Chats with Champions is proud to present William Anthony on Thursday, June 30 at 10 a.m. in the Porter Meeting Hall of Skidompha Library. Anthony is the author of “Farnsy, A Novel” published by Maine Authors Publishing.

Some Lincoln County News readers may recognize the name of the author of the “Midcoast Boater’s Journal.” Now William Anthony is rolling out “Farnsy,” a lighthearted novel about William Phineas Farnsworth, a promising young policeman in his hometown, who can’t stop thinking about Lucy, once his high school sweetheart, now the ex-wife of a lobsterman. 

As tourists migrate back to Maine at the start of a new season, everything seems normal—predictable—until Farnsy bumps into Lucy, who’s back in town. Then Farnsy stops by Waltz’s Soda Fountain, where he hears about some rolls of Necco wafers that have turned up in seasonal cottages on nearby lakes. When Farnsy finds Necco wafers in his own cottage and discovers his father’s favorite fishing lure is missing, the mystery gets personal. The questions on Farnsy’s mind grow heavier as his 35th birthday approaches: Does he have what it takes to solve the Necco mystery? And are there second chances in love? Once a cop, always a cop? 

Local residents and summer visitors alike will appreciate this lighthearted break from the gloomy daily news cycle and enjoy some welcome chuckles seeing their favorite places like Waltz’s Soda Fountain, where they’ll meet a cast of memorable characters, including Professor Tuttle and her dog Pemmie; Doc Adams, who’s writing the town history; and Julie behind the counter, who’s heard it all twice.

“Farnsy” is a quirky and heartwarming read for anyone who loves Maine, has been to Maine, plans to visit Maine, or just likes their Maine humor dry. Anthony has spent his life listening to stories, reading stories, and studying, recording, and telling stories and believes that storytelling is essential to being human.

A Colby graduate, Anthony is a retired educator who divides his year between Edgecomb  and Evanston, Illinois. Though Mainers would say Bill is “from away,” Anthony considers himself a Mainer. So far, Mainers have been too polite to correct him. Bill can’t explain where this story or the characters sprang from. He’ll tell you that’s the mystery of fiction writing. But special places like Waltz’s Soda Fountain are his inspiration. And Anthony’s love of Damariscotta is unmistakable. 

Sometimes it takes an outsider to remind locals how lucky they are.   

Chats with Champions is a free community offering from Skidompha Library at 184 Main St., Damariscotta. Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shops generously sponsors this program. For more information, please get in touch with the library at 207-887-0919.