By Kendall Robertson

PG Raised Author Shares New Novel

Feb 21, 2018 | 1:54 PM

PRINCE GEORGE- Prince George raised author is sharing her newest novel with the community that inspired the story. Kim Purcell visited PGSS this morning to read her novel and give writing tips to students. This is Not a Love Letter is inspired by the disappearance of her close friend, Al Rivas, in 1989. “It was a time in my life that I held inside me, it was very painful, and I think changed the course of my life,” said Purcell. “I suddenly realized, I need to do something in my life, I need to make a difference, I know he would have if he lived.”

While the storyline and characters are very different from the real events, some aspects of the book are similar. “The emotion and the desperation and the love are definitely real,” she added, “also, the search is very accurate from my memory.” Purcell hopes people going through similar struggles as the characters will find comfort in the novel. “Should they experience a situation that’s similar, it will connect to their experience and make them feel like they’re going to be ok. That was my hope.”

Purcell will read a portion of the book and host a Q&A tonight at Books and Company at 7. More information on the book can be found on her website.