by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Bill Maness has chased several careers during his long lifetime. Having served as a Navy pilot, an attorney and a judge, the 88-year-old Maness continues to reach for new goals, most recently trying his hand at a prolific, if not quiet, writing career.
His latest book, “Things I Wanted to Say Before, When I Thought I Didn’t Have Time to Say More,” was self-published recently.
“The title says it all,” said Maness, the oldest practicing attorney in Jacksonville. “It’s the loose ends I never got around to because, when I was younger, I never thought I’d still be around to get to them. To be honest, I didn’t think I’d live past World War II.”
His fourth book in as many years, Maness said his passion for writing is far from a passing craze. For years he’s used the power of the written word to communicate his thoughts and experiences and, at times, influence change.
“(Creative writing) is something I’ve always enjoyed and have had a respect for,” he said. “It’s also, to me, the best way to document all of the things you do in your lifetime. To see it all in black in white is really incredible. It’s the perfect end of your life, not that I’m going anywhere.”
A longtime local voice for civil equality since the 1960s, Maness’ first book, “Dear William, The Yeast is Here,” recounted his experiences while witnessing Jacksonville’s movement into desegregation.
“To this day, that’s probably the best thing I’ve ever written,” he said in an interview in his office on Ocean Street. “It’s also the only book of mine you can buy at Barnes & Noble. If you want any of the others you’ll have to call me directly. I figure I can get them to you faster than anybody else can.”
Though not a professional outlet or a hobby based on turning profit, Maness said he does write for a good cause. The proceeds generated by each of his books go toward creative writing scholarships available at Elon (N.C.) University, his alma mater.
An active fundraiser for the school, Maness also gives books to anyone who forwards at least $100 its way.
“Well, anyone who knows me knows how I feel about Elon,” said Maness. “And by giving back to the school the way I’ve been able to do, I’m hopeful I can encourage others to write. Since I started giving to the school I’ve been named alumnus of the year and I also have my honorary doctorate.”
So, are there any more books left in Maness? Not unless the right story comes along.
“But I’m saying ‘no’ for now,” he said. “If I ever wrote another book it would have to be about something different, maybe about falling in love.”