Former teacher places second in novel contest

Now a retired teacher, Harding, who lives in Liverpool, placed second for her novel called “Sable’s Spirit.”

After a storm throws an orphaned boy overboard, a sea captain rescues him.

The boy soon discovers “shipwrecks, heroic rescues and ghosts” on Sable Island.

Harding said her passion for wild horses was “rekindled” upon meeting “Pit Pony” author, Joyce Barkhouse.

Her goal was to write an adventure story that provides insight into the critical role Sable Island played during the “age of sail.”

There are over 300 shipwrecks in the area.

Harding has also met with Zoe Lucas, who has lived on Sable Island for over 35 years documenting the horses and other animals.

Harding began her novel in the early 1990s, submitting it into contests before this one.

She said she knows writing can be a “long and arduous process,” tempting her to throw away her manuscript.

Being recognized by the Writer’s Federation of Nova Scotia “encourages me to persevere,” she said.

She hopes to have her novel published one day.

“Coincidentally,” Harding has been planning a fundraiser “based on Sable Island.”

She said the evening will be a “unique blend of music, literature and art,” with performances by the Triple Trio and Queens County Girls Choir.

Readings from the novels “Pit Pony,” “The Nymph and the Lamp” and “Free as the Wind” will also be featured.

Sable Island-themed paintings by Roger Savage will be on display as well, she said.

The fundraiser will take place at the Astor Theatre in October.