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Westfield’s Donald Dowling publishes first novel

Submitted Photo: Westfield resident Donald Dowling holds a copy of his first novel, “The Gold of Vanishing Creek.” He shared his experience about writing this book and also autographed copies of it during the March 28 meeting of the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville at The Parkview.

WESTFIELD — What do a family ranch, a poker game and a secret have in common? Find the answer in “The Gold of Vanishing Creek: A Western Novel,” by Donald Douglas Dowling, a Westfield resident. On March 28, Dowling presented a “Writing Your Novel” program about his experience of writing his first novel and getting it published, during a meeting of the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville at The Parkview in Westfield. His spouse Audrey Kay Dowling was also present. Copies of his book were available at the meeting, and following the program, the author conducted a book signing.

Dowling, who is a member of this Rotary Club and who is a lifelong writer, described the process of completing his first novel. Topics included his inspiration and motivation, research and writing, editing, publishing and marketing.

“I’ve always thought of myself as a Western man, though I grew up in New Hampshire,” Dowling said. “As a kid, I was very interested in reading Western stories and listening to such shows on the radio. Later I spent about 10 years hiking, backpacking and riding through the West, enjoying its amazing countryside.”

One of Dowling’s literary heroes includes Louis L’Amour. Of him Dowling said, “He wrote about simple, straightforward people in the West. I really loved his writing.” Additional inspiration came from Dowling’s former professional career as an English teacher. “I believe teachers should practice their subject and lead by example. I encouraged my students to write, and I wanted them to write well. I thought that I could better inspire them, if I was practicing the art and craft of writing,” he said.

Dowling spoke about the long trek he had with his first novel, from its inception to publication. “I started writing this book when my two sons were ages 6 and 9. The happy distraction of having a young family, my employment as an English teacher and spending many evening and weekend hours reading and grading papers, being co-owner of the Portage Hill Gallery, and then having some technology issues that caused me to lose about a third of the manuscript, all delayed my finishing this book.”

He continued, “From beginning to end, it took me over 20 years. I had to work a long time on the plot. Western novel readers can be very critical! So, I spent a great deal of time doing research and checking facts. I must admit I had lots of family support.” Dowling already has a follow up novel about half completed.

An official book launch and signing party will be held by Dowling at the Patterson Library in Westfield on April 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. Also, he will be signing books at the 21 Brix Winery in Portland on April 29 from 1 to 4 p.m., during a fundraiser by Ahira Hall, the public library in Brocton.

Copies of Dowling’s novel “The Gold of Vanishing Creek” are available by calling the Portage Hill Gallery at 326-4478 or by sending an email to donald.douglas.dowling@gmail.com. The book is available for $10 plus NYS tax, or for $12.95 plus shipping on Amazon.com.

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