In the long school break for Christmas during fifth grade, I wrote my first long story, a chapter book called "The Twelve Days of Christmas." I wrote it to entertain myself, using a stack of beautiful paper that our substitute teacher gave to me when she cleaned out her supply closet before the break.
On the farm, I felt the lack of a sister. In this photo taken that Christmas, I'm surrounded by my brothers and boy cousin—it would be two years before my girl cousin would arrive. My best friend lived half a mile away, quite a distance in the winter.
So in the story, I dreamed up two girls, best friends, Lottie and Susie. They lived in a big orphanage in a big city, waiting to be adopted. I was inspired by hearing the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and I was curious. Our congregation of Baptists did not make much of the liturgical calendar, so the idea of extending Christmas for twelve days was very appealing.
After that, I kept writing. I always thought maybe someday I might publish a book, but it took me awhile. This year, I'm grateful to so many people who made it possible. Happy new year!
Marty children, Christmas 1968. Photo by Gordon Marty.
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