Windber author Leonard LaPlaca had to branch out of his own comfort zone to write ‘Morag’s Saga,’ the first work of fiction in his growing bibliography.
In fact, the former English teacher uses the letters USA ― uncomfortable, scary and awkward ― to describe how he felt working on a novel after publishing three non-fiction books: “Fountains of Life,” “A to Z: My All-Time Favorites” and “Unlocked.”
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“This entailed my moving out of my comfort zone, therefore, this movement should be uncomfortable, scary and awkward,” LaPlaca wrote in a letter to the Daily American about his new book. “Your comfort zone is never static; (it’s) either contracting or expanding as it should. All growth occurs on the exit ramp outside your comfort zone.”
His non-fiction books feature stories about real people that LaPlaca has collected over more than 60 years, sharing their strategies in coping with the inevitable difficulties of life.
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What is the novel about?
In ‘Morag’s Saga,’ he introduces the reader to Morag, a young woman with a unique name who learns coping strategies from other people, or ‘The Experiences of the Wise’ (a phrase LaPlaca uses in all of his books) and incorporates them into her life as she reacts to a series of life-changing events.
“Each of us has these Morag-like qualities since each of us is unique, unusual and/or different,” LaPlaca said. “So although this (novel) is about Morag, it’s about all of us since we all have Morag-like qualities.
“Even though each person’s life journey is unique, the effective coping strategies that Morag utilizes are universal and can be used when confronting any type of adversity (physical, mental, social, emotional, financial and spiritual). These strategies, if used properly, will enable you not only to survive but also to thrive during the bleak periods of your life.”
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Incorporating those same strategies in difficult situations also have positive physical results, LaPlaca said.
“She drastically and radically reduces her own learning curve by benefitting from ‘The Experiences of the Wise.’ If you’re receptive, everyone and everything becomes your teacher, and she gives examples of what she learned.
“What’s amazing about these unique coping strategies she utilizes in the book (is) they can be used anytime, anywhere. They immediately change your body chemistry and there are no detrimental, harmful side effects. They increase your serotonin levels, floods your system with endorphins … and reduce your cortisol, or stress hormone, levels.
“The human-interest parables that are included, if you implement them, illustrate how you can choose to learn, grow and change to rise to the challenges of life.”
‘Morag’s Saga’ and LaPlaca’s three other books can be purchased at Precious Metals & Diamond Company, 1011 Eisenhower Blvd. In Johnstown, or by contacting him directly at 814-467-6105 or 814-321-1093.
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New podcast
LaPlaca’s work has also evolved into the online realm, with the launch of a weekly podcast series,“Bo & Len’s Ongoing Saga,” with Johnstown musician and educator Bo Moore. The free, 13-episode podcast is offered on Spotify, Amazon Music, CastBox, iHeartRadio and RadioPublic.
“The series will focus on effective coping strategies which will enable you not only to survive, but also to thrive, during all phases of real living,” LaPlaca said.
He is available to speak to local community groups and organizations as well; for more information, contact him directly at 814-321-1093.
