Marcoujor: "Beach Days" Inspires Me

marcoujor

Milford authors' stories featured in new beach anthology.
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Gail Sobotkin and Terri Clifton have the “write” stuff when it comes to storytelling.

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​I read this interview written by Andre Lamar of the Dover Post with great pride ~ as Gail Sobotkin is a dear friend of mine, along with being a powerful and compelling story teller.

I'd been touched when Gail gifted me an autographed copy of "Beach Days".  Although the two of us met online through our mutual love of writing, we have since spent magical times together ~ several days even on the beaches in Delaware and New Jersey. As such, this special collection is a reminder of all that brings me peace and serenity, with the beach as a back drop.

​While I instantly loved the book, I didn't fully appreciate the back story until happening upon Gail's interview with Mr. Lamar.

Lamar shares in his article that "Beach Days” is the third collection of the Rehoboth Beach Reads Series and offers 24 short tales covering a range of genres, including romance, mystery and humor. The common thread in each is a beach theme.
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The book is currently available for purchase at Browseabout Books and amazon.com.

Author, Gail Sobotkin

I learned in Lamar's post that Gail’s story was reviewed by six judges and chosen out of more than 100 submissions by authors in the tri-state area.  That's some impressive review and stiff competition in my opinion...!

Gail is a consummate inspiration to me.  She displays modesty, grace, dedication and professionalism in every aspect of her writing ~ traits she no doubt carries over from her years in the nursing profession.

I learned so much about Gail and what makes her story both memorable and powerful in Lamar's interview.

Here is an excerpt from his discussion with Gail:

‘Synchronicity’ by Gail Sobotkin

Sobotkin’s tale is about an elderly widow who has a chance encounter with one of her old flames on the beach, a veteran who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

She chose the title for her story because synchronicity, as she described it, is “when [something] seems like it was a coincidence, but it was meant to be.”

Her tale was inspired by her husband, a vet, who she’s been married to for 41 years.

“This story is fiction, but it’s like my husband was in my mind when I wrote this story, because I fell madly in love with him when were both young and idealistic,” she said.

After failing to get her work published in the first two Beach Reads anthologies, Sobotkin never gave up. Her third submission has become the charm.

“I took it like, ‘I couldn’t get it in this year. But I’m going to try to get better,”‘ she said. “So I put more action in it, and more dialogue.”

CLICK HERE to read Lamar's full interview.

I hope you will take the time to check this timeless book out for yourself.

I've added "Beach Days" to my I Recommend page with links convenient for your consideration and purchase.

If you're like me, you'll think of at least a couple family or friends on your gift list who would greatly appreciate this vacation that can be enjoyed right in your favorite armchair.

Bravo, dear Gail, for a story well scribed. Thanks for your ongoing inspiration and friendship in my life.

Until next year, wishing you all the inspiration found in a happy and peaceful Christmas season.

Hugs, mar