Serving Franklin, PA and Washington, MD Counties
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Local Civil War enthusiast pens new novel

John Poniske of Waynesboro, an ambitious journalist with an abundant passion for history recently released the third book in his Civil War series, “Snakebit.”

Originally from Springfield, IL, Poniske always had an interest in composing Civil War fiction.

“It has long been my ambition to write Civil War fiction. Just prior to the onset of Covid, I retired from teaching High School History and Journalism, [and] I committed to writing the Snakebit Series.”

The third book in the series, titled “Choosing Sides Blood Is Spilled,” takes readers on a historical journey with the Maryland-based Garrett Family who find themselves in a troubled conflict. As the story transpires, “it becomes more a collection of interrelated short stories that reveal engaging historical and cultural details to titillate the reader and make the conflict and the era come to life,” Poniske states.

The first two books in the series, “Prelude to War” and “Fire-Eaters,” have received overwhelming positive reviews from their readers. “John Poniske has clearly invested countless hours to research those additional stories and present them to the reader in his series, Snakebit, meticulously and successfully filling in the gaps and rounding out our view of past events.” Stated Maxine Beck, a retired English teacher.

Poniske is highly determined. “I expect the series to ultimately include 17-18 books.” The three published novels are available for purchase on Amazon.

More information about the author can be found at johnponiske.com.

This article was written by Sophia Wall.

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