Hartland native has a definite knack for writing
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Whooshing into a room full of shelves, the literary world suddenly lays at her fingertips. Still out of breath, this introspective youngster's nose darts every which way in the hopes of finding the perfect book.
“As an only child with parents who were both avid readers, my love of books began at a very young age," said former Hartland resident Jeanie Larson. “I could travel anywhere, be anyone I wanted in a book. I read anything from romance to science fiction, to biographies. I loved them all.”
Years later, this Iowa resident has a library she calls her very own. Thus far, Larson has e-published the following titles: “Another Time, Another Place,” “47,” “Be Careful What You Wish For,” “I'll Never Forget You” and “Will You Marry Me.”
“I am almost finished with ‘Do You Remember Me Now,’” Larson said. “’I'll Never Forget You’ is actually the first one I ever wrote. It is about a girl who takes a vacation to California, and meets her favorite TV star.”
These aren’t the only ones in her home collection though. Just ask her husband of 30 years.
“I have hundreds and hundreds of books,” Larson said. “Last year, Ron bought me a Kindle for our anniversary and I will admit I was wary at first, but oh my I love my Kindle! To have up to 3000 books available to me all at once is a feeling of power.”
Her gigantic assortment aside, she remains hopeful for readers to take a leap of faith with a new author. They might just be pleasantly surprised with her knack for the written word.
“All of my books are easy reads,” Larson said. “I am an avid reader and understand the joy of being lost in a book where you don't have to work hard to follow the story line. I will never be a Stephen King kind of writer.”’
Simplicity also conquered the scene when choosing the e-book publication route. She practically snaps her fingers and poof, another book is available for purchase.
“My books are available in e-book format for Kindle and Nook at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com,” Larson said. “Amazon also has free Kindle software that you can download to your Android, computer or Ipad. Each book is only 99 cents, so it is an inexpensive way to spend several hours of reading.”
Even if no one reads a single copy, that feeling of accomplishment will never diminish. In fact, she will never forget the day she received publication status. Let’s just say her face hurt from all the smiling.
“I figure God gave me these stories for a reason, so I had better listen,” Larson said. “You never know who you are going to affect in your life. One of my story’s life lessons may help someone through a tough time.”
Somehow or another, owning that mindset has transformed the writing process from daunting to delightful. Normally, she has the entire story in her mind before it reaches the page.
“They basically write themselves,” Larson said. “It’s actually kind of scary. Sometimes I write while I am watching TV or talking to my husband; the words just keep coming.”
One might even say her fingers become minds of their own. What she comes up with sometimes, just marvels her.
“Sometimes, I even make myself laugh,” Larson said. “One time, I was writing and didn’t know where the story was going. Suddenly, I looked up at my husband and said, ‘Oh that was a good part!’”
Every twist and turn, whim and precipice she creates, makes every day real life that much more special. This is her purpose for life. It’s as simple as that.
“When I write, I write for hours, days...” Larson said. “I just can't stop. Then when I do stop, it’s sometimes for months at a time. When I go back, I read a few pages of where I left off and then, let the writing begin. There is no stopping me.”
Hard at it for 15 years now, this 20-year Cargill Nutrena Foods veteran always has new story ideas popping in the brain. Her next book will revolve around child abduction.
“After that, I have an idea for a children's series about traveling back in time, with a little bit of history lesson along the way,” Larson said. “Each new story seems to come to me when I finish the one that I am working on.”
She considers most of her books to be romance based, though "Be Careful What You Wish For" seems to have a lesson for everyone to soak in. Ghost stories can be found inside “47,” while "Will You Marry Me" satisfies the murder mystery lovers.
“I hope that when people read my stories, they may laugh and cry a little,” Larson said. “Maybe they will even learn, though not too much. I don't want anyone to have to think too hard!”
It may not come across in her books, but she misses Hartland and all that it entails greatly. She so fondly recalls the friendly neighbors around each corner.
“I wish I was at a Hartland T-ball game right now,” Larson said. “We miss all of our wonderful friends from Minnesota and hope to see them this summer when we make a visit.”
In the meantime, she kindly invites all interested parties to check out her books. There is something for everyone.
“Before publication, I remember how sharing a story with a close friend was one of the scariest things ever,” Larson said. “But, I’m no longer afraid to share my stories. Maybe that comes with age. You get to a point in your life where if you are going to do something, you had better not wait for tomorrow.”