January 20, 2005


Feted author Erna Holyer presents memoir of a life well lived

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

“Survival: an electrifying tale” is the memoir of Almaden writer Erna Holyer, whose own life is more fascinating than any of her fictional characters in previous books.

Nan Hunter, a longtime friend, presented the new work and celebrated the author’s many accomplishments this past Saturday at the Erna Holyer Happening book signing at Almaden Country School.

“We who have known Mrs. Holyer have all had a better life because of her,” Hunter said in her opening remarks.

“The impact that she has had on us will last forever. And as you will read in her book, one of the things she wanted to do was to leave something in the world.”

The luncheon and book signing was attended by a plethora of Santa Clara Valley writers, many who have attended Holyer’s Metropolitan Adult Education [MAEP] class, “Fact or Fiction, For Fun and Profit.” An educator since 1968, Holyer has taught thousands of students, many of whom have achieved the lofty goal of being published.

Hunter showed a video presentation with a television interview of the petite, always impeccably dressed Holyer from 2003, followed by poignant tributes from many of her students and friends.

“I remember when I first walked into her class and she was so beautifully dressed,” Almaden resident and student Louise Cate said in the video. “And she handled the class like a master.”

“Her teaching technique is so powerful,” Dale Tibbels stated who is working on his second book. “And she knows how to get published.”

Erna Holyer signs autographs for fans of her recently released memoir “Survival: an electrifying tale.” Of the book Holyer laughs, “It took me two years to write and nearly 80 years to live.” The still-life paintings in the background were painted by Holyer in 1992. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“The thing I love about Erna is that she totally encourages writers,” Audry Lynch said at the luncheon event. “I met her at the National League of American Pen Women years ago and we’ve been friends ever since.”

“Every time I attend her class I learn something new,” added Rosemarie Niles, another student and published writer.

The accolades continued from the students who have learned how to write from Holyer’s precise instruction. Who is this woman who inspires others to write and become published?

“I was a teenager when my sister died suddenly at 23,” Holyer said. “It shocked me into the realization that when a person dies nothing remains. I thought of musicians, writers and creative spirits whose work survives. I decided to become a writer at that time and that this was my mission in life.”

Hoyler pondered how does gedankengut, your unique way of seeing the world, survive? She realized at a young age that the artist’s work leaves behind their personal universe for the benefit of others.

“Survival an electrifying tale” recreates the life of Holyer who survived Hitler’s dictatorship in Germany, World War II bombings, two major heart surgeries and breast cancer. Along the way, she moved to America and became an award-winning artist, writer and educator. “Survival” is her 16th published volume. This is an amazing feat considering that English is her second language and she learned it as an adult. She studied hard and started out writing magazine articles.

Holyer collected the rights for her many published articles that resulted in her first book of short stories. She began writing young adult novels in 1965 which she terms “children’s books dealing with very adult problems.” In “Shoes for Daniel” [1974], the main character’s mother deals with open-heart surgery. “Dangerous Secrets: a Young Girl’s Travails Under the Nazis” [2003], title speaks volumes. In 2002, she published “Self Help for Writers, Winners Show You How,” which she uses in her adult education class.

Erna Holyer’s students, from left, Jim Arbuckle, Larry Matthews and Mary Chiao.

Holyer is listed in Contemporary Authors, and Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Education. Her professional affiliations include the National League of American Pen Women and the World University Roundtable.

Of her own stamina with serious health issues, living under Hitler’s dictatorship in Germany, moving to another country and the successful pursuit as a respected author, educator and artist where many others fail, Holyer is pragmatic.

“I believe I accessed my survival essence,” Holyer said. “I believe this mysterious energy, force, or instinct, is inside everyone and can be activated in times of need.”

The spring semester of MAEP’s weekly Fact and Fiction, For Fun and Profit class begins on Jan. 27. The fee is $10. Call 947-2300 or visit www.metroed.net for more information.

Holyer’s latest book “Survival: an electrifying tale” can be purchased at www.amazon.com, www.authorhouse.com or ask for it at the library or bookstore.