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RANKIN INLET
Mike Pickles had the once-in-a-lifetime experience writers crave this past week in Rankin Inlet.

Author Mike Pickles of Rankin Inlet takes a look at the first copy of his book, Hug Someone You Love Today, in Rankin this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Pickles opened a package to stare down and see his first published book looking back at him.

Pickles received a single copy of the 121-page book - Hug Someone You Love Today (and how to leave your personal signature) - to give a critical read before its first run comes off the presses.

He expects to receive 60 copies later this month, and will then hold a book signing at the Northern store to promote his work.

Pickles said the book sent to him was fine, and he's looking forward to the additional copies arriving.

He said it was "pretty neat" to see his book for the first time.

"As soon as I opened the package, the first thing I saw was my name because Trafford Publishing used a pretty big font," said Pickles.

"It was a pretty exciting moment for me.

"A friend of mine suggested I use Trafford, so I followed up on that tip and everything was easy.

"They're very professional and easy to work with, so I stuck with them."

The inspiration for the book came during the second year of the author's teaching career, when he was struggling with a student.

A fellow teacher gave him a hugsomebodyyoulovetoday card, and told him she gives the card to students having a hard time to show she cares.

The card helped Pickles better his relationship with the student, and he still carries it with him today.

The idea for the book was born when Pickles started distributing the card and asking people to write him about the affect it had on their lives, or those they passed it onto.

Pickles thought with so much negativity in the world today, maybe people could use some uplifting stories to keep things in perspective.

"For anyone interested in purchasing the book online, Trafford has its own website and it's also available through Amazon," said Pickles.

"Trafford is promoting the book through the Ingram Book Catalog, which is big scholastically.

"There's a very good message in the book, so I'm hoping it will carry itself.

"Hopefully, people will find it to be a pretty good read and word of mouth will take it from there."

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