News Photo by Darby Hinkley
Author Emily Erickson holds a copy of her new book, “Unfold: A Collection of Short Stories and Poems” in front of a mural in downtown Alpena.

ALPENA — Former Alpena resident Emily Erickson has released her first book, “Unfold: A Collection of Short Stories and Poems.”

“Unfold is a fictional journey through the puzzling landscape that connects heart and consciousness,” the back of the book reads. “This collection of short stories and poems explores the ache of heartbreak, the trials of life’s obstacles, and the revelations that follow.”

Erickson went to school for creative writing and journalism, then worked at The Alpena News as a reporter about eight years ago.

“My family actually has a cottage here,” Erickson said in an interview while she was in town recently. She lived in the Long Lake cottage while working at The News.

“Alpena has been a big part of who we are,” Erickson said. “I met my husband here. We come up all the time, spending the weekend here.”

News Photo by Darby Hinkley
The front cover of Emily Erickson’s new book, “Unfold,” is seen here. The book is available in paperback and hardcover on Amazon.

She explained that many of the stories refer to Alpena and Northeast Michigan.

“A lot of the stories are about Alpena and involve the community,” she said, adding that she gained “a lot of inspiration from this town.”

She now lives in Shelby Township, about 30 miles north of Detroit.

“I definitely love this community and area,” Erickson said. “It’s very special to me.”

She talked about how she started writing the book, which she finished earlier this summer.

“I actually go to a writers’ group every Thursday, and I bring little bits and pieces for critiquing, and I’ve just been collecting and gathering short stories and poems for a while,” she said.

She said writing a book has been one of her goals for a long time, so she decided to get it done this year.

“It took about six months of collecting things, but I’ve had these pieces either saved or stored,” Erickson said. “It’s been a big project.”

Erickson went to Western Michigan University, graduating with a degree in creative writing and journalism. She said her time working at The News gave her valuable career experience and helped her use and develop her skills.

“It was a fun way to start my career,” she said.

She said she often gets inspiration and feels compelled to write about ideas or topics that pop into her head.

“Whenever something pops up, I roll with it,” Erickson said. “I get inspired all the time just by the smallest things.”

She hopes readers relate to her poems and short stories and enjoy her writing.

“Unfold invites readers to sit with discomfort, reflect on growth, and recognize the hidden blessings and lessons that transform us,” the back cover states.

Erickson coordinated with her cousin on the book formatting and design.

“I was lucky enough to collaborate with my cousin,” Erickson said. “She did the formatting and design for me, and layout. So I could just throw my writing at her, so she would organize it.”

The book, which Erickson self-published using KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), is available in paperback and hardcover on Amazon. Erickson is also looking into coordinating with local bookstores about possibly setting up a book signing event in Alpena.

Reach News Community Editor Darby Hinkley at 989-358-5691 or dhinkley@TheAlpenaNews.com.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley
Author Emily Erickson holds a copy of her new book, “Unfold: A Collection of Short Stories and Poems” in front of a mural in downtown Alpena.
News Photo by Darby Hinkley
The front cover of Emily Erickson’s new book, “Unfold,” is seen here. The book is available in paperback and hardcover on Amazon.



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