Nora Roberts

marlob@herald-mail.com BOONSBORO - Last summer, Shirley Metz was looking for a way to combine her love of the culinary arts with a desire to do whatever she could to make a new Boonsboro library a reality. As a member of Friends for a New Boonsboro Library, Metz suggested the group compile a cookbook of recipes contributed by area residents and restaurants. The idea was a hit, and after a lot of work by a lot of people the cookbook is nearly ready for sale. "There will be about 300 recipes in the hardcover book," said Christine Hawkins, Boonsboro librarian.

The subject matter was a far cry from the romantic and mysterious fare she pens. Still, Keedysville novelist Nora Roberts was in familiar territory reading a story from Norman Bridwell's Clifford the Big Red Dog series to a baker's dozen of twitching tykes Tuesday morning during the Project Head Start book fair at the center on West North Avenue in Hagerstown. She read about the colossal canine to her own children, now grown, when they were little, said Roberts, fresh from a whirlwind 20-city tour to promote her latest hardcover release, "Homeport.

pepperb@herald-mail.com After discovering she was a "pathetic" legal secretary, Nora Roberts ditched the clerical suits and picked up writing, a job that finally "lit her up. " The best-selling romantic fiction author, who lives in Keedysville, challenged 438 graduating Shepherd College students Saturday to find the same excitement in the lives they make for themselves. "When you close this chapter of your life today, do so with respect for what came before and anticipation of what comes next," Roberts said.

To promote her new J.D. Robb book, "Treachery in Death," author Nora Roberts spent Saturday traveling the world. First, she chatted with fans in South Africa, then Serbia and Nigeria. India was on the itinerary, as well as Canada. And she never left Boonsboro. It was a virtual book tour — a new and growing phenomenon that's making the Internet a popular destination for meeting your favorite writers. Wonder where authors get their inspiration? Curious about their hobbies and lifestyles?

Dogs and owners deserve a chance on Santa's lap To the editor: This is in response to Nora Roberts' letter to the editor, dated Dec. 28. I am so very sorry that you chose not to have your granddaughter's photo taken with Santa when you visited the Valley Mall. I would like to point out that Roberts, her son and daughter-in-law were the ones that mistakenly brought the child at the incorrect time. The pet owners were the ones who obviously read the advertisements on the back of The Herald-Mail, which clearly stated the times and dates of the pet photos with Santa Claus.

View the slideshow BOONSBORO -- The smell of baking oatmeal and brown sugar muffins wafted throughout the first floor of Inn BoonsBoro Friday morning as workers painted a chair rail molding and installed the final touches in a bathroom. After a seven-month delay caused by a February 2008 fire that severely damaged the building, the inn is set to open its doors to guests Tuesday. Nora Roberts, inn owner and romance novelist who has lived in the Boonsboro area for more than 30 years, said she used to see what then was an old, rundown inn on the square when she visited town.

She looks a lot like Oscar, but her name is RITA. And she enjoys a good love story. She’s a golden statuette that symbolizes excellence in published romance fiction. And each year, during an Academy Awards-like ceremony, she goes home with the best writers of treachery, heartache, heroes and heroines. This summer, three Washington County authors are hoping to walk away with the coveted trophy. Nora Roberts, Susan Donovan and Gail Barrett have been named finalists in the 2011 contest, which is presented by the Romance Writers of America.

SHARPSBURG - It's a plot twist that even Nora Roberts couldn't anticipate. A novelist living in southern Washington County hones her craft, finds a massive and loyal audience, and ultimately is recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by one of the world's most influential publications. Roberts is among 20 artists and entertainers named this year in Time Magazine's list of "the 100 men and women whose power, talent or moral example is transforming the world.

African Children's Choir Twenty-one 9- to 13-year-olds from Uganda and Rawanda will perform at 7 p.m. today, St. Ann's Catholic Church, 1525 Oak Hill Ave., Hagerstown. No admission charge, but a freewill offering will be taken for the children. Light refreshments at a reception following the concert. The choir raises money to support relief and development projects directed at children and youth in Africa. Gospel sing BOONSBORO - Master's Four Quartet will perform.

Hi, neighbors! Welcome home to all freshly returned college students! Enjoy your summer. Worship center The Boonsboro Family Worship Center at 7605 Old National Pike in Boonsboro has a busy weekend planned! On Friday, it will host an evening of gospel music from the Antietam Gospel Trio. Reunion will also be singing in this service. For information, call 301-432-0707, ext. 100. On Saturday, the Worship Center invites you to a flea market/yard sale on from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a food stand with sandwiches, homemade cakes, pies, goodies and much more.