The earliest of California’s 35-plus lighthouses have protected its coastal waters for more than 160 years and are thus a big part of the state’s history.

According to Valencia author Pam Ripling – who also writes as Anne Carter – these iconic symbols of protection, guidance and times past evoke a variety of thoughts and emotions. In recognition of National Lighthouse Day (Aug. 7), Ripling will share her knowledge of our West Coast beacons, relating how they came to be and where they are now, at the Old Town Newhall Library on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beginning with an overview of the multitude and variety of light stations constructed statewide, Ripling with focus on a few of her favorites, relating rich historical detail and anecdotal background. She will also explain how, as a mystery author, she is inspired by lighthouses and works with them as “aura-enhanced” settings for her novels. Throughout her travels, Ripling has visited many of these lighthouses and will offer an entertaining PowerPoint slideshow to augment her presentation.

Also included in her talk will be a discussion for fiction readers and aspiring authors about the fascinating process of researching her subjects. She will explain why an abandoned lighthouse six miles off of the California coast might be the perfect setting for romance – and possibly murder. Using the real-life St. George Reef Lighthouse as her inspiration, Ripling (as Anne Carter) penned her second romantic lighthouse mystery, “Cape Seduction,” released earlier this year by Beacon Street Books.

Extensive research included interviewing one of the last keepers from St. George Reef Lighthouse. While the station in Ripling’s book is entirely fictional, the coast guardsman’s memories were invaluable in helping the author create a believable setting for the novel. “He described in great detail what it took to keep the lighthouse working – without electricity – in the 1940s, and what one would have to do to survive locked away in a tower entrapped by treacherous seas,” she said.

A 29-year resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, Ripling is the author of nine published novels, a variety of fictional shorts and non-fiction articles. A married mother of three, she is a past member of Sisters in Crime-Los Angeles, and her short story, “Just Like Jay,” appears in their anthology, “Murder In La La Land.”

Ripling will be signing a limited number of her books for attendees. Visit Pam Ripling/Anne Carter and read excerpts at http://www.BeaconStreetBooks.com.

Old Town Newhall Library is located at 24500 Main St, Santa Clarita, CA 91321 661-259-0750. For more information about the event, contact Marie Risis, Adult Services Librarian, at 661-799-6101.