NCSU Libraries Focus Online

Volume 26 number 3 - Spring 2006

Friends of the Library--Judge Martin Clark Provides His Own Mischief

By Anne Schnatter, Friends of the Library

On January 11, 2006, the Friends of the Library welcomed the Honorable Martin Clark, author of Plain Heathen Mischief and The Many Aspects of Mobile Home Living. Clark is a circuit court judge who lives in Stuart, Virginia, but on the side he writes extremely funny stories about crime and redemption.

The Honorable Ron Spivey, superior court judge from Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Friends of the Library board member, introduced Clark. Clark's reading from his book The Many Aspects of Mobile Home Living introduced the audience to the main character, who happens to be a judge from Winston Salem. Clark engaged his audience with accounts of his own wild ride in finding a publisher, and he encouraged hopeful writers by sharing excerpts from some of the harsh rejection letters he received from various editors. He persevered in seeking a publisher because he believed in his work, and he finally found one who recognized its quality.

The Friends of the Library, with special help from Program Committee member Sory Bowers, hosted a reception following the event. The Friends deeply appreciates her help in making the reception a success.