Storyteller and author of nostalgic fiction
Larry Sceurman grew up in the Kaywin section of Bethlehem, Pa., in the 1950s and 1960s.
In his early teens, he worked with his grandfather in a small auto body repair shop where he observed that stories were a big part of the human experience. From vocational teacher to storyteller and now author, Larry has learned and shared the value of stories. He mixes truth and fiction to produce enjoyable, thought-provoking snippets of life.
Larry is influenced by the writings of Laura E. Richards, John O’Connor, Richard Ford, Michael J. Meade, Richard Rohr, and Billy Collins.
Original reflection essays
>>> Animals at the Nativity Scene: Larry ponders the role of animals at the nativity and in our imaginations.
>>> Christmas Cookies, revisited: This is a reprint of last year’s Great Christmas Cookie survey,
>>> Thanksgiving Gratitude 2023: Larry shows his whimsical side, asking us all to look at our blessings in this cute quiz.
>>> Letting Go and Finding Our True Story: Larry examines the basics of storytelling and how the practice can help all of us find our own story.
>>> Things My Pop-Pop Taught Me: Larry reflects on lessons from his grandfather and offers his own.
>>> The Beauty of WOW Moments: inspired by conversations at Lehigh Valley Disability Pride
>>> Attitude: If only we could get our attitude serviced as efficiently as we maintain our cars.
>>> Thoughts on Nature: Technology is a double-edged sword. We need it to sustain and prosper in the world today. At the same time, it puts a wedge between us and nature, the very essence of our soul…
Current project: Mr. Albert in the House of Penguins
Larry is currently drafting his third book and first full-length novel, Mr. Albert in the House of Penguins.
Debut Novella: The Death of Big Butch
In this debut novella, which Larry originally proposed as one of the anchor stories for Coffee in the Morning, the opening of the White Hills Mall in 1974 changes small town life– or does it?
Protagonist Jimmy Washburn has a beautiful wife he adores and almost two children. He works at the small auto body shop his grandfather founded, under the direction of his uncle. Surrounded by family and lifelong friends, Jimmy has a good life restoring vintage cars, caring for his son, eating the Pennsylvania Dutch food for which his wife has a reputation, and drinking with the boys.
But that all changes when his childhood friend Big Butch dies of a sudden heart attack before the age of 30. Jimmy must examine his responsibilities, redefine what friendship means, and choose between his youthful ways and the duties of a proper father.
Sophomore Short Story Collection: Coffee in the Morning
Larry published Coffee in the Morning: A collection of short stories, fragments of life from dreams, fiction & fantasy, as the subtitle suggests, as a mix of fantasy and reality.
The book celebrates twentieth century Americana. It captures the hopes, dreams and fears of multiple generations and different life circumstances. This carefully curated collection blends his experiences as observer first and storyteller second.
Sixteen stories weave from the backyard into diners and into forests, capture the other-worldliness of fairy tales and the grittiness of misfortune.
So, visit the general store to discover the hero, explore perspective from the pawnbroker shop, pay your parking tickets, sleep beside the Jersey Devil, and never underestimate the power of a good Pennsylvania Dutch pie.
Parisian Phoenix blog
>>> Anticipation for Coffee in the Morning
>>> National Independent Bookstore Day, April 29, 2023 and Invitation to National Independent Bookstore Day
>>> Cover Reveal for Coffee in the Morning
Events
Larry has participated in events throughout the Lehigh Valley, educating, entertaining and supporting his friends, his readers, his peers and his fans.
Visit Larryland
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Larry Sceurman lives in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania with his wife and a Siamese cat who likes to hide in the walls. He honed his storytelling craft with the now defunct Lehigh Valley Storytellers Guild and is a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group.
Larry Sceurman
- Larry works with other writers on integrating life experiences into nostalgic fiction.
- Larry entertains children and adults alike with his oral storytelling.
- Larry offers workshops on how good stories are built and offerswriters insights on how to improve the flow and structure of their words.
Parisian Phoenix Publishing 