DuBOIS — Although he has written several books throughout his lifetime, Scott Harris of Treasure Lake published his first novel, “Badlands,” in November 2024, with the help of Meraki Press hybrid publishing company.
Harris, 59, has written many short stories, too, some of which have been published worldwide. It was after being featured in various publications that he knew writing –and bringing characters to life –was something he wanted to continue doing.
One of the first things Harris did was ask his daughter, Renea Schoedel –an art director for a public relations firm in Pittsburgh –to illustrate the cover of “Badlands.” He will always request that she illustrates for his books.
“My house is adorned with a lot of her artwork,” he noted.
Harris said he wanted the cover to depict the unique coloration of Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota.
He spent some of his upbringing living on a farm, and developed a love for the outdoors.
HARRIS
A man of more than one talent, Harris –who retired as vice president/minority owner of a construction company in Pittsburgh –dabbles in photography, and has dabbled in writing throughout his life. Always known as a “bookworm,” he even built his own bookshelves to house the collection he’s been building for quite some time.
“Books have been an integral part of every part of my life, and I wanted to try to let my furtive imagination loose on paper,” Harris stated in his interview with Meraki Press.
“Badlands” started as an idea for a short story, Harris said, but after writing several pages, it just “took off” on its own. It’s his belief that the author only takes the book so far.
“I don’t write stories, my characters do. I never know where the tale will take me,” Harris said to Meraki Press.
The book’s “blurb” –the description on the back –gives a sneak peek into what the story is about.
“In the sun-scorched deserts of the American West, Tanner has spent most of his life trying to outrun a past that’s always one step behind. But, when a chance encounter pulls him into the shadowy world of a secret government operation, his quiet life spirals into chaos.”
“Welcome to the Badlands, where justice is as hard as the land, and your past is never far behind.”
Harris has received positive feedback from readers of “Badlands” thus far, adding that there are requests for a sequel to the book.
He writes all week long, he said, having already finished his second book with the tentative title, Headleyburg, based on what he calls a “fictionalized DuBois.” He predicts it will be published in 2026.
Most recently, book signings for “Badlands” were held at Queen of Tarts Bakery and the Winery at Wilcox in DuBois. Harris said he enjoys meeting and talking to people at events such as this and hearing feedback from readers.
Harris has also enjoyed connecting with other local authors and groups and contributing to work they do, such as “Ripples: Shining The Light on Stigma: A Silent Killer” by Kersey author Patricia Greene, the third book in the Ripples series, in which he shares his own recovery journey.
A signing and reading for “Badlands” at Watershed Books in Brookville will be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 16. Harris will also be a guest on Michael Clement’s radio show at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 23.
When it comes to inspiration, Harris says aspiring authors have to face and overcome that fear of failure. He encourages them to “Write, and then write some more” –it’s the only way to get better.
“Badlands” is available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. There are also several area vendors carrying the book, including B’s Books in Punxsutawney; Sunrise Coffee Bar in Brockway; Hepler’s Country Store in Brockport; Watershed Books in Brookville; and HW Book Peddlers, Dan’s Smith’s Candy, Kaysi Cakes Dessert Company and Cafe, Queen of Tarts, Peaceable Kingdom, Junk Dealer’s Daughter, Winery at Wilcox and Way Office Supply, all of DuBois.
To learn more about Harris, visit www.merakipress.org/post/meet-the-author-scott-m-harris
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