Matt LaCroix, a graduating senior who majors in environmental planning, recently had a book published by Book Surge entitled, My Wilderness. The Clock sat down with Matt last week to learn more about his accomplishments.
TC: What is it that you love about this area?ML: I came to Plymouth because I love the size of it and proximity to the White Mountains. I do a lot of hiking, fishing, and skiing, so this is the perfect place for me.
TC: What was the best part of the writing process? ML:I love when I can write the chapters for the first time and relive the incredible moments I had, then see them on paper as I can best describe.
TC: What is the book about? ML: The book is non-fiction and follows my life from when I was younger on how I got into backpacking and the horrible situations I got into. It goes over a few humorous stories in the beginning that may make the reader laugh, then goes into exciting, scary stories. They range from getting lost above tree line in winter with brutally cold temperatures, to being attacked by bears and a rutting bull moose, or lost far out in the wild. Most of the book takes the reader through the White Mountains.
TC: What was most difficult about the experience? ML: To me, it was actually putting in the time. I had a lot of schoolwork, but I knew I had to finish my book. I am a firm believer of getting things done promptly instead of leaving them hanging around. It takes an incredible amount of time, along with the process of editing. I would sometimes spend 3-4 hours a day on it, along with schoolwork.
TC: Do you have advice for other writers aspiring to be published? ML: Do it! It’s an incredible feeling, and not as hard as you think. If you have a story to tell, then get it down on paper. I spent two years writing my book, but if I had spent more time in the beginning, it could have been quicker.
TC: How did you get the book published? ML: I heard about Book Surge, a publishing company, through amazon.com. For only $498, I got the whole thing done, exactly the way I wanted it, with all my own photos.
TC: Where can My Wilderness be purchased?ML:It costs $12.99 and you can get it at www.booksurge.com, www.amazon.com, and soon in bookstores like the Plymouth Bookstore, Borders, and the Mountain Wanderer. Just search for My Wilderness..
TC: Are there going to be more books in your future? ML: I would hope so someday; for now I am taking a break. I am going to work full time when I graduate with Tele Atlas in Lebanon.