Rita M. Boehm

 

Born and raised on the south shore of eastern Long Island, NY , I became a voracious reader at a young age and had planned to become a writer. However,  my career took a  much different turn and I ended up being immersed in legal documents instead of the stories I had once yearned to tell. 

 

During the course of my career as Director of Contracts for a defense electronics company, I willingly traded life by the ocean for an opportunity to live in Colorado and explore the Rocky Mountain west. Another career move brought me back to the East Coast where I traded the mountains for an opportunity to live in the Maryland suburbs of Washington DC.

 

In 2014, retirement allowed me to reawaken the creative muse left slumbering for too many years. I published my first novel, SECOND CHANCES that year.  Two years later, my husband and I decamped south, to warmer climes. We moved to The Villages in central Florida where I enjoy a variety of activities while Bob indulges his passion for golf and classic cars.  Life is good. 

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I say that even though in September 2018 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  My husband, friends, family, an excellent team of doctors -- and my horse -- made my health journey easier.  After six months of chemo I underwent surgery, followed by six weeks of radiation. I've remained cancer free and I feel great!

 

Since writing required me to focus inward at a time when I was too vulnerable to do so, I put my writing on hold during my cancer treatments and focused instead on my photography (a more left-brained activity).  My photographic pursuits were rewarded when my children's picture book, BLUEBIRDS IN THE GARDEN, achieved major awards in the 2019 Florida Writers Association's Royal Palm Literary Awards competition. I was ecstatic to walk across the stage twice at the awards banquet in Orlando. BLUEBIRDS IN THE GARDEN was awarded Gold in the Children's Picture Book category and was then awarded the Grand Prize as Best Children's Book. What a difference a year makes! 

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During the pandemic, I finally had an opportunity to read and transcribe the tiny journals my father-in-law penned during his WWII service. After immersing myself in WWII history, I was proud to create and publish ONE SOLDIER'S WAR, my tribute to those who serve our country and protect our freedom. 

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I enjoy being part of a vibrant community of writers in The Villages, serving twice as president of The Writers League and continuing to stay engaged as the club's Communications Director and chair of our hugely successful BookExpo event.  When I have time, I write. Otherwise, I'm reading an eclectic mix of authors, trying to improve my golf score - and most especially - spending time with my therapist, my wonderful dressage horse, Kosi.

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I love to hear from my readers. Please don't be shy.   Rita 

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