BOOKS  November 2, 2008
Pawling author, 76, earns festival honor for first book
Organized crime, church are focus By John R. Nelson Poughkeepsie Journal At 76, Antoinette Pannard of Pawling self-published her first book, "Mephisto on Wing" (Pannard LLC, 374 pages, $25.99) which won an honorable mention at the 2008 New York Book Festival. The provocative book takes a fictional look at the world of organized crime and its relationship with the Roman Catholic Church. Visit www. pannard.com for information.   The journal recently asked Pannard some questions about her book and about becoming a first-time novelist. What Inspired you to write 'Mephisto'? Well, at 76 years of age, I have a lot to say, wisdom to share and, if the truth be known, an ax to grind. My anger and sadness of the shortcomings of my church was the catalyst for this novel. Being of Italian ancestry and raised in a devout Catholic environment during an era when organized crime was prominent in our society gave me the dramatic and intense cultural theme needed for this story while I addressed the source of my anger at the church with no apologies. My quest for spiritual enlightenment and my need to reconcile my negative emotions led me on a journey of self-actualization through the writing of this book. And although contentious at times, woven throughout the pages of "Mephisto on Wing" is a resolute message of redemption, of love, of forgiveness and of healing. Was it a difficult book to write? Not at all. Once my goal was established and the characters	Antoinette Pannard, a Pawling resident, is author of "Mephisto on Wing."	relationships in society, how we are all faced with the conflict of good and evil, and how we are challenged with how to balance these paradigms and remain true to ourselves and true to our faith. Do you have any advice for other writers? Be true to yourself and your convictions, and do not allow the "naysayers" to deny your self-expression or your individuality. What book are you reading now? "The Given Day" by Dennis Lehane. What's your favorite thing about living in the Hudson Valley? There's so much charm and wonder here in the Hudson Valley, it's difficult to say what I favor most. The crocus announcing that spring is here, the coolness of a summer breeze, the smell of fresh-cut grass and gardens blooming, the snowy evergreens of winter ... the brilliant colors of the foliage season reflecting the flowing waters of the Hudson — all of which captivated this "Brooklyn girl" to take up residence here in this most enchanted valley. 'My anger and sadness of the shortcomings of my church was the catalyst for this novel.' Antoinette Pannard author, "Mephisto on Wing"
	defined, the story unfolded as if it were writing itself. Did you learn anything from writing it? I surely did. I learned that the human entity ever striving for perfection beneath the shadowed veil of a dual existence is ultimately "one" with all things, that there is an all-powerful force in nature that allows us to access a source of conscious intelligence outside the limited realm of the material, and that life truly has purpose. Who designed the cover? Anne Vogel of Vogel Marketing + Design — Newtown, Conn. Where do you write? I write in the study of my lakeside home. What are you working on now? I'm working on a sequel to "Mephisto on Wing," as yet untitled. The question of faith will be resolved according to individual perceptions of human origins that will promote a greater understanding of the nature of the creative force inherent in all of us. Are you concerned at all about the book's reception because of its controversial subject matter? No. While controversial, the content is reflective of the complex