Editor’s note: The Oconto County Times Herald invited June Melby, author of “My Family and Other Hazards: A Memoir,” to tell a bit about herself as a writer.
Q: Why did you decide to write a memoir?
A: When I was 10 my parents decided we would give up taking vacations of our own in order to run this mini golf so that other families could have fun and enjoy their summer vacations. They never made a profit. They kept prices artificially low, and so clearly, as a teen, I believed they were insane. I wrote this book to make sense of our 30 years at Tom Thumb, and when I realized, Holy cow, my parents might have been right all along, to live a generous life. Whodathunkit?
Q: What was your family members’ reaction to your candid and revealing portrayal of them?
A: Well, they were very trusting — maybe too trusting. Perhaps they don’t know it IS candid and revealing. Is it?! I will say this, my mom had the biggest complaint because she says I made her look too good. “I can’t walk down the street anymore!” She doesn’t want any praise for all she’s done.
Q: What did you learn from writing the book?
A: Where do I begin? Wow. I learned a lot, about myself, about my family, about life, and also about my husband (who was so supportive even while I turned into a workaholic zombie trying to meet the deadline). What I also learned is that completing a book takes oh, about 150,000 more hours of work than you think. Anyone who finishes writing their own book is a hero to me. Kudos.
Q: What can the audience expect on Saturday?
A: I really enjoy talking to people from the stage, so this will be a bit of a conversation. I’m a former standup comedian so I like to take questions, and then I tend to tell a story or two. I will also read a couple of short sections from the book.
Q: If people haven’t read the book, why would you encourage them to attend Oconto County Reads?
A: I always love doing events and talks like this. And sometimes the audience does, too.
Q: What do you hope people gain from taking part in the inaugural Oconto County Reads program?
A: Most of the time, we tend to talk to each other about the same topics: our car troubles, our family, the last visit to the doctor. By reading a book together, we get the chance to talk about the ideas we share and what’s important to us. And probably laugh at ourselves in the process.
Q: What are your current projects?
A: Oh, I’m trying to make it up to my husband for being such a sweetie when I was working on my book and travelling on the book tour. I’m also working on a new memoir about my days in California.
Q: What else would you like to tell people in Oconto County before you visit?
A: A big thank you to the librarians of Oconto County! I am so flattered and honored to be your first selection in an “All County Read.” More than anything, I wish that it will be so successful that you continue in the years ahead. Let us all share books!
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