By writing his first book, Sun City resident finds voice

Writing a book wasn’t even on Russ Kovar’s radar for the longest time — until suddenly it was.

Kovar has worn many hats in his lifetime: a veteran of the U.S. Navy, an information management professional, a mentor to veterans searching for civilian employment; he is also a husband, father, and grandfather. Now retired and living in Sun City, Kovar has taken on yet another identity: author.

Kovar self-published his first book, Finding Mac, a tale of four young friends in Lynnville, Tennessee, as they navigate the joys and trials of childhood, bound by friendship and the longing for the companionship of a dog. The book is written for middle grade readers, ages 10-12.

Kovar says he has always been a storyteller, and he keeps an ongoing log for his four grandchildren called “Things You Should Know from Grandpa.” The log contains stories, inspiring quotes, and advice for his grandchildren, who range in age from nine to 16.

“The idea of authoring a book scared me to death,” he says. He doubted that he had neither the imagination nor the spelling and grammar skills he believed were necessary. With encouragement from his wife, Barb, and his grown children, Jennifer and Joe, Kovar began to outline a heartwarming story about the simple pleasures of childhood and the comfort of having a four-legged best friend.

“During our first year of marriage, I convinced my wife we needed a dog, and we named him Mac. He was a cute little guy who brought joy to our whole family,” says Kovar. “It was fun to bring him back in my book and have him near me again.”

Kovar pored over books about the writing process, learning various styles and methods, while also leaning on the expertise of his mentor, another author he met through Facebook. “He answered countless questions, provided valuable information, advice, and encouragement,” he says.

Russ Kovar, a man of many hats, never wrote a book…and then along came Finding Mac. (Photo provided)

Kovar’s plan to become an author was not to make money through sales, but simply to gain the satisfaction of completing and publishing something he wrote, he says. “Part of my plan for writing a children’s book was to give my family something to remember me by when I am no longer around.”

“The time I invested in Finding Mac was enjoyable, enriching, and challenging,” says Kovar. “Connecting the ideas in my brain into a logical and interesting storyline brought me joy and satisfaction.”

But the project wasn’t completely easy.

“Finishing my book was emotionally draining,” says Kovar. However, the hurdle of self-doubt he once felt about writing a book is no longer there.

“I felt a sense of loss after finishing my book, so I immediately drafted a short story. I moved from ‘I’ll never be able to draft this book’ to thinking, ‘what can I author next?’”

Finding Mac is available on Amazon.

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