Most people have thought about writing a book. There is an old saying: "Everyone has one good book in them."
We've all had what we thought was a great idea for a novel, or an experience in our lives we thought was worth sharing with others. Few of us, however, pursue those ideas to the reality of actually sitting down to write a book.
This can not be said about Harper's Choice resident Mark Littleton. He has plunged headfirst into a writing career. He began writing for fun in 1976, and in the years since, has turned his craft into what he hopes will become a full-time endeavor.
During the past 16 years, he has written articles and short stories for Reader's Digest, The Saturday Evening Post and other magazines.
He has also written 17 books. They are directed toward teens and young adults and use Biblical characters and Scripture to help young readers develop confidence in themselves, and to offer alternative ways of dealing with anger, depression and peer pressure.
Most of his books are religious in nature and have received modest acclaim. Unfortunately, they have not been widely distributed. Those still in print can be found in Christian book stores.
Several years ago, Mr. Littleton asked the question all part-time, free-lance writers ask at some point in their career: "Can I make a decent living as a writer?"
He decided to try exploring new literary avenues. His latest book is a techno-thriller titled "Death Trip." It was published in June by Moody Press and is available in bookstores. Naturally, Mr. Littleton hopes this book will lead to greater successes.
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Mark Oct. 25 on your calendar and plan to treat yourself to a wonderfully uplifting afternoon of music. That is the date the internationally acclaimed Columbia Pro Cantare Chorus will perform at the National City Christian Church at Thomas Circle in Washington.
The concert will begin at 3 p.m.
Selections will include the world premier of Lukus Matousek's "Czech Intrada," Dvorak's "Te Deum," written in celebration of Columbus' discovery of the New World, and a selection of Biblical songs.
Tickets are $14 in advance, and $10 for senior and students. The cost at the door will be $16. For tickets and additional information, please call Kathy Bowen at 465-5744, or Jean Spindler at 997-5290.
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If you'd like to dance the day away for a worthy cause, the Atholton High School Grace Club is sponsoring a Dance-A-Thon from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the Hickory Ridge Village Center.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Pam Basu Scholarship Fund. Atholton teacher Sally Ann Cooper and the Grace Club members are seeking sponsors for the event. Individuals and businesses who would like to sponsor this benefit event can call Atholton High School at 313-7065.
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While on the subject of dancing, auditions for the Howard County Gifted and Talented Creative Dance Program will be on Oct. 24, at the Atholton High School Dance Studio.
Auditions for elementary students, grades three to five, begin at 10 a.m. Middle school students start at 11:30 a.m. and high school students are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
All students should arrive 15 minutes early for registration and be dressed to dance.
The director of the GT Creative Dance Program is Leah Tabassi, an award-winning dancer and founder of the nationally known Emileah Dance Company. Mrs. Tabassi is as sisted by Gina Bates, a graduate of the Baltimore Academy of the Arts, and who is also an accomplished dancer. Classes are scheduled to begin on Oct. 31.
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Health officials warn this will be a bad winter for flu, so why take a chance with serious illness? Several clinics for flu and pneumococcal shots have been scheduled on the west side of Columbia by the Howard County Health Department.
Dates and times are as follows: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday at the Florence Bain Senior Center on Beaver Kill Road in Harper's Choice; and from 8 a.m. to noon on Oct. 28, at the Columbia Health Center in the Century Plaza Building on Little Patuxent Parkway.
A donation of $3 is requested for the flu shot and $4 for the pneumococcal inoculation. Information: 313-2333.
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For those who are into antique collecting, there will be a seminar at Slaton House in Wilde Lake Village Center from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 22.
Harriet Katz-Miller, owner of Yesterday's Elegance in Ellicott City, will share her knowledge on investing and collecting antiques, and will tell where to find real bargains.
There is a fee of $12 per person. For registration and additional information, please call Carol Black at 730-3987.
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Congratulations to Jennifer Slater, a fifth-grade student at Running Brook Elementary School. A poem she composed was recently selected for publication in the "For Kids Only" section of The Sun.