BUCKSPORT — Most people would be daunted by the idea of publishing several books in a year.

Jane Harvey Meade, however, said she’s simply making up for lost time.

A lifelong writer, the 71-year-old said she was always too busy to publish any of her work. She taught school in New England and New York for 38 years, and said she considered writing a hobby.

Since retiring from teaching, though, Meade has pursued publishing. Two years ago, she self-published a book about her late brother, Peter Harvey, who died in 2008 at the age of 59.

Meade said that book, called “Remembering Peter,” is like a scrapbook dedicated to her brother, a talented musician and entertainer.

After that, Meade connected with Maine Authors Publishing in Rockland. With its guidance, in 2011 she published “Piper’s Song,” a collection of poems, and “Glimpses,” a book that looks at unexplained events when a loved one dies.

Now Meade has published her first novel, “The Summer of the Disco King.” The story centers on Janet Connors, a woman who suddenly finds herself scared and feeling unsafe in her own home after a family friend and her irritating dog move in.

At its core, the book is a mystery — what is going on in Janet’s house? Is the friend to blame, or perhaps the friend’s dog? What role does the Disco King, who drives around town with music blaring from his 1969 Chrysler convertible, play?

It’s not just mystery, though, as comedy is woven throughout the book. Some of that comes from Terrance, the friend’s annoying dog, while other laughs come from the conflict between Janet and her 15-year-old daughter, Jana.

Though she thought her book might appeal only to women, Meade has received feedback from readers — including men —who said it will appeal to anyone.

Meade describes the book as a fast and funny read that is also “a little edgy.”

Meade had considered writing — journalism, to be precise — as a career when she finished high school, but was dissuaded from that by a female English teacher who told her being a reporter was no job for a lady.

A Bucksport native, Meade lives in her hometown with her husband, daughter and son-in-law at the same address she called home when she was growing up.

To purchase “The Summer of the Disco King” or any of Meade’s other books, visit www.janeharveymeade.com.

A book-signing for “Glimpses,” the spiritual novella, will be held at BookStacks (71 Main St. in Bucksport) on Thursday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m.

For more arts & entertainment news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.