Landing a book deal with a major publisher is every author's dream, though few ever realize it.

The Topeka Capitol Journal reported last week that for Deborah Vogts, a contemporary Christian romance writer who lives near Erie in southeast Kansas, that dream was fulfilled after years of knocking on publishers' doors only to be turned away.

Vogts' book "Snow Melts in Spring," the first of a three-part "Seasons of the Tallgrass" series, was released this past summer by Zondervan, one of the largest Christian publishing companies in the nation.

Her next book in the series, "Seeds of Summer," will be released in May.

Both books are set in the Flint Hills area of Kansas and draw heavily from Vogts' own background of living in the country.

Vogts told the Journal that she wrote her first book when she was in high school. She held onto her dream of becoming a writer after she attended Emporia State University, where she studied English and journalism.

After several years of seeking a publisher, she was about ready to put her dream on the back burner. However, a persistent agent ultimately lined her up with the three-book contract with Zondervan.

Many of her readers, she said, are people who -- like her -- live in the country and identify with her writings. She also said people who own horses also have been among her most avid readers to date.

For more details on activities this week at the Hays Public Library, go to our Web site, www.hayspublib.org.

Friends of the Hays Public Library

Bookstore

Books, Etc, the bookstore of the Friends of the Hays Public Library, is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Members of the Friends continue to receive a 10-percent discount on all book purchases from the store.

Children's department

Story hours

Parents can enroll their children in one of the following sessions by calling the library at (785) 625-5916. The schedule is as follows:

* 3- to 6-year-olds: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 7 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

* 2-year-olds: 10:45 to 11:05 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 7 to 7:20 p.m. Tuesdays.

* Toddlers -- under the age of 2: 10:45 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays.

* All ages -- 2 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Wii Game Days

At 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, come and show off your Wii skills.

Craft hours

Join us for a special craft project at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Children must register to attend; limit of 20 participants. This week: snowman magnet.

Super sensational snack

Children will enjoy making an after school snack at 4 p.m. Thursday. Must register to attend.

Special Moments Through the Ages

Fridays at 10 a.m. through March 26. Foster Grandparents will share stories, crafts and snacks with preschool children. Children must register to attend; limit 20 participants.

Chess lessons

Children can learn to play or improve their chess game during lessons at 4 p.m. Fridays in the children's department. Randy Brull will be the instructor. Please register to attend.

Adult department

Feed and Film

The films begin at 12:05 p.m. Wednesdays in the library's main floor gallery. They last about an hour. Bring your lunch and a cup -- coffee is provided. This week, join us for "Craft in America Season 2: Process."

YA department

All programs are free and for anyone grades six through 12. For more information, call (785) 625-9014.

Weekly programs

All start at 3:30 p.m.

* Mondays -- STAGE Drama Club, board games and snacks.

* PS2 and Wii Tuesdays.

* Wavering Wednesdays -- something different each week.

* Make and Take Thursdays -- crafts and more.

* Friday -- movies and snacks.

Kansas Room

In January, the books on display are on stagecoaches. One display case will also feature the stagecoach, the other will highlight the Iditarod dog sled race.

Eric Norris is the adult department librarian at the Hays Public Library.