![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/UnfoldBook-594x840.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNews Photo by Darby Hinkley
\n 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.<\/p>\n
ALPENA \u2014 Former Alpena resident Emily Erickson has released her first book, \u201cUnfold: A Collection of Short Stories and Poems.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfold is a fictional journey through the puzzling landscape that connects heart and consciousness,\u201d the back of the book reads. \u201cThis collection of short stories and poems explores the ache of heartbreak, the trials of life\u2019s obstacles, and the revelations that follow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Erickson went to school for creative writing and journalism, then worked at The Alpena News as a reporter about eight years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy family actually has a cottage here,\u201d Erickson said in an interview while she was in town recently. She lived in the Long Lake cottage while working at The News.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpena has been a big part of who we are,\u201d Erickson said. \u201cI met my husband here. We come up all the time, spending the weekend here.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
News Photo by Darby Hinkley
\n The front cover of Emily Erickson’s new book, “Unfold,” is seen here. The book is available in paperback and hardcover on Amazon.<\/p>\n
She explained that many of the stories refer to Alpena and Northeast Michigan.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of the stories are about Alpena and involve the community,\u201d she said, adding that she gained \u201ca lot of inspiration from this town.\u201d<\/p>\n
She now lives in Shelby Township, about 30 miles north of Detroit.<\/p>\n
\u201cI definitely love this community and area,\u201d Erickson said. \u201cIt\u2019s very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
She talked about how she started writing the book, which she finished earlier this summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI actually go to a writers\u2019 group every Thursday, and I bring little bits and pieces for critiquing, and I\u2019ve just been collecting and gathering short stories and poems for a while,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
She said writing a book has been one of her goals for a long time, so she decided to get it done this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt took about six months of collecting things, but I\u2019ve had these pieces either saved or stored,\u201d Erickson said. \u201cIt\u2019s been a big project.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a fun way to start my career,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She said she often gets inspiration and feels compelled to write about ideas or topics that pop into her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhenever something pops up, I roll with it,\u201d Erickson said. \u201cI get inspired all the time just by the smallest things.\u201d<\/p>\n
She hopes readers relate to her poems and short stories and enjoy her writing.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfold invites readers to sit with discomfort, reflect on growth, and recognize the hidden blessings and lessons that transform us,\u201d the back cover states.<\/p>\n
Erickson coordinated with her cousin on the book formatting and design.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was lucky enough to collaborate with my cousin,\u201d Erickson said. \u201cShe did the formatting and design for me, and layout. So I could just throw my writing at her, so she would organize it.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Reach News Community Editor Darby Hinkley at 989-358-5691 or dhinkley@TheAlpenaNews.com.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/EmilyErickson-225x300.jpg\")
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