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William Offutt's "Seth, A Novel in Four Parts" was a long time in the making – 20 years to be precise.

The author, a Bethesda resident who is a Montgomery County history expert, initially wrote a novella. Ten years later, he started on the three more sections, working on them sporadically for another decade.

The result, a multigenerational family saga set in Rockville, focuses on Seth Williams and his wife, son and grandson in their search for happiness and fulfillment.

In addition to other books and numerous historical articles, Offutt produced "Bethesda, A Social History" in 1995. Now retired, he taught history and English at various county middle and high schools during his 34-year career.

"I've written county history for years," Offutt says, noting that his family having lived in the area since about 1715 fueled his interest in its history.

Although the novel is not his own family's story, "every book is autobiographical to an extent," Offutt points out. "The county's history is my family's history as well."

The book takes place mostly in Hank Dietle's Tavern and Addie's Restaurant, which are side by side on the 11000 block of Rockville Pike. The tavern once belonged to Offutt's uncle, as did the restaurant that was his home.

"The history, as far I can tell, is accurate," Offutt says.

The characters, however, are imagined.

"I sat in front of a computer and invented people, and then watched what they did and wrote about it," he says.

Offutt deliberately made each of the four sections slightly different in style and format. The first three cover events in chronological order, while the last goes back and forth in time.

To make it easier for readers to follow the timing, the year often is noted at the start of a chapter. Although the structure may be more complicated than a chronological book with a single main character, Offutt feels his design "seemed logical and interesting."

The research process included delving into old newspapers and books, as well as drawing on his own extensive knowledge of local history. Offutt did most of the editing on the book, which he also self-published because he had no luck in finding an agent or a publishing house. He is pleased it is "reasonably error-free."

Now retired, Offutt is not slowing down. He lectures for the Montgomery County Historical Society and teaches at Montgomery College. As for writing, he is working on an article about the 1962 county council and school board elections for a quarterly journal, and has finished two more novels set during the Revolutionary War that he plans to publish.

Offutt doesn't consider writing work.

Instead, he says, for him, "writing is pleasure. Other people ride motorcycles or something," he says. "I write."

"Seth, A Novel in Four Parts" can be purchased at the Montgomery County Historical Society Museum Shop, 113 West Montgomery Ave., Rockville, and at the Opportunity Shop, 4504 Walsh St., Chevy Chase. A copy may be obtained by e-mailing innovationgame@rcn.com.