Wildwood Press

I have my first book signing this evening for our neighborhood monthly meeting and am really looking forward to it! I’ll read from my new book, A Tree Grows in Trout Creek, and then take questions as time allows. I’m going to read two short excerpts, one of Michigan history and the other strictly for humor. The book is a collection of memoirs about growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and follows my family, friends and me as we make out way through times of laughter, tears and triumph.

(To purchase the book at a discount price go to ORDER BOOKS above, make your choice and pay with a credit card through Paypal.) (Same day shipping!)

With the new time change we are experiencing this week, I’m trying to get the shelties to understand we’re doing things differently. But it’s not working! It may only be 3 a.m. but to Ginger, Carrie and Bonnie, it is 4 a.m. and time to get up! I keep telling them, they’re wrong…but they just bark a little (well, a lot) louder. Maybe I can get them trained by springtime when we turn our clocks one hour forward. You think?

Two weeks into the book sale of A Tree Grows in Trout Creek, a memoir of growing up in upper Michigan, six-hundred books have been shipped! Many thanks to all who have purchased! For book lovers everywhere, discount prices are available for a limited time. Just click on ORDER BOOKS above and pay with a credit card through Paypal. If you prefer not to use a credit card, send your request with a check or money order to Wildwood Press, PO Box 980616, Ypsilanti, MI 48198! Join the fun! (Same day shipping!)

At our monthly book group today we discussed Fannie Flagg’s Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven. I must say I was surprised to find that two of our seven attendees thought it was the most boring and “stupid” book ever. For me, it was both poignant and humorous! I think it’s the small town atmosphere that struck me as being so true to life. Such people help each other, and in doing so find small ways in which to make great differences in others’ lives. The book by the author of Fried Green Tomatoes is not necessarily a literary wonder, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Have you read it? What do you think?

This sweet sheltie is a therapy dog and along with other dogs visits the seniors at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba each year. (Note the Daniel Boone dog in the foreground and the Jailbird dog in the background!) Everyone loves the parade of costumed pooches! Wouldn’t you?

Yes, a few years ago, I wore this to my place of employment. No one knew who I was! (At least for a while anyway.) What fun!

For some very funny and sweet animal “tails” go to sheltietales.com and read about the new cat named Zen-Cat, the ghost-dog story and the adoption of little Gigi. “Tails” to make your heart swell!

The new book, A Tree Grows in Trout Creek, was only released less than two weeks ago and I have sold 579 copies to date! My writing group friends held a book celebration party for me this past Sunday afternoon and it was wonderful! Jennifer brought fancy chocolates, Karen baked red velvet cupcakes, Robbie brought fresh apple cider and Carol, just home from a trip to China, brought me a gorgeous strand of real pearls from Hangzhou! What a memorable event it was!

One doesn’t have to be a successful author to write their memoirs! Think of the times that have meant the most in your life! Make a list. Write down these times. Start with ten memories that really touch your soul!

Then, pick one! Answer these ten questions:
•    When did this happen?
•    Where did this happen?
•    How old was I?
•    Who was with me in this memory?
•    What can I see?
•    What can I hear?
•    What can I smell?
•    What can I taste?
•    How does this memory make me feel?
•    What else can I remember about this memory?

Start writing! Don’t stop! Don’t edit. Just write! Leave it alone for a few hours. Then read it aloud. Share it with someone you love!

I love hearing from new friends! I just received this really nice letter from Judy Granlund Daft who says she enjoyed reading my first book, The Wishing Years, but even more so A Tree Grows in Trout Creek! Here’s what else she wrote: “Growing up 5 miles east of Negaunee, between Marquette and Negaunee on the old U.S.41, a lot of your experiences are about the same as mine. As you can see by the picture I am sending, this book took me back to 1956. Keep your books coming! Thanks!”

Girls in the photo Left to Right: Judy Granlund (Negaunee), Mary Ann Roberg (Stambaugh), Dorothy Hill (Negaunee), Inez Adamson (Iron River), Karen Larson (Iron Mountain).