NOVA-Woodbridge to host authors of “Great Western Trail” novels

Northern Virginia Community College’s Woodbridge Campus will host an evening with award-winning novelists Robert Bausch and LeAnn Bednar for a discussion of their recent novels.  The event will be held Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m., in the Lakeside Theatre NOVA-Woodbridge, 15200 Neabsco Mills Rd., Woodbridge.

In the presentation called “A Way Through the West,” Bausch and Bednar will read excerpts from their works, which share similarities to the landscape of the Great Western Trail.

Bausch, an English professor at NOVA-Woodbridge since 1972, will discuss and sign copies of his latest novel “Far as the Eye Can See.” As the author of nine novels and a collection of short stories, Bausch was awarded the John Dos Passos Prize for Excellence in Literature and The Fellowship of Southern Writers Award for Fiction. His fifth work of fiction was a New York Times Notable Book of the year and a Washington Post Favorite Book of the year.

“Far as the Eye Can See,” explores the myth of the American West through the thoughts and actions of pioneer Bobby Hale, in what is described as “bringing to life a territory of vast aspirations, grandeur and fierceness.”

Bednar will read excerpts and sign copies of her first novel “My Final Ride,” which depicts the real life journey of her father, Charles Christensen, as he rode his mule from Canada to Mexico in the mid-1990s while battling stage three cancer. Her book received recognition as a finalist at the National Indie Excellence Awards and was the overall winner at the Great Southwest Book Festival.

“A Way Through the West,” will be held in the Seefeldt building on the Woodbridge Campus with open parking available in Lot B. Refreshments will be served along with the chance to win prizes. This event is free and open to the public.