Ah, the writing life is wonderful! Going to the post office has become my major source of entertainment since Wildwood Press sent out the pre-publication discount flier for my new book, A Tree Grows in Trout Creek. Why is the post office so exciting and fun? Well, for one thing, we are receiving book orders by the dozens and, along with those orders, many Yoopers (people who live, or once lived, above the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) are writing their expressions of excitement over the new book’s forthcoming arrival. Congratulations and best wishes are the theme of each day.
But, even more important is the reconnecting with old friends, many of whom I have not seen since high school, some 50 years ago. Many others don’t even know me, but know one of my siblings. All of our classmates are retired and most are members of the AARP so have time to read books and write lovely letters to the author. So many people are returning to buy A Tree Grows in Trout Creek after reading and enjoying The Wishing Years, my first book in 1995-96.
Do you have a preference as to how you would like your books autographed? That’s the question I ask all the online buyers and that often leads to an interchange of warm wishes and an email chat and verbal trip back to the U.P. Many friends from the past ask, “Do you remember me? I was in the class behind you at Stambaugh High School,” or “I knew your sister. Tell her I said hello.”
The connections go on and on. We are all connected through our hometown and the values instilled in us by our parents, our teachers and our churches. It didn’t matter which church you attended, you had to “toe the mark,” do the right thing, be respectful at all times and love your neighbor as yourself. Believe me, I remember everyone I ever knew—and many more my siblings knew—from the old hometown! And I love that they are contacting me with updated tales from their lives. It’s what keeps me going! The author couldn’t be happier!
Hi Coralie –
I loved reading “A Tree Grows in Trout Creek” and particularly the chapter on the beauty contest at Chicaugon Lake in about 1956. I was one of the contestants. I was working at the Sportsmen’s Cafe at the time and wanted so badly to have a tube of Revlon lipstick called “Orange Sherbet.” Being a “Yooper” I was naturally frugal and could not see paying $5 for a tube of lipstick, no matter how much I wanted it. That just wasn’t “right” – especially when you could buy Tangee for 39 cents! (Now it’s around $13 in The Vermont Country Store catalog. )
Anyway, one of the incentives to be a contestant in the Miss Iron County contest was that each girl got a Revlon lipstick. So I entered, knowing full well I didn’t stand a snowball’s chance of winning! But it was a fun experience. I’m not sure of the other contestants but think I recall Sharon Gallagher and Maribeth Lyle as being among them. Maybe some other readers can come up with the names of the other contestants!
Arlene, thanks for writing and thanks for reviewing the new book, “A Tree Grows in Trout Creek”! I think a lot of people will remember you from Iron River, Michigan where some years ago you were the editor of The Iron River Reporter now called The Iron County Reporter. What an accomplishment for anyone, especially such a young woman! They may also know that your stories and articles are often published in the national magazine, Woman’s World. I recently read your excellent Solve It Yourself Mystery, Hot off the Press, in the August 14, 2007 issue. (As to the other participants in the beauty contest, like you, I hope someone will come up with their names!)
Coralie…..I remember reading “The Wishing Years” years ago and contacting you to see if you had a sequel. Imagine my surprise at receiving the publication announcement of your new book. You are a very talented writer and I look forward to the “new read.” …..Art
Art, Great to hear from you! I hope you enjoy the new book, “A Tree Grows in Trout Creek,” as much as the “The Wishing Years!” You’ll have to let me know what you think after you’ve read it! Thanks again!