By Betsy Pray
Staff Writer
Bonaventure alumna Pamela Witter, ’01, recently published her first novel, “Hope Rising,” a story about the mutual hardships endured by a young girl and her mother.
According to Witter, the novel tells the story of 15-year-old Ellie, a high school freshman struggling with depression and insecurities. After her mother, Anastasia, realizes her daughter is headed down the wrong path, it stirs up memories from her past. Through Anastasia’s attempts to help her daughter, the two bond over their mutual difficulties and improve their relationship.
“It’s a book about healing and wholeness and life after tragedy,” Witter said.
Witter said she came up with the concept of the novel based on experiences in her own life while growing up and by asking certain questions addressing the issue.
“What could someone have said to me when I was on that path when I was younger that would have helped me?” Witter said. “What would help others that are on that path now?”
The structure of the book is divided into the different perspectives of the two main characters, addressing issues from both sides, according to Witter.
“I think of Anastasia as this older, wiser woman who has been through things and has insights to share,” Witter said. “Ellie is that person who is on the wrong path but hasn’t gone all the way down that path yet.”
Witter’s goal is for the book to encourage people who are experiencing similar situations to seek help, she said.
“‘Despite the things that have hurt us or broken us, there is life after that,” Witter said. “We can turn it around; we can find healing and grow after being broken.”
As an Olean native, Witter’s interest for writing began in her youth and continued through her education at St. Bonaventure, serving as The Laurel’s editor-in-chief and graduating with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She credits St. Bonaventure with improving her writing; a skill she emphasized applies to any job.
“You write no matter what,” Witter said. “Even if you end up in a field where only part of your job is writing, you’re going to write for yourself anyway.”
Witter is currently executive director of development at Houghton College and lives in Clarksville with her family.
“Hope Rising” is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and through Witter’s website at pamelawitter.tateauthor.com.
