One of Liberty Lake's newer residents is now a published author.

On Jan. 28, Soul Mate Publishing released Alene Gibbons' first novel, "Experiment in Terror." Written under the pen name Alene Anderson, the novel is a suspenseful thriller with a bit of romance. It is the first of the Koehler brother mysteries.

It has been a lifelong dream of Gibbons to write and publish novels. It is now something she can cross off her bucket list. 

"I've been interested in writing for years and years, but it was hard with work and family," she said.

At 76, Gibbons is thrilled to have her first novel published and two more already accepted for publication. She developed the series based around two brothers. 

"Experiment in Terror" takes place in Boulder, Colo., Gibbons' hometown for many years. She also lived in Los Angeles and worked for GUESS Jeans, which sets the stage for her second book, "Seams of Destruction." Set in the fashion industry, the novel also features scenes in Venice and Milan. 

Since retiring in 2012, Gibbons has been working on her bucket list full time. In 2013, she and her granddaughter made the grand voyage to Italy, which she described as the trip of a lifetime. Gibbons is also about to graduate with her associate degree. 

Surely her list must be nearly complete, but Gibbons' keeps adding to it. Her next goals are to finish her third novel and find an agent.

"If you have a dream or a goal, you should never give up on it," she said. "I don't think you're ever too old to achieve your goals. Always think positive."

Gibbons moved to Liberty Lake in 2012 in order to be closer to her daughter, Deborah, and her grandchildren. Her other two children are in Arizona, which makes for a nice break when the weather is cold. 

"Everyone here is so friendly," she said. "I'll be glad to spend the rest of my life here."

To an outsider, many of the things in Gibbons' life may seem daunting if not plain impossible to overcome. As Gibbons' daughter, Deborah Maynes, will tell you, her mother never gives up.

"She's an inspiration to me because she went back to school and will graduate, and she will realize her lifelong dream of publishing," Maynes said. "Circumstances sometimes push them back, but you can realize your dreams."

Maynes recalls that her mother and other family members were in a gondola accident in Vail, Colo., where she was very badly hurt. 

"She lost her sister-in-law and was lucky to survive," Maynes said. "She also beat colon cancer. My mom always had a lot of faith and determination. If you're around her, you'll always see a miracle."

Maynes also marvels at her mother's willingness to take in a foster child. Her foster brother, Tim, is blind, and doctors thought he would remain in a vegetative state his entire life. But Maynes remembers her mother working with him every day-teaching him how to sit up, walk, dress himself and eventually become independent. Tim now lives on his own in Denver, Colo. 

Gibbons and her ex-husband had two biological children along with an adopted daughter and foster son. Maynes recollects a happy childhood and a strong relationship with her mother. 

"She was my best friend growing up. I could talk to her about everything. We loved skiing together. Mom would take us on trips. Dad ran his own business, so Mom always made sure we got our fun in," Maynes said.

Gibbons' strong sense of family came from growing up in a close-knit minister's family. Though born in Iowa, her family moved around the country because of her father's ministerial calling. 

"We didn't have a lot of money growing up, but we always found money to go on interesting trips around the U.S.," she said.

Another fond memory is reading with her mother and sister. And, perhaps not so coincidentally, Gibbons' mother penned stories as well. She wrote for Sunday school papers and published a few books in her lifetime. 

While her life has been full of adventure, Gibbons is happy to "stay home and write now." But she offers advice for anyone who'll listen. 

"Never give up. Always keep learning. Embrace life. You stay young as long as you can stay active."

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