STARS IN THE SKY VALLEY: Professor Bradshaw Mystery series author a library local

By Valeria Rae

Did you know that we have an award winning-published author in our midst? Bernadette Pajer is the author of the Professor Bradshaw Mystery series, as well as being a dedicated mom, the facilitator of the Monroe Library's Youth Wednesday Writers Group and a volunteer writing teacher at her son's school.

Always an avid reader, Bernadette began writing in response to a challenge posed by her sister in 1986. The budding author's first effort resulted in a full length contemporary romance manuscript. She continued to produce several novels before writing the Professor Bradshaw books. When asked how she was introduced to Benjamin Bradshaw, she said "he just came to me, complete with his character and personality.GÇ¥ Bernadette had wanted him to be an English professor, but that was not to be.

The stories are set in early-1900s Seattle during a time of exploding discoveries and inventions. Bradshaw is a professor in the new department of electrical engineering at the University of Washington. Because of his knowledge in the little-known field of electricity, the professor is called upon to help solve several murders that have confounded the local police. The books are highly detailed, based on solid science and the cultural milieu of the time. All four books, "A Spark of Death,GÇ¥ "Fatal Induction,GÇ¥ "Capacity for MurderGÇ¥ and "The Edison Effect,GÇ¥ have passed rigorous peer reviews by the Washington Academy of Sciences and earned their Science Seal of Approval.

In addition to intriguing plots that surround unique murders and Bradshaw's skill as an investigator, the author depicts Bradshaw's private life, which includes his relationships with his son, his Irish house keeper, his best friend and partner in investigating and a love interest, his friend's niece.

When asked which novel is her favorite, Bernadette says that to her, they are all part of one ongoing story. Each historical fiction book reflects a year of investment in research, writing and editing. Bernadette said she has more Bradshaw concepts in mind, but is currently working on a contemporary novel.

Bernadette is passionate about writing and promotes the craft by providing guidance and inspiration to the young writers who attend the weekly writer's group sponsored by the library. She also tutors students in writing and is an active member of the Seattle7Writers, a nonprofit organization established to foster communication and support between writers, libraries and booksellers.

The author's advice to writers who want to see their work in print is to trust their instincts. After the first Bradshaw novel was rejected by Poisoned Pen Press, Bernadette continued to write and learn about the art and craft of writing. She later resubmitted a revised manuscript, and after some changes, it was accepted. Bernadette encourages writers to keep at it. Often an editor will like an author's "voiceGÇ¥ and be more responsive to a later submission.

Bernadette's encourages writers to "trust their gut.GÇ¥ If something doesn't feel right, revise. She quotes a friend and fellow author, Bill Kenower of the Pacific Northwest Writers' Association, in saying "Ideas have to drop from the brain to the belly before they can come out your fingers and onto the page.GÇ¥-á

Lastly, when asked to share a little-known fact about herself, Bernadette pauses and then states emphatically that it is her huge passion for research in the field of natural healing and the evolving science of the gut/brain connection as it relates to health.

Who knows, maybe herein lays the genesis for a new mystery series that Bernadette's fans will enjoy and learn from in the future?

Find out more about this author at www.bernadettepajer.com.-á

Valeria Rae has lived in the Monroe area since 1989 and considers Monroe her hometown. Rae recently retired from a career as a school psychologist, having worked in several surrounding districts as well as Monroe.