of his relationship with his oldest grandchild, Talley, a 13-year-old budding actress, figure skater, politician and psychotherapist who visits Grandpa’s dirt-floor trailer to sell him on moving out. “She’s a great kid,” he says, “and writing about this eventful encounter was truly a labor of love.”
Expert grandparents - as well as those who soon hope to be - will want to carry “The Art of Grandparenting” everywhere. It is already being called the definitive reference for mastering this new, never-before-explored art form.
Lessons learned from one’s own grandparents may no longer be relevant when it comes to dealing with new avenues of access that include, for example, text messaging, webcams, family websites and cell phone cameras.
A former business professor, advertising executive, magazine editor and radio host, Alpiar is president of TheWriter-Works.com, his own award-winning business development, marketing and website-writing firm. He writes frequently for Delmarva Quarterly and DESK magazines, and maintains a daily blog for entrepreneurial business leaders.
The author of “Doctor Shopping,” winner of a national book award for consumer health information, and “Doctor Business,” a five-star Amazon selection for physicians, Alpiar is seeking literary agent representation for his action/mystery novel, “High Tide,” completed this month, and his children’s book series, “Doodle-Oo the Bare-Headed Bear.”
Emerging artist and radio host Valerie Connelly, who is the founder of and publisher at Nightengale Press (and a new grandmother herself), has served as the editor for “The Art of Grandparenting.” She reports that pre-publication sales have been brisk.
“It’s the right book for the right time,” said Connelly, “because there’s really no precedent for baby-boomer grandparents. Making these relationships work truly is an art. It takes finesse, creativity, teamwork, a free spirit and nonjudgmental, unsolicited love.
“Grandparenting today is a whole lot more than just plunking kids down in front of the TV, or buying them rooms full of gifts. This book is filled to the brim with authenticity,” said Connelly.
“The Art of Grandparenting” will be available at all online booksellers, including Barnes & Noble and Amazon as well as at theartofgrandparenting.com and nightengalepress.com, and on request at local booksellers.
Copies signed by Alpiar can be ordered through his blog site, halalpiar.com, for the special prepublication price of $18.95 for pick-up in Millsboro, or $22.45 including shipping.
For more information, call TheWriterWorks.com at 302-933-0116.
