A Port Coquitlam senior is making the most of her golden years by writing novels.
Next week, 81-year-old Florida Ann Town will come out with her sixth book and her first novel for adults, titled On the Rim.
It will be printed by Dundurn Press on Sept. 28.
Town's mantra of keeping busy - in mind, body and spirit - has paid off for her over the years.
At a 2008 competition in Sacramento, Cali., she picked up several medals as a member of Canada's Golden Master outrigger canoe team. As well, she has also received numerous medals in seniors' categories in British Columbia master swimming competitions.
Her evolution as a published author was a natural one for Town, who has worked for multiple B.C.-based newspapers before landing a career in public relations at Simon Fraser University.
Her prior writing credentials include a memoir and the historical novel for young adults With a Silent Companion, the story of pioneering female surgeon Margaret Ann Bulkley, who lived the majority of her life as a man.
On the Rim is the story of Helen who, after the collapse of her 30-year marriage, attempts to regain her balance in life through cycling.
Although Town insists that her upcoming novel isn't at all based on her own life, she said living in Port Coquitlam helped inspire the book's theme of cycling.
