Senior communications major and Torrey Conference speaker, Becky Hartung, recently self-published her first novel “Running in the Dark” — an autobiographical collection of short stories that chronicle her journey through adoption, depression, anxiety and faith. Since the original self-publishing, New York based Morgan James Publishing picked up the book and will be re-publishing it at the end of this year under the same title. 
 
Hartung will share her testimony at Biola University’s annual Torrey Conference October 15-17. This year, Torrey’s theme is “Collide,” which will focus on redeeming conflict. The new author will discuss her struggle with mental illness and the redemption she found in her faith, which she expounds on in “Running in the Dark."
 
“The book is a collection of stories about everything I’ve ever observed in life,” said Hartung. “All of these stories relate back to the highs and lows of dealing with depression and anxiety, and my journey through those things.”
 
 
To have Morgan James publish “Running in the Dark” will be a monumental moment for Hartung as the east coast publisher typically only prints about 130 manuscripts each year from a submission pool of thousands.
 
“It took a while to sink in,” said Hartung. “I have a job after college, and it’s this book — talking about it and taking it on book tours.”
 
Hartung is currently working with Morgan James to strategize the book tour and is excited as the publishers have left the door open for her to utilize her own marketing strategy, she said. Marketing for the book will be aimed toward Los Angeles, Orange County and Ohio — where she grew up — taking it to coffee shops and smaller, independent Christian bookstores for readings and distribution.
 
Ingram Distributors will help the book reach shelves in larger stores such as Barnes and Noble; Hartung, however, will also attempt to build personal relationships with local stores in hope for them to carry “Running in the Dark,” as well.
 
Hartung hopes to collaborate with other authors in the future on a book of short fiction stories, rather than to continue publishing her own thoughts on life exclusively.
 
“Running in the Dark” is slated for release through Morgan James this winter, and will be available for purchase online and in bookstores throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.
 
Written by Stephen Day, iBiola Reporter. For more information contact Jenna Bartlo, media relations specialist, at 562.777.4016 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.