By By Kelly Quackenbush/The Meridian Star
March 12, 2001
Children's author Richelle Putnam has just released her first middle-school fiction book, "Fallout." Putnam, a resident of Meridian, has been writing short stories, poetry and books since the early 1970s.
Writing appealed to Putnam because it helped her deal with "certain stages of her life." She decided to write children's stories with the help of her husband, Tim Putnam.
Putnam's husband suggested that she write her stories down and so began her career of writing children's short stories and books.
The theme of "Fallout" came from a memory of Putnam's grandfather.
She and her husband have six children and five grandchildren. Putnam was born in Meridian, moved to Jackson and in 1971 moved back to Meridian. She was always involved in her children's education. She participated on the PTA board at Poplar Springs Elementary School and served as vice president and president of the PTA at Northeast Elementary School years ago.
Putnam is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature and a selected student in their advanced program.
Her other works include four picture books, and man short stories and poems. She is working on two more children's books at this time.
Putnam will sign copies of "Fallout" at Books-A-Million on March 24 from 2-6 p.m.
Kelly Quackenbush is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at kquackenbush@meridianstar.com.