Local real estate agent publishes dystopian fiction novel

first novel that John is mass marketing to the world, it is certainly not his first crack at fiction writing. He wrote a full length novel called “The Sacred Grove” many years ago. “I sent it off to a New York publisher and it made it past the first gate but no further than that,” John explained. “Life, our own young family and work kept us busy for years after, but when the dust had settled a bit, I got back to writing.” He also had a book called “Morgan” published on Amazon. ca a few years ago, but he never took the time to properly promote it.

Grenville has been a rich and vibrant place to do just that,” John added.

John and his wife are both still working, and they look forward to visits from their three kids and “much-loved” grandkids at their home in Oxford Mills. “We’re pretty sure we’re on track to retire perhaps in our 90’s – we’ll see,” John joked.

by Brandon Mayer

An 18 year veteran of the local Royal Lepage realty team has set his sights on growing an old passion with much success. Oxford Mills resident, John Carkner, has recently released his first mass-marketed novel – “Selection” – with a local book signing event scheduled on July 22.

John explained to the Times that his new fiction novel is about relationships, loyalty, and love.

“Perseverance also plays a big part,” he added. “It’s set in the near future where the climate crisis is becoming more and more of a reality and the protagonists are faced with this, as well as the agenda of a company which has developed a sophisticated genetic engineering result.”

John has been an avid reader since he was young.

“I remember taking more than one trip to the library in any given week to load up with more books,” he said.

“Of course, this was a time when kids could walk to the local stores and libraries unaccompanied by adults.”

He was routinely inspired by the “classics” written by authors such as Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Frank Herbert, as well as works from Canadian authors like W.O. Mitchell, Margaret Laurence, and Margaret Atwood. A poemwriting assignment in school made him realize that writing was an important means of expression for him.

While “Selection” is the

John explained that an author’s writing process can be a rollercoaster ride and often relies on both inspiration and feedback. “Writing is a very peculiar thing to do,” he said. “When the words are flowing, when the characters take over, when the story unfolds almost on its own, writing is magic! At other times, it’s a slog. At the end of the day, writers write because they have to. There is a void when this creativity slows or stops.”

Through John’s experiences in the local community,his real estate career and involvement with groups and activities such as the Kemptville Lions Club, the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited, and sheep farming, he learned a lot about people and their interactions with each other. “Above all, writers observe, and North

Fans of suspenseful fiction can buy “Selection” at Chapters/Indigo in Barrhaven and Kanata, or by ordering online. A few indie bookstores in Ottawa have copies as well. A Spaniels Tale in Hintonburg and Singing Pebbles books on Main Street in Ottawa both have copies. The book is also available online from Barnes and Noble, Amazon.ca, and Austin Macauley Publishers. Readers can find the links to these sites on John’s website, johncarkner.ca.

A book signing will take place in Kanata on July 19, with a local “meet and greet” and book signing taking place on July 22 in Kemptville. The July 22 event will take place at 139 Prescott St (Royal Lepage building) from noon until 3pm.

John is nothing short of ambitious, and he has his sights set high: “Wouldn’t it be awesome if a senior guy taking his first real stab at the publishing world could make it to the New York Times best seller list? Now there would be a story!”

High Tech Eye Wear

submitted by Kristy Carriere

B&H owners Jim and Judy Beveridge do so much for the community, in particular, for Kemptville District Hospital and Foundation.

The KDH Foundation was pleased to recognize B&H, as part of its Community Hero Program, for all that they do in our community. It was the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation, while they also celebrated 60 years serving the community of North Grenville.

MPP Steve Clark, a long-time supporter of KDH, once again showed his support and joined us in recognizing Jim, Judy, and B&H staff for their outstanding support.

Thank you, B&H, for being a Community Hero!

Raise a future guide dog in your home

submitted by

CGDB

Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is seeking puppy raisers for future guide dogs. Over the next year, our upcoming litters of pups will need homes.

Volunteers are needed to take a young puppy into their home, raise and love them like their own, and teach them obedience and socialization skills that will mark the good behaviour required of a guide dog. The commitment is 12-18 months, and you don’t have to be at home all day. Many people working, even full-time, and post-secondary students can participate.

All food, toys, supplies, and veterinary expenses are provided. You’ll also receive expert guidance and training sessions from staff at Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The only thing you’ll need to provide is a loving home, plus a good amount of energy. We expect a couple of long daily walks, and as the puppy gets older, we encourage you to take it everywhere you go, to learn the environments it will later need to go to as a working guide dog. We provide you with a ‘guide dog in training’ jacket for your puppy to wear in public.

The most difficult part is giving up the puppy when it’s time to enter formal guide dog training, so you need to enter the volunteer program with the mindset of doing something good for the community and raising a dog for someone who is blind, so they will have freedom and independence.

Volunteers are needed in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, including areas near Prescott, Brockville, Gananoque, and Kingston.

You can sign up for one of the upcoming monthly information sessions at https://www. guidedogs.ca/puppy-walking/.

About Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind

Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind was established as a registered charity in 1984. Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind has provided more than 935 professionally trained guide dogs to Canadians who are visually impaired from coast to coast.

To learn more about this event or Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, visit www.guidedogs.ca or phone (613) 692-7777.