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Friday, March 29, 2024

Writer Lynn Seldon reads from debut novel

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By Pam Creech

Contributing Writer

“My name is Nick Adams, and I wear the ring,” begins Lynn Seldon’s debut novel, “Virginia’s Ring.” Set in Lexington and Richmond, Va., the novel tells the stories of a man and woman who were cadets at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Although the graduates are decades apart in age, they are united by their VMI rings. Seldon will reveal a glimpse of the bond VMI graduates and ring-wearers share while reading from his novel at Pomegranate Books, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

Pat Conway, who wrote “The Lords of Discipline,” a novel based upon his own experiences attending The Citadel, a military college in Charleston, S.C., encouraged Seldon to write “Virginia’s Ring.” Seldon explained the pair was lunching in Charleston many years ago when Conway encouraged him to write a love letter to his alma mater, VMI. Seldon is grateful for Conway’s help and inspiration.

“Along with mentoring me along the way, he came up with the title,” Seldon said. “I also used his long-time cover artist, Wendall Minor.”

Seldon drew from his personal history while writing the novel. He was also influenced by the experiences from other VMI cadets and graduates.

Aside from fictionalizing his own memories, Seldon wanted to depict some of the changes the institute has foregone throughout the years.

“Through my character Virginia, I also wanted to show that the VMI experience as a cadet and as an alumnus now transcends gender,” he said.

Kathleen Jewell, owner of Pomegranate Books, said the book will be of special interest to people who attended VMI.

“It really captures life on campus,” she said. “He’s done a good job, regardless of the connection. It’s just a good read.”

The first half of the book is narrated by Nick Adams, who graduated from VMI in 1984. The second half is narrated by Virginia Shields, who attends the institute 19 years later.

“A lot of the action takes place in Virginia, but also in the Carolinas. It has a regional interest in the mid-Atlantic,” Seldon said.

The book also pertains to Wilmington, N.C. Daniel Cameron, who served as mayor of Wilmington from 1955 to 1957, and his brother, Bruce Cameron, were VMI alumni.

“The Cameron brothers are both big VMI supporters,” Seldon said.

From covering ski trips to scuba vacations, Seldon has spent more than 25 years as a travel writer and photographer for Our State magazine and others. Because of Seldon’s regional name recognition, Jewell is prepared for a full house during his reading, and seating space is limited.

“We can comfortably accommodate 30, but we’ve had up to 50,” Jewell said.

A reception will follow Seldon’s reading. Audience members can purchase books and/or get books signed by Seldon, as well as speak to him one-on-one. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information on Lynn Seldon, visit www.lynnseldon.com

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