November 17, 2025: Meet debut author Eric Grandy, who shares his writing journey and tells readers how he came across an “Accidental Paradise”
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What inspired a professional baseball player to write a novel?
About Accidental Paradise: Natural talent, hard work, and a childhood friend help LaVern Whitaker find her calling as an actress. When her life becomes overwhelming, they discover a small, North Carolina town where her true identity can remain unknown and she can stay out of the spotlight. The more she visits her secret getaway, the more deeply she feels connected. Could this place be her home away from home?
Monday Morning Magic from Inkandescent® PR + Publishing Co. — It’s always exciting to meet an author showcasing their debut novel. Such is the case with professional baseball player Eric Grandy, who was born and raised in Baltimore City and graduated from City College. After graduating from Essex Community College, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played for six years with the team. He went on to a variety of jobs: photographer, lab manager, driver for DHL, and was a warehouse manager. After retirement, he decided to devote himself to writing, producing several short stories and Accidental Paradise, his debut novel. Eric lives in Baltimore with his wife, Rhonda, and daughter, Marti.
About the book, Accidental ParadiseNatural talent, hard work, and a childhood friend help LaVern Whitaker find her calling as an actress. When her life becomes overwhelming, they discover a small, North Carolina town where her true identity can remain unknown and she can stay out of the spotlight. The more she visits her secret getaway, the more deeply she feels connected to the history, the lifestyle, and the people. Could this place be her home away from home, or become the home she has dreamed of? Or will sinister forces rip it all away?
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com
Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events at ElainesLiterarySalon.com.
Until next Monday: If you have the writing bug, may you follow your path and bring those stories to light. You never know who will be waiting to read the gems living in your imagination. — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent® Inc. Inkandescent.us
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