By Tina Firquain
Two alumni of SE, Aaron Beshears and Michael Davis, gathered to talk about their newly published books in the Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library on Oct. 1.
Davis is currently working as the residence hall director for Choctaw and Chickasaw halls, and is also an adjunct instructor for U.S. Government at SE. Beshears has also worked for Residence Life.
They have “taught here, worked here, learned here,” according to Beshears.
“The Cold Wind Blows” is Beshears first published book, but he is working on his second. He said it is going to be very different, more of a drama rather than mystery.
Along with “The Copper Creek Killer,” Davis has written “Silence and Sound,” a book of poems. According to Davis, he is better at writing poems rather than books.
The books are in circulation and archived in the SE library. Both books are available online at sites like eBay and Amazon. However, for a more convenient way to buy, each of the books will be available in the SE bookstore.
Twenty people attended the event, and others stopped and listened to the authors on their way in and out of the library.
Davis began the conversation with the audience by talking about the “commonality of the two books.” They were both described as dark, murder mysteries.
Davis said literature and pop culture are continually taking a darker turn, giving examples of books, TV shows and movies. Davis’ explanation of this is that we “secretly” accept things like murder and crime in society and are more open to the idea.
Beshears said, “What I like about writing is I can step outside my comfort zone.” He has gone from writing simple stories in his childhood to having a book published.
Beshears said he has always had a passion for writing, while for Davis writing is more of a recent adventure.
During a question and answer session, Beshears and Davies both said they would put the books down and not touch them for months during the writing process.
Davis explained that he started with an outline for the book but then let the story take its own path. “I had to make the book a little darker than I intended, and I’m OK with that.”
Sharon Morrison, director and associate professor of the SE library, arranged the event.