Jon Hassler's literary journey passed through Brainerd on Tuesday when the 66-year-old author appeared at a book signing in the Westgate Mall to promote his latest releases.
For the past 30 years the popular Minnesota novelist has followed a trail that started in Brainerd as an instructor in the old community college and continues unabated from his Twin Cities home, despite a six-year battle with Parkinson's disease.
Hassler stationed himself at a small table near the entrance to River Nith Coffee and Book, signing copies of his first short story collection -- "Keepsakes & Other Stories" from Afton Historical Society Press -- for more than an hour Tuesday.
He was also promoting his intimate memoir, "My Staggerford Journal," which recalls in vivid detail his creative passage that resulted in "Staggerford" in 1976, his first and perhaps best-loved novel.
The memoir -- described on its jacket as "the private story of 'Staggerford's'" creation as recorded in the journals he kept while writing the book -- was released recently by Ballantine Books of New York.
Its jacket is decorated with a Hassler painting, "The Aldrich Farm," an idyllic rendering of a Minnesota setting.
A long-time writing instructor at St. John's University in Collegeville, Hassler eventually published eight other novels with Minnesota settings, including "Rookery Blues" and "The Dean's List."
On this day, Hassler appeared weary around the edges as dozens of book buyers approached for his signature, some even requesting a photo opportunity with the good-natured writer.
Hassler blamed his fatigue on the effects of Parkinson's, as well as the stress of his 12-stop promotional tour throughout Minnesota. Sales are going well, he said in a telephone interview Wednesday, seemingly relieved that the Brainerd stop concluded the tour.
Now retired from St. John's, Hassler is busier than ever. "Rufus at the Door," a second short-story collection, will be published next year by Afton Historical Society Press.
Afton first got involved with Hassler last year with the release of "Underground Christmas," a novelette with a holiday message that set a record for the small Minnesota press with 8,000 sales.
He said his struggles with Parkinson's and his retirement from teaching have given a "greater sense of urgency" as a writer, accounting for the rush of production in recent months.
He writes every day, Hassler said, with the goal of producing at least 400 words by lunchtime.
He's working on a new novel featuring one of his best known characters, Agatha McGee, as well as a nonfiction book of intimate vignettes of "good people" he has known, including many family members and lifelong friends.
Spurning money advances and pre-sales to publishing houses, Hassler said he prefers to find a publisher once the works are done.
"I've been so busy describing this section of the world here that I haven't had time to think about my place (in the literary world)," he said. "I haven't made a great impact nationally, which my agent blames on the fact I don't go to enough parties.
"I like to get my vision out there, but I have enough readers to do that," Hassler added.
