Author Ann Black set for ‘F Words’ book signing in Marlow

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Ann Stevens Black has many things to be thankful for – a successful career, family who make her extremely proud and more. But if anyone thought she was handed it all on a silver platter, they’d be mistaken. Black’s childhood was filled with hard times, much sorrow and sadness and even fear.

Black will be returning to Marlow for a book signing and will share her story, April 1 at the Garland Smith Public Library at 11 a.m. That book delves into her own personal fear from her childhood, but is more about how to focus on the positive “f” words in life. She will be sharing her story at the signing. Black hopes that readers will see that by focusing on positive f-words, they too can find success.

“Focus On The F Words” is Black’s first and only published book. She writes about the survival lessons she learned that helped her overcome childhood fears. “When the F-word is mentioned, some people think of the street slang F-word, which many find vulgar, crude, offensive, profane, and/or improper,” Black said in the Page Publishing press release. “Actually, there are many solid, appropriate, descriptive F-words frequently used in communications every day - faith, family, friends, frugality, forgiveness, fear, fight.”

Black is the mother of Julie Sanders of Marlow.

“My mom is brave and strong,” Sanders said. “Sharing her story gives me great admiration in her willingness to share her struggles and successes. Sometimes we look at someone and think he/she has it all together. Well maybe they do but how does their journey to this point inspire others.”

Working on the book for 13 months as everyone began recirculating after the pandemic was challenging for the author.

“It was an emotional up and down time. It brought up lots of good memories, sad memories and fearful memories,” Black said during a phone interview Wednesday morning with The Review, from her home in Virginia. “I felt very vulnerable when I spoke at a book signing about my mother.” Sharing her story verbally with organizations, churches, and community groups, Black received encouragement to consider writing it for publication.

Black was born in Corning, California and became an orphan at 9 years old, along with her four siblings. Her father and mother both died in tragic accidents, seven years apart. After the death of their mother, the five children were separated and all went to live with different relatives in California and Oklahoma. Ann arrived in Marlow in 1952, and stayed here until 1959. She even became valedictorian of her junior high school class.

Then she got married at 16 and dropped out of school. She eventually obtained her GED. She moved around Oklahoma – Stillwater, Enid, Lawton, Pauls Valley and Chickasha - and though still young and a mom of five children, she divorced. A move to Fredericksburg, VA, to be near her sister and family, was a turning point in her life.

Black began working outside the home and eventually obtained her real estate license. After a few years of dedicated work, she was able to open her own company in 1990. It has since become an honored business in the community of Fredericksburg – bestowed with many community awards – Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, Best of the ‘Burg’, the Good Neighbor Award and more. Black is now semi-retired.

For Black, the best part is that her company is a family-managed business and that her children are all successful. Three of her daughters, LeAnn Black, Penny Trayber and Trisha Barnes, and a granddaughter oversee the company. She has a son, Roy Lee Jr., who lives in Lone Grove, OK, and another daughter known by many here in Marlow, Julie Sanders, also a successful businesswoman. Sanders is excited about her mother’s foray into publishing and more excited that her mother is returning to Marlow for the book signing and visit. Black also has 9 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren to keep her young. She believes one is only as old as they feel in mind. At age 81, Black is doing more than most people a third her age. That’s inspiring in itself. Mark your calendars for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1 if you want to meet the author at her book signing.
More about Ann’s book – profit from the sales will be donated to 516 Project, a faith-based, non-profit construction and disaster relief program.