Local Author Releases New Book: 'Posts of a Mid-Century Kid'

In her new book 'Posts of a Mid-Century Kid’ local author, Ann Anderson, details growing up in Topeka in the 1950s and 1960s.

Anderson was born and raised in Topeka, attended Topeka West High School, and later attended the University of Kansas.

Her book was released in late October and is available for purchase at Target, Walmart, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other local bookstores. It is also available in many local libraries.

TK Business Magazine recently had the opportunity to visit with Ann about her latest accomplishment.

TK: What or who inspired you to become an author?

Ann: I have a 'what and a who' for inspiring me to be an author. When I was four, my parents got divorced. My mom was quite sad and I began writing short little stories with stick figure pictures, usually of our cats, and she began smiling. At that young age, I somehow connected that words could enhance a person’s life. My mom read to my brother and me almost every night and we thrilled to hear her voice and explore the world outside of our home through books. Golden Books were the staple of our first library, then World Books and then, the books I got to choose for my own.

TK: Explain what this accomplishment means to you?

Ann: My mom was my biggest inspiration for me to become an author as she would tape my stories to our refrigerator and encourage me. My 9th grade English teacher gave me the ‘Most Creative Writer’ award and that seemed to set me on the path to writing in earnest.

I have had several short stories published and an article in a professional tennis magazine. Each of these achievements gave me the realization that I could be of service to people, helping them learn and providing a positive reading experience. My first book ‘Posts of a Mid-century Kid’ has been affirming as many people who have reviewed my book, shared that my words helped them remember baking with their grandma, making Valentines in school and all those simple memories we created as kids. I have given them the journey back to a gentle time and brought them back to the present with a renewed sense of creating a life based upon being with people and creating memories instead of being on devices.

TK: What advice would you give a younger you?

Ann: I would tell my younger me not to worry about being in the in-crowd; not to worry about not having the latest fashions; not to be someone I am not just to get accepted. We spend a great deal of our younger years trying to fit in. It all works out and one should be oneself and be proud of that person-the only one like you in the world. Unique. I would also tell my younger me to never miss a chance for a conversation with family and friends, to write down the memories as you go along and tell people how important and love they are to you. And doing something kind for those less fortunate and for animals. There is so much goodness in the world. There is so much opportunity to do one thing to make the world better.

When I graduated from KU, my mom gave me a card that said, “At least once a month, ask yourself, ‘What the hell was I thinking?’ If you’re not asking that, you’re not living.” At the time, I thought that was odd advice, especially from my mom, but, it has stayed so true to try new things, scary things and keep on the adventure like writing a book Posts of a Mid-century Kid.