The book cover of “Mission Possible” was designed by local artist John Castellese. Courtesy | Connie Sexton

Local author Nancy Hastings will sign copies of her first book, “Mission Possible,” on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Studio 42 inside Rough Draft.

The event is sponsored by Artworks of Hillsdale County in cooperation with the Heritage Association.

Hastings, who worked for the Hillsdale Daily News for 25 years, said she retired in October 2021 to pursue writing.

Hasting’s inspiration for “Mission Possible” came from the story of her parents, who were missionaries with the Presbyterian East Mission of Brazil in the early 1950s. Hastings followed them on their journeys from her perspective as a child.

“I’m their third child, so the time I really remember was during grades three through the first semester of sixth grade,” she said. “I had an American tutor and went to classes with my brother and two other missionary children.”

Hastings said she has wanted to write this book for a long time.

“It’s a way to keep their story alive for future generations,” she said. “Not only is there a sense of accomplishment attached to something completed, but there is fulfillment in knowing that you’ve put in the time to create something that may make a difference in someone else’s life.”

In addition to Hastings’ work, local artist John Castellese, who helped design the book cover for “Mission Possible,” will be displaying and offering some of his artwork for sale during the event.

“The majority of it will be wildlife paintings,” Castellese said.

For every book purchased, attendees will be entered into a raffle for the chance to win one of three giveaways. The grand prize is an 8×10 inch watercolor portrait from a local artist, valued at $250, according to Heritage Association co-founder Connie Sexton.

The second prize is a print copy of one of Castellese’s first paintings, valued at $125. The third prize is a coffee basket, with bookmarks, postcards, and a mug with the “Mission Possible” cover design on them, she said.

“We’re giving out all different kinds of little things that all pertain to the book,” Sexton said. “We try to make it fun for everybody.”

Sexton said this will be the first big event in Studio 42 since the Heritage Association and Artworks of Hillsdale County, who share the space, started renovations last year. 

“We decided in the fall that we were going to make it a fine art studio,” Sexton said. “It will pretty much be our first big event in the renovated studio space. We’re pretty excited.”

Sexton said there will be free admission and refreshments will be provided.

“Morning refreshments will be geared toward brunch types of food, and then from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. will be afternoon appetizers,” she said. “Come in and browse around and get a book.”