Paula Scott, a bestselling author and fifth-generation California farmer from Sutter County, will discuss her books and writing career Sept. 24 at the Gridley Library. Photo courtesy of Paula Scott

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - From newspaper reporting to bestselling books, Sutter County author Paula Scott has built a writing career around stories often rooted in California.

A bestselling author and fifth-generation California farmer, Scott will discuss her books, writing career and life on the farm during a Friends of the Gridley Library program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Gridley Library, 299 Spruce St.

Scott began writing as a newspaper reporter before writing for magazines and contributing short stories to “Chicken Soup for the Soul” and Guideposts books.

In 2016, she published her debut novel, "Until the Day Breaks." The novel follows Rachel Tyler, a Protestant American who arrives in California in 1846 and finds herself promised to Roman Vasquez, a Catholic Spanish soldier, as the Bear Flag Revolt unfolds. Their unwanted engagement develops into a romance as religious differences, family loyalties and the conflict over California threaten to pull them apart.

Scott has since written several novels and memoirs, including "Love in a Fertile Land," "River of Mercy," "Leaving Lonesome," "Farming Grace," "The Mother Keeper," "Far Side of the Sea" and "Chasing the Wind."

Her writing career remains tied to her family's agricultural roots in the Sacramento Valley. Scott lives with her family on a Sutter County farm and helps operate West Butte Orchards, where she spends summers harvesting stone fruit.

"I never thought I'd end up a farmer and an author too," Scott said. "Strange, I know, but it works just fine."

Scott said farming has also influenced the way she views her writing and family life.

"Working on our farm is hard, but it has granted us the perspective that life should be a labor of love," she said.

Paula Scott is a pen name inspired by her husband, Scott, whom she credits as an important part of her writing career.

"My real name is not Paula Scott. This is us: Paula and Scott," she said. "We've been together forty years now. My husband is my great romance, so I chose his name for my pen name."

Most of Scott's books are set in California. Her work has also attracted attention beyond the state, with some of her literary work optioned for Hollywood.

For more information about Scott and her books visit http://paulascott.com.