La Jolla Resident Publishes Book Inspired by Neighborhood’s Rushville Street

Faith, family, friendship, inner strength and courage are all at the forefront of La Jolla resident Barbara Burton’s (aka Barbara Graf) debut novel, “A Walk Down Rushville.”

The title follows the journey of the main character, Skyler Bennett, from a small town in Southern California to her hometown in North Carolina, and finally to her father’s hometown in Ischia, Italy. After witnessing a crime in her neighborhood, Bennett is thrust into the spotlight and must overcome depression and grief, and is forced to confront her dysfunctional family.

Burton explained that when she came up with the idea for the book, she took inspiration from her own life and what she finds important.

“I love books that emphasize character development and have multiple settings,” Burton said. “I imagined my character living in my neighborhood—hence the title, which is based on Rushville Street, the street where I live. Then I moved her to settings in North Carolina and Italy.”

Additionally, as a former Capitol Hill reporter, Burton had wanted to write a book for years and recently had the time to commit to the project. She explained that both activities required extensive research.

“Considerable research was required to create authentic settings, to accurately depict court protocol and to add many details about life in Italy,” she said. “In this sense, extensive research had to be carried out for the novel to be authentic.

“The differences lie in the writing: a reporting style versus a novel style. Facts versus fiction. I was thrilled to experience the creative freedom of a novelist: creating from a blank screen, developing characters, creating dialogue, plot and subplots, and writing descriptions. »

Burton’s creative freedom led her to include a writing trope known as “found family,” in which one or more characters establish a group of non-biologically related people who provide them with ongoing support. She explained that the concept came to her as a dream during her writing process.

“I wanted my character to be able to contribute something to society and the world in the book – to show that she had healed a lot of her pain and was finally able to give back to others at the end,” said explained Burton. “‘Neighbors as Family’ is truly what (Skyler) has experienced since coming from a dysfunctional family and ultimately embracing the love and support of her neighbors and friends.”

Finally, Burton noted that she hopes readers “find inspiration in the character’s journey from depression and isolation to self-discovery and joy.” (Skyler’s) spiritual journey was very important to me in this book and I hope my readers will be led to examine their faith and what it means in their lives. »

Those interested in learning more about Burton, his book, ways to purchase the title and more can do so at https://barbaraburtonauthor.com/.