Books can speak volumes about their authors. Who they are, what they stand for and what changes they want to see in the world are laid out, cover to cover.
For some Columbus-area authors, writing and the desire for peaceful and active change go hand-in-hand.
Chris Sunami
“I’ve always enjoyed writing ever since I was a kid, but recently, I’m more into social change,” says author Chris Sunami. “I always have been. I have a day job, but my writing looks at what kind of world we live in and what kind of world I want my kids in.”
Sunami is the author of two books: How the Fisherman Tricked the Genie, a children’s book, and a Hero for Christ, a socially progressive Christian devotional. Both books have a sort of morality check woven throughout, he says.
But writing about positive change isn’t Sunami’s only move. He is an active member of Community Development for All People, a nonprofit organization founded by the Merion Village-based United Methodist Church for All People.
“One of the main things I do is run a free arts program,” he says. “I’ve instructed free instrumental and vocal lessons weekly for the past nine years.”
Sunami heads the Columbus Invitational Arts Competition, an annual visual and performing arts event that celebrates grassroots arts organizations. He is also working on a book about active philosophy, while taking part in meetings of the Columbus Philosophers group.
“We’re a group of 15-20 people who meet once a month,” Sunami says. “We don’t just want to discuss philosophy; we want it to become active.”
Brad Pauquette
For author Brad Pauquette, writing is purely inspired by action, whether it be in his hometown or on an international level.
Pauquette is the author of the book Sejal and the Walk for Water.
“The story follows a teenage girl who has to walk miles each day just to satisfy this basic need for her family,” he says. “The next day, she has a well and water is there. It’s amazing how immediately water is needed and how easily the need is met, unlike education, a process that takes years and years to be in effect.”
This story directly corresponds with the volunteer work Pauquette has done in India. The Water Cycle Project is a nonprofit he works with to help drill freshwater wells there.
“We kicked off in 2009 with a charity bike trip across Ohio to raise awareness for the program,” Pauquette says. “From there, it has taken off.”
The organization holds an annual 5K run around Independence Day and is working on a slate of summer events for next year.
Pauquette is also the director and founder for Columbus Creative Cooperative, a volunteer-based organization that provides feedback for aspiring writers and periodically publishes collections of short stories by local authors.
“We are here for writers and people interested in self-publishing,” he says. “We help them edit and design professionally.”
Publishing company Columbus Press is another of Pauquette's endeavors. The company is currently releasing Capital Offense, a true crime story by Kurt Stevens, in daily installments at www.capitaloffensebook.com; the finished product will be available Jan. 31.
Robin Yocum
While some authors use their writing as inspiration for charity, others, such as Robin Yocum, use their experiences an authors to give back.
Yocum volunteers at senior centers and schools, teaching and talking to various groups about how to write and publish their own books.
“I have a soft spot for kids,” he says. “I talk to them about the creative process and how important it is in every aspect of everyday life. I try to open their eyes to opportunities that come about through writing.”
Each audience that Yocum speaks to values different aspects of writing.
“Older groups are interested in the writing process,” he says. “I help them start and finish books and I use my experiences to help them materialize their own ideas.”
Yocum has published multiple books, his most recent releases being inspirational tale The Essay and crime thriller Favorite Sons. His drive to help children can be seen in his work.
“The Essay is about a 17-year-old boy growing up in southern Ohio,” Yocum says. “He comes from a ‘wrong side of the tracks’ family and wins an essay contest. His family won’t believe or support him, while his English teacher tries to show him there’s a better life out there.”
Yocum is also a board member of the Thurber House, where he teaches classes on dialogue and plot development in stories. The money he receives as payment is donated back to the organization.
“Working with these people … it’s a beautiful thing,” he says.
Stephan Reed is an editorial associate. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
