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Darynda Jones' career a fairytale

link Betty Williamson

Betty Williams

PNT columnist

Darynda Jones is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, but the newest chapter in her life story opens this week in her hometown as she settles into the guest of honor seat for the 38th annual Jack Williamson Lectureship at ENMU.

Darynda’s appearance marks a couple of firsts for the long-running Lectureship: She’s the first paranormal mystery writer and the first former student of Jack’s to be honored at this event.

I think my uncle would heartily approve. After all, she learned a few tricks of the trade from one of the last classes he taught which met weekly at his kitchen table the semester he turned 94.

“It was surreal and heavenly,” Darynda remembers, “and I’m so grateful to have been able to learn from a master writer.”

Darynda’s career is more fairy tale than paranormal mystery. National recognition for her first novel led her to an agent and a multi-book contract with respected publisher St. Martin’s Press. She’s humble about it, gracious, funny, and darned nice.

She’ll be reading from her work at 6 p.m. today in the Sandia Room in ENMU’s Campus Union Building, and participating in activities all day Friday at ENMU.

Wondering what happens next? Come meet Darynda and find out.

Betty Williamson believes there is special magic when authors read their own words. You may reach her at [email protected].