World Bank Writing Teacher Sets an Example

World Bank Creative Writing teacher, Patricia Mackintosh, is using her own experiences to teach her students by publishing a novel -- "The Devils Madness."

World Bank Creative Writing teacher, Patricia Mackintosh, is using her own experiences to teach her students by publishing a novel -- "The Devils Madness." A native of Australia who just moved to the US in August, Patricias encounters with the publishing industry and book world will serve as the backbone of many of the classes.

"The Devils Madness" is a rich portrait of four friends growing up in Australia during the 1960s and the effect the Vietnam War has on the lives of two of them, one as a soldier, the other as a conscientious objector. Patricia Mackintosh artfully balances humor and poignancy as she dwells on the themes of death, the Catholic Church, Australias role in the Vietnam War, and the normal trials and tribulations that everyone faces as they grow up and learn about the people and world around them. Through the eyes of Jonathan, one of the friends and primary voice of the novel, we re-discover the world again and understand the true meaning of friendship.

Dr. R. Lunn, the coordinator of the Master of Arts Degree Course at the University of Western Sydney, says, 'The Devils Madness' is one of the finest manuscripts I have had presented to me. It is strong, convincing and utterly credible. It will make your reader laugh, it will make him cry. But above all, it will make him think. It is very relevant to the baby boomer generation and those following -- and both Jonno and Andy, highly likeable characters in their different ways, are drawn with style and compassion. Intrinsically, it is a great read."

Patricia Mackintosh is an award-winning writer with a Masters Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Western Sydney. After teaching at an all boys high school in Sydney for a few years, she decided to write full-time and is the author of many short stories and the co-author of two pet care books -- "Dog Log" and "Cat Log." Patricia is the editor of the Australians in Washington newsletter and teaches Creative Writing at the World Bank. She is a member of the Maryland Writers Center, the Australian Society of Authors, and the New South Wales Writers Center. Patricia currently lives in McLean, Virginia with her husband. This is her first novel.

   If you would like to receive a review copy of the book or to schedule an interview with Patricia Mackintosh, please contact Jennifer Hughes, publicist, at jennifer@booksintl.com or 703-443-0997.