The nature of love is a complicated affair, and Columbia native Art Ford addresses it eloquently in his first published novel, Shunned, the story of a young reporter who “becomes entangled in the lives of a Reformed Methodist couple torn apart by the practice of shunning,” and how their journey mirrors his own journey of the heart.
How Shunned Began
“It all started 30 years ago, which is a long time for a book to be produced,” said Ford with a chuckle. “I was fascinated by a newspaper article in a Harrisburg newspaper about a Reformed Methodist man who was being shunned by his church.” As a consequence, the man had lost his wife and children, though they all still lived in the same residence.
“The article described how he kidnapped his wife, and been arrested. In the trial, he represented himself, with his wife as a witness under oath, just so he could talk to her,” Ford continued. “I had great respect for this man and his powerful love for his wife."
Shunned is being published by Hershey publishing company UnTapped Talent. “I’m very excited about this new publishing company,” said Ford. One of his publishers is a former student from Lebanon Valley College.
Ford's Other Work
At the time, Ford was a professor at Lebanon Valley Collage in Annville, and was creating one art operas with a composer. After being inspired by the article, he wrote such an opera using the subject. Currently, he is a professor emeritus of English after retiring in 2001.
“I wrote a number of plays and short fiction. I wanted to write a longer piece,” said Ford, who then began this book. He describes his main character as being “confused, and doesn’t know what love is, and he’s watching this man and woman, Jacob and Sarah Weaver, and what they go through for their love.”
Ford's Personal Life
Ford is a graduate of Columbia High School, where, he said, “I was interested in poetry and sports.” He still has deep affection for the town. “I’ve written two plays set in Columbia.”
“It’s such an interesting town, with the history, culture and the people,” he continued. “It’s been unique, growing up here and doing research on it.” Ford lived in the area until he went to college, and had even spent one summer during high school covering sports for the Columbia News.
Published by Untapped Talent on November 14, 2008, Shunned, ISBN 0982083408, is available for purchase at many online book stores.
Ford currently resides in Annville with his wife, Mary Ellen. They have three children and six grandchildren.
