After years of writing, feedback and revisions, Ruth Maus published her first novel and will be holding a book launch Wednesday, March 26 at 4 p.m. in the Vogel Room.

Maus always had a passion for writing, but she never thought she’d get to publish a novel until she started auditing classes at Washburn University. 

“I had written the manuscript [of her first novel] 30 some years ago and tried to get it published. No one wanted it, so I put it in a drawer and life went on,” Maus said.

She’s been auditing for over 10 years and has taken a variety of classes, including classes on poetry and creative writing.

“I want to say ‘thank you’ to Washburn for allowing auditors,” Maus said. “It’s hugely enriching for us, and, as a result of going to class here, I now have three books and a whole new career.”

Maus has written two books on poetry and is now releasing her first fiction novel titled “Lunacy and Acts of God.” The story is based on Topeka, Kansas, and is set in the 1950s. It’s both a coming-of-age story and murder mystery. It is written from the perspective of a 9-year-old girl trying to make sense of the world. Throughout the book, the impact of family and prejudice is examined throughout the generations. The book contains references and facts about different historical events and people from that time. 

Andy Farkas, professor of creative writing, helped Maus along her writing journey. He and her peers in his advanced fiction writing class gave Maus feedback on every revision she made. He helped her to make the book what it is today. 

Farkas is not originally from Kansas. When reading the book, he learned about Topeka and its history. 

“I certainly learned a good deal about Topeka’s history through reading her book,” Farkas said. “The book is hilarious… shifting between comic [and] hilarious parts, and then into parts that are more serious and even darker.”

Farkas explained that he is used to giving feedback on undergraduate students’ writing. With Maus, it was different. It was like giving feedback to a graduate student. He was instantly impressed with how strong of a writer Maus was. Eric McHenry, professor of English, also saw the writing skills that Maus possessed. 

“I was struck right away at how experienced she was and how insightful she was when commenting on readings that we had done,” McHenry said.

McHenry had Maus in his poetry classes. Both him and Farkas were impressed by Maus and proud to be a part of her journey. 

Maus has proven to be a talented writer and is excited to be releasing her book. Come to the Vogel Room at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 to get a signed copy. 

Edited by Jeremy Ford.