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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 6, 2016)
4 A ❘ WEDNESDAY EDITION ❘ APRIL 6, 2016 Siuslaw News P.O. Box 10 Florence, OR 97439 RYAN CRONK , EDITOR ❘ 541-902-3520 ❘ EDITOR @ THESIUSLAWNEWS . COM Opinion E XTRAORDINARY P EOPLE Ellen Gunderson Traylor C ATHERINE J. R OURKE For the Siuslaw News _____________ wanted to add rich detail and imagi- nation to what those scenes might have actually felt like.” But this was no easy task as Ellen faced years of monumental research. Amazingly, she juggled this Herculean literary endeavor with her roles as a single mother and teacher, similar to another epic author, J.K. Rowling of the “Harry Potter” fanta- sy series. And, just like Rowling, Ellen’s historical fiction delights all ages and is often compared to the works of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. “I don’t just assemble characters in historical costumes and settings,” Ellen said. “There’s a huge differ- ence between legitimate historical fiction and historical fantasy. It’s painstaking labor that involves 75- percent research. My top sellers offer a fantasy element, and that’s what appeals to many readers.” Ellen’s archaeology, journalism and English studies at the University of Oregon and Eastern Washington University proved handy, as well as her knowledge of Scripture. “My books took years to complete mostly because of the in-depth research involved,” she said. “That’s why historical fiction is the most challenging kind to write. You have to create characters that feel authen- tic to the time period. The writing is the easy part.” M ost aspiring authors dream of publishing a book, hop- ing it will become a best seller. For one young college student named Ellen Gunderson Traylor, publication was the last thing on her mind when she dove into writing her first book with gusto in 1967. “You write because it’s in your blood, not because you want to get published,” she said. “For me, writ- ing is a joy and never a chore.” The Florence author turned that passion into 20 published works and two best-sellers, all featuring notori- ous biblical personalities in sweep- ing fictional accounts. To date, this prolific storyteller has sold more than 2 million copies of her best-selling books, earning the title of “America’s Foremost Biblical Novelist.” Open any of Ellen’s tomes to meet colorful portrayals of Moses and Mary Magdalene, Samson and Abraham, Jonah and Joseph and Joshua, with all their human flaws and follies. “I wanted to breathe real life into these characters by showing their human emotions,” Ellen said. “The drama of fic- tion makes the “Writing is like breathing. ... You write Bible come alive for mod- because you can’t live without it.” ern-day read- —ELLEN TRAYLOR ers. When they bond with the Despite digital technology spawn- characters, readers can participate in ing Nooks and Kindles with Twitter- the story.” length stories, Ellen’s classic novels What inspired Ellen to pen such still captivate eager audiences. vast epics — mostly by hand, in an Letters pour in from readers detail- era before computers — when the ing how her books have changed and Bible already recounts them? even saved their lives. According to “I felt a burning desire to tell Ellen, one reader talked about being these stories in a way that’s never close to suicide but chose to go on been done before, with authenticity living after reading a crucifixion and accuracy, but without deviating scene. from Scripture,” she said. “I just “Readers tell me they can relate to my characters,” she said. “They offer people hope, which is what the Bible is all about.” In many ways, Ellen’s stories are cinematic. “I visualize the scene as if I’m watching a movie,” she said. “I put on paper what I’d like to see on a screen. While movies passively fill the imagination, a book opens a dimension for readers to bring in their own. When you read a book, you have to participate; it makes you think.” Still, how does Ellen find the time to write, research and “imagineer” tales spanning hundreds of pages? “Writing is like breathing,” she said. “You don’t quit breathing because you’re raising kids, and you don’t quit raising kids because you’re breathing. You write because you can’t live without it.” According to Ellen, it never dawned on her that she could make a living as a writer. Yet she survived as a novelist while raising her chil- dren after her first marriage ended. “The greatest challenge of my life has also been my greatest joy,” she noted, “and that was raising two boys as a single mom on a writer’s income. I was on my knees a lot, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Perhaps that also explains why some books took years to complete. She just released her latest book, “The Cornerstone,” in March after 15 years in the making. As the third book in the “David Rothmeyer” series, the adventure story portrays current events in the Middle East in light of fascinating biblical prophe- cies. Ellen describes it as “the Hatfields and McCoys on steroids.” Another contemporary work, “A Bridge Back — The Early Days of Florence, Oregon,” reflects her life- long passion for history. Ellen grew up in “a tight-knit community of teachers, preachers and writers” that set the foundation for her work as a writing and jour- PHOTO BY CATHERINE ROURKE Ellen Traylor of Port Hole Books and Publishing has written 20 novels. nalism teacher, magazine and news- paper correspondent, public speaker and TV-radio talk show host. Her attempts to publish her first book met with the usual rash of rejections. However, she notes that every reject- ing publishing company eventually bought the secondary rights to her books. “That’s why I encourage writers to be persistent and never give up,” she said. Ellen never gave up on love either. She moved to Montana with her second husband, Richard, who helped her renovate a historical church into a bookstore that she operated for 13 years. In 2006 the couple moved to Florence where she opened Port Hole Books and expanded it into a publishing operation. Now married for 26 years, Ellen and Richard divide their time between Florence and Montana. Her vision is to create a writers colony at the Port Hole Center in Gardiner, which includes a bookstore and meeting space for group events. “I started writing as a child and always loved it,” she said. “I’m not stopping now.” ______________________ Catherine J. Rourke is an award- winning writer, journalist and book editor who teaches creative writing at the Florence Regional Arts Alliance. She may be contacted at CJReditor@gmail.com. LETTERS Similar experience As I read and enjoyed the article about the 1953 Chevy written by my friend, Cal Applebee, (“Chevy Bel Air,” March 9, B3) I was reminded of my own similar experience with a 1954 Ford at about the same time. The 1954 Ford was purchased in San Jose, Calif., in 1960. It had a 239ci Y block V8 and 3- speed column shift with overdrive. It would be a rare car today as it was the Sunliner with the Plexiglas Insert in the top. It looked great, but on a warm, sunny day it was like sitting in a hot greenhouse. I drove this car with reckless abandon — I really am lucky to have survived — until the engine lost a rod through the side of the block. So, I replaced the engine with a 312ci Y block from a 1957 Fairlane — 130 HP to 250 HP. Now, by the standards of the day, I had a fast car! Of course, the transmission and drive line could not handle the increased power. Brakes then seemed to be an “after thought.” I rapidly discovered it was easier to replace the transmission with a junkyard unit than to repair it. Soon there was a growing pile of bro- ken transmissions, pinion gears and burnt out clutch facings behind my dad’s garage. Needless to say, he did not look upon that pile favorably. I finally sold the 1954 Ford for $200, and probably prolonged my life! John Machi Florence Great expectations I am writing today to share an experience I had on March 29 at the new Clawson’s Wheelhouse Family Dining. When my family pulled up to the restaurant, the parking lot was full. We could see into the building that the tables were full as well. Being the second day open, I was very happy to see the turnout. As we walked in, we were greeted by a wait- ress with a big smile welcoming us in and invit- ing us to sit where ever we wish. As we made our way to a table, the decor caught my eyes. It has been transformed into a clean family-style dining restaurant. New tables, the decor, the walls have fresh paint, all very welcoming. I could see that many patrons had not been served yet and I knew at this moment it would be a longer than normal wait time for our din- ner. Many people in Florence had the same idea, “let’s try the new place,” as my husband put it. At this time I would like to put this into per- spective. This was day two, and more than like- ly they had only been open to the public for no more than 20 hours. New team, new equipment, new menu, new everything. As Americans we have grown to expect instant gratification. We want excellent cus- tomer service at all times, even though most do not give that level of customer service in their own line of work. We want our food hot, we want our movies now — no waiting for any- thing. We have no sympathy for our fellow man, no compassion to the young person on their first day on the job. No empathy for anyone. I sat there in the corner of the room and watched very rude, very demanding customers belittle the staff who were obviously doing their best — on day two. Our food did take longer than normal time and that’s OK. In a world that is going by too fast, sitting there with my family, we talked and enjoyed each other. If they had been open for several months, then yes, I would question the skills of the staff, but not on day two. After we were done, I thanked the staff and headed home. I went online and became angry at the outright obnoxious reviews. All I have to say is shame on you. How dare you criticize a new business that has not been given a single chance to work out all the kinks. Can any of you honestly say you have started a new job and had everything run perfect? Even when Disneyland opened its doors, it had no running water to the drinking fountains and they ran out of food. I want to thank the Clawson family for taking a chance and opening up a local family dining restaurant. In a time of wages going up, not a lot of people will take this chance, but they did. They will employ local people. I will be back very soon and give my support to this family and their staff. Dawnell Spencer Florence L ETTERS P OLICY Siuslaw News welcomes letters to the editor con- cerning issues affecting the Florence area and Lane County. Emailed letters are preferred. Handwritten or typed letters must be signed. All letters should be limited to about 300 words and must include the writer’s full name, address and phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and clarity. Publication of any letter is not guaranteed and depends on space available and the volume of let- ters received. Libelous and anonymous letters as well as poetry will not be published. All submissions become the property of Siuslaw News and will not be returned. Write to: Editor@TheSiuslawNews.com. USPS# 497-660 Copyright 2016 © Siuslaw News John Bartlett Jenna Bartlett Ryan Cronk Susan Gutierrez Cathy Dietz Ron Annis Jeremy Gentry Publisher, ext. 327 General Manager, ext. 318 Editor, ext. 313 Advertising Director, ext. 326 Office Supervisor, ext. 312 Production Supervisor Press Manager DEADLINES: Wednesday Issue—General news, Monday noon; Budgets, four days prior to publication; Regular classified ads, Monday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Monday noon; Boxed and display classified ads, Friday 5 p.m. Saturday Issue—General news, Thursday noon; Budgets, two days prior to publication; Regular classified ads, Thursday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Thursday noon; Boxed and display classified ads, Wednesday 5 p.m. Soundings, Tuesday 5 p.m. NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In Lane County — 1-year subscription, $71; 10-weeks subscription, $18; Out of Lane County — 1-year subscription, $94; 10-weeks subscription, $24; Out of State — 1-year subscription, $120; Out of United States — 1-year subscription, $200; E-Edition Online Only (Anywhere) — 1-year subscription, $65. Mail subscription includes E-Edition. Website and E-Edition: www.TheSiuslawNews.com WHERE TO WRITE Published every Wednesday and Saturday at 148 Maple St. in Florence, Lane County, Oregon. A member of the National Newspaper Association and Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. Periodicals postage paid at Florence, Ore. Postmaster, send address changes to: Siuslaw News, P.O. Box 10, Florence, OR 97439; phone 541-997-3441; fax 541-997-7979. All press releases may be sent to PressReleases@TheSiuslawNews.com. Pres. Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 www.whitehouse.gov Gov. Kate Brown 160 State Capitol 900 Court St. Salem, OR 97301-4047 Governor’s Citizens’ Rep. Message Line 503-378-4582 www.oregon.gov/gov U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden 221 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5244 541-431-0229 www.wyden.senate.gov FAX: 503-986-1080 Email: Sen.ArnieRoblan@state.or.us U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley 313 Hart Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3753/FAX: 202-228-3997 541-465-6750 State Rep. Caddy McKeown (Dist. 9) 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1409 Email: rep.caddymckeown@state.or.us U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (4th Dist.) 2134 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-6416/ 800-944-9603 541-269-2609/ 541-465-6732 www.defazio.house.gov State Sen. Arnie Roblan (Dist. 5) 900 Court St. NE - S-417 Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1705 West Lane County Commissioner Jay Bozievich 125 E. Eighth St. Eugene, OR 97401 541-682-4203 FAX: 541-682-4616 Email: Jay.Bozievich@co.lane.or.us