Cynthia Barsness has shared her love of writing with friends and family, often writing and crafting stories for her four children. Now, her work will reach a wider audience with the release of her book “Redfeather’s Dream,” released in January from Tate Publishing and Enterprises. It is a juvenile chapter book that Barsness says can be enjoyed from her age, 43, on down. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the tale features familiar places from Barsness’ childhood in Vancouver. She now lives in La Center with her husband, children and a bevy of animals.
“My son has read it about 20 times; he’s about 10,” said Barsness. “(He) just likes the mystery; there’s lots of clues and missed connections.”
The story is split between two main characters, 8-year old Ruby Sue and her mother, Phyllis Jean Brown. Phyllis Jean is out jogging to the gym on a sidewalk where the tree roots have lifted up parts of the sidewalk on a street inspired by Mill Plain Boulevard, said Barsness. The mother trips and falls, hitting her head, and loses her memory of her three children and husband. An old woman “scoops her up,” believing that Phyllis Jean is her long-lost daughter. Meanwhile Ruby Sue still has hope that her mother, who has gone missing, will be found, especially after the family meets Benjamin Redfeather, who has a dream their mother is alive.
“I can write a picture book in a few minutes, and I love to write poetry,” she said.
