ReachArts is launching its new monthly “Author Series 2021” on Thursday, Feb. 18th 7-8pm. The free event features an hour-long Zoom interview and Q&A session with local author David Newell Townsend and host Laura Smith. David, a telecommunications consultant and co-creator of the podcast “My Comical Romance,” will read from his latest book, Retracing Steps: An Exploration of Nature and History on the Massachusetts North Shore. The book interlaces the history of Swampscott and the surrounding region with a memoir of hiking the forest trails that connect the towns. Townsend, a multifaceted entertainment host, is also a (local) legendary producer of Halloween haunted houses. He’ll talk about the process of self-publishing. Please visit https://reacharts.org/event-4154387 for the Zoom link and information on upcoming author events.