Author, 82, publishes fifth children's book

Gleannloch Village resident, Marcia Bennet has just penned her fifth children's novel.

Author, 82, publishes fifth children's book

Marcia Bennett, a resident of Gleannloch Village, has just published her fifth children's novel.

The 82-year-old author recently completed writing "Umbrella Town" and it has won first prize at the Katherine Anne Porter Literary Festival. Bennett has also been a featured author at the Texas Book Festival.

The Village at Gleannloch Farms will help her celebrate this accomplishment with a book launch party at 3 p.m. Friday, June 8. The event is free and open to the public.

"I thought, when I'm 82, I'll be dead," said Bennett, according to a press release. "I never expected to live this long. I can't believe that I'm here, feeling good and publishing books."

Bennett discovered her passion for writing later in life after she went back to school. She works to make her books entertaining and educational. Bennett's daughter-in-law, Michele Bennett, provided the illustrations for this most recent book.

"I put myself in the character's place," said Bennett, in the press release. "I am always thinking about the story. Sometimes, I get up in the middle of the night and jot things down. It is so much fun."

Staff members at the Village at Gleannloch Farms are looking forward to hosting her book-launch party. At the event, the public and residents will hear Bennett read her book. There will be refreshments and door prizes.

"When you see someone doing amazing things, you should celebrate them," said Mimi Collins, lifestyle director at the Village. "I am very impressed with what Marcia has accomplished. I want everyone to get a chance to talk with her and share in this exciting occasion."

For more information on the launch party, including location, call 214-890-7912 or email atajones@fortepr.com.