ST. GEORGE – A local author hopes people will feel uplifted and positive about the future after reading his book.
The book, “Tales from the Orchard,” by William W. Way, Jr., is a collection of short stories centered around 7-year-old Jamie Archer and his family who live on an apple orchard. Each story tells of Jamie’s interactions with his family, such as dealing with the birth of a little sister to the advancement of age experienced by his grandparents. The orchard serves as the backdrop of each tale.
Tate Publishing, Way’s publisher, described the story found within the pages of “Tales from the Orchard” as heartwarming and that the author “artfully portrayed the beauty of embracing values” with a style that appeals to the youthful mind as well as the mature heart.
“If you’re a sentimental person you’re going to laugh and you’re going to cry,” Way said.
As seems to be the case with so many writers, there is often a story behind the story presented in the pages of the finished work. Way’s story is no different.
Way said he had worked as a city manager for various cities across the United States for 25 years. There were times when exchanges between the city council and he would became intense as they spared over differences in opinion and policy. He would leave the meeting upset and unable to sleep due to how frustration.
In order to calm down, Way would stay up at nights focus on a particular character trait he saw as uplifting, and wrote a story around it. These stories formed the foundation of “Tales from the Orchard.” They also helped settle Way’s nerves.
“The stories brought me back to who I wanted to be,” Way said.
In time Way’s wife, as well as a former employee, urged him to get the stories published.
“Tales from the Orchard” was released nationwide on Nov. 29.
As for the target audience of Way’s book, he said he primarily meant it for young parents and grandparents.
He said he hoped when young parents read about the positive character traits exemplified by young Jamie, they would want to instill those traits in their own children.
As for the grandparents, Way said he hopes they will want to dedicate more time to their own grandchildren after reading the book
Overall, Way said he wanted people to have a sense of hope for the future after reading “Tales from the Orchard.”
“I hope people will get an uplifting feeling there is a good and positive future,” he said.
“Tales of the Orchard” can be obtained through Tate Publishing or ordered from Way directly. Orders direct from the author will be autographed. Copies can also be ordered through Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Copyright 2011 St. George News. This material may not be published or rewritten without written consent.