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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rural Route 2
Are you working on another book?
Yes, I am working on the fifth book in the series: "The Coldest Day of the Year" with a tentative publication date in the Fall of 2007 (although there's a strong possibility publication will be delayed until the Spring of 2008).
What else do you do besides write books?
Writing and promoting books is a full-time job in itself, but in addition to that, I am a reporter for the Dunn County News in Menomonie, Wisconsin.
Are these cook books? I don't need another cook book!
No, these are not cook books. They are collections of true stories about growing up on a small family dairy farm in Wisconsin 40 years ago.
"Christmas in Dairyland" does have some family Christmas cookie recipes in the back, as well as recipes for Norwegian food, incuding lefse and fattigman.
"Christmas in Dairyland" also includes instructions for making candles out of old crayons!
"Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam" includes recipes for Norma's Homemade Bread and How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker.
Why did you write the books?
Over the past 40 years, Wisconsin has lost 75 percent of its dairy farms, and the United States has lost 85 percent of its dairy farms.
Since small family dairy farms are pretty much gone from the landscape, I wanted to write about that way of life to help keep it from disappearing completely.
Parents and grandparents who buy the books for their children and grandchildren tell me that they want those children to know what it was like to live on a farm. Many of the parents and grandparents lived on farms themselves or grew up on farms and know that the children will never be able to experience life on a farm first-hand for themselves.
Do I have to live on a farm to enjoy the books?
No, you do not have to live on a farm -- or have grown up on a farm -- to enjoy the books. I hear from people regularly who say they have enjoyed reading the books but have never lived on a farm. They have been city dwellers all their lives -- but they have always wanted to live on a farm or thought it would be interesting to know more about life on a farm.
What is the Priority Mail option listed on the order form?
Standard shipping for books is by United States Postal Service Media Mail and will take about a week to arrive (but may take up to two weeks).
If you want faster shipping (you need the books for a birthday party at the end of the week, for example), select the Priority Mail option.
There is a $5 charge for Priority Mail.
What is "standard shipping?"
Standard shipping is by United States Postal Service Media Mail.
How long will it take for my books to arrive?
Standard shipping for books is by United States Postal Service Media Mail. Depending on where the books are shipped, your books will arrive in about a week (but may take up to two weeks).
What are your books about?
My books are about growing up on a farm 40 years ago.
In the last 40 years, Wisconsin has lost 75 percent of its dairy farms and the United States has lost 85 percent of its dairy farms.
"Christmas in Dairyland" -- Christmas stories.
"Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam" -- spring and summer stories (baling hay, driving a tractor, picnics, cows, pony. . .)
"Cream of the Crop" -- fall and winter stories (cows, picking corn, Halloween, a mouse in the house, ice skates, snow, pony. . .)
"Where the Green Grass Grows" -- spring and summer stories (cows and calves, hair cuts, camping, summer adventures. . .)
Which book was published first?
"Christmas in Dairyland" was published in the fall of 2003.
"Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam" was published in 2004.
"Cream of the Crop" was published in 2005.
"Where the Green Grass Grows" was published in 2006.
Do I have to read the books in a certain order?
No, the books are collections of short stories about growing up on a farm, and they were written so that a reader can pick up any book and enjoy the stories without losing a plot line.
Are your books only children's books?
No, my books are not "just for kids" -- go to the comments section to read comments from many adults who have enjoyed my books.
What is the reading-appropriate age for your books?
I have a number of parents and grandparents who buy my books for their children and grandchildren.
Typically, the books are appropriate for 4th grade and on up, although a proficient or advanced third grader would enjoy the books as well.
Are your books appropriate for children?
Yes, my books have many "young reader" fans, both boys and girls.
Do I have to pay sales tax on the books?
You will only have to pay sales tax if you live in the state of Wisconsin. I am required by the state to charge sales tax for Wisconsin residents.
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