School of Nursing development director publishes first novel

By Malorie Burkett

A first novel by Edward G. Kardos, director of development for Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Nursing, has been published by 1st Books Library.

"Yours, Aiden" is set in the 1970's at a Catholic boys boarding school in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The story unfolds as Sean, a young man whose life is on a one-dimensional and narrow path, meets Aiden, whose zeal and philosophies about life take Sean by surprise.

Though he did not actually begin to write the novel until 1996, the idea to write "Yours, Aiden" began about ten years ago.

"I wanted to write a new and unique story of self-enlightenment and friendship, one that was complex, but with a message that was basic and transcended all people and for all time," said Kardos.

With writing as his hobby, Kardos spent many late nights and long hours writing the novel. When he and his wife, Kristen, found out they were expecting their third and fourth children - twin girls, Kardos pressed on to complete the book.

"If I knew ahead of time the time and work that I would put into writing I may have been discouraged from the beginning. Looking back, I'm glad I was naïve," said Kardos.

Kardos earned his Bachelor of Science degree in communication arts from James Madison University. He also has received two regional awards for promotional writing from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.