By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
The ninth decade of life, for most, would be a season to slow down and take things easy. Pinehurst resident Phyllis Olson, defying the norms of aging, made her debut as a novelist at the age of 86. She published her second book, “On Adelphi Road,” in January.
The church where Olson has been a member for 15 years, St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal, hosted a book signing and reception for her on March 14. She read passages from her newest offering and entertained questions from 33 guests.
This new book continues the story of the Evans family that she began in “The Faded Blue House.” The story follows the characters as they move from the years of the Great Depression to World War II.
A retired special education teacher, Olson has been writing since adolescence. As a sixth grader, she won a city-wide essay contest. For her prize, she took home a “she-shed” sized playhouse. The award was an early indication that her words might have a lasting impact. “All through my life I’ve written little poems and essays for my own satisfaction,” she said. Olson never expected to publish.
But then a single story passed along to her launched her as a novelist. Her husband, who volunteered as a driver taking people to medical appointments, came home one day and shared a memory one of his riders told him about growing up during the Great Depression. His story describing a litter of kittens he kept from a tragic fate made a deep impression on Olson.
A short story inspired by the poignant account of a total stranger went on to win second prize in a writing competition.
Olson began collecting more moments, some from her own childhood and some from the experiences of people around her. The stories had a common thread: young people navigating hardship during the Great Depression.
The moments began to coalesce. “I had about four stories, and I decided, well, this is a book,” she said. After submitting her manuscript without success to various publishers, Olson met another writer at a local event who offered to help her self-publish. She credits her friends, family members and local writers groups for supporting her through this project. A handful of friends served as editors. A friend at Penick Village, Helen Pardue, created the watercolor illustrations for both books.
Olson’s work, while fictional, is rooted in historical experience. She feels a sense of urgency to tell these stories. “I’m old,” she laughs, “I read the obituaries.” She wryly observes she is older than many in those pages.
“I just think that my generation is disappearing,” she said. “I know some stories that need to be told.”
She describes the period of her childhood as a unique time marked by hardship, sacrifice and a strong sense of community.
“It’s just a tender story where people lift their neighbors when they are struggling,” she said of her latest effort. It’s a message from the greatest generation which the world needs.
The tone resonates with readers. In a review of the book, The Rev. Colette Bachand describes reading “On Adelphi Road” as feeling “like being wrapped in a warm quilt and handed a cup of favorite tea.” With characters that are believable and loveable, the story offers a message of hope and resilience. “Many of her characters (Phoebe, Faith-Anne, Georgette and Grandpa) make me celebrate all the “unsung heroes” of our lives, people who behind the scenes keep us strong and safe,” Bachand wrote. “Olson’s book also reminds me that hard times help us create who we are.”
Copies of “The Faded Blue House” and “On Adelphi Road” are available at The Country Bookshop. Olson also makes appearances at public and private author events and is available to speak to groups.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
