Medical romance writer Sandra Vink, Great Bend, will be the guest speak at the next Friends of the Great Bend Public Library meeting, set for 7 p.m. Thursday in the library’s Kansas Room. Vink, who writes under the name Jessica Matthews, will talk about her current project and about her love for libraries.

Vink grew up on a farm in western Kansas, where her favorite pastime was reading. According to her family, she always had her nose in a book.

Her interest in medicine took her into the exciting field of medical technology. Eventually, she became a Laboratory Supervisor.

After her youngest son left home for college, she decided to pursue another dream — to become a full-time fiction writer.

Her awards include: Finalist, 2009 National Readers Choice Awards (Oklahoma RWA), Traditional Category, for "His Baby Bombshell."

Wisconsin Romance Writers of America, 2002 Write Touch Reader’s Award, First Place, Traditional Category, for "A Nurse’s Patience."

(Mills & Boon, Ltd) Romance Writers of America, Chapter Newsletter contest, editor 1996, Winner, Division I, Wichita Area Romance Authors, for "The Prairie Rose."

Vink’s website is jessicamatthews.com.

The Friends of the Great Bend Library group will also discuss upcoming events and programs, including an ongoing book sale, the annual book sale and Christmas programs. The meeting is open to anyone interested in the future of the library.