BRUNSWICK — Weiala Press, an independent publisher, has announced the Dec. 15 release of a new collection of short stories by the award-winning local author, Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold. The book, “Round Trip: Ten Stories,” will be available directly from Weiala Press or online at www.amazon.com in paperback or eBook format. Book signings and readings are planned for the spring.

“Round Trip” is Verdino-Süllwold’s fifth work of fiction and third foray into the short story genre, following her two novels “Raising Rufus: A Maine Love Story” and “The Whaler’s Bride.” This collection of 10 loosely linked short stories uses the metaphors of flight and music to explore the endless beginnings and endings, departures and destinations that shape our lives.

The author introduces Camilla Caruso, her husband Nils and a colorful cast of characters from Camilla’s past – relatives, mentors and friends who help her forge her personal journey. It is a journey that travels through crisis and loss only to rediscover new purpose, inspiration and joy.

Born and raised in the metropolitan New York area, Verdino-Süllwold took her degrees at Sarah Lawrence College and Fairleigh Dickinson University. She began her career as a teacher and arts administrator before becoming a journalist, critic and author. 

In 2009 the Süllwolds realized a lifelong dream to move to coastal Maine. Her first novel, “Raising Rufus: A Maine Love Story,” is a fictionalized account of the couple’s last year together with their beloved Newfoundland, Rufus, before Gregory Süllwold’s fatal heart attack in February 2010. 

In addition to writing fiction, Verdino-Süllwold continues to work as a journalist and arts critic, serving as senior writer for Scene 4 Magazine, Maine regional editor for Broadway World, and reviewer and feature writer for Fanfare Magazine. She shares her home in Brunswick with her kitties and a new Newfoundland puppy, Mariah.

Author Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold