Read an Excerpt
Chapter One
Blessing, North Dakota
Spring 1893
"I'm afraid to open it."
Ingeborg Bjorklund stared at the letter her tall, sometimes awkward son laid on the table. "Looking at it won't make it change, Thorliff."
"I know, but ..." At seventeen years of age Thorliff Bjorklund had yet to fill out the shoulders of his full-sleeved white shirt. The sweater vest in shades of natural wool, knit by his grandmother, hugged a chest that promised breadth. He sighed. Bjorklund blue eyes stared at the envelope as if afraid it might bite.
"Open it, son. It could be wonderful news." Ingeborg, enveloped by a white apron, gripped the back of the handmade oak chair.
But what if they don't like my story? It won't be the first time, but ... Taking his pocketknife from his pocket, Thorliff opened the blade before reaching for the envelope. The hiss of sharp knife through paper sounded loud in the kitchen that also seemed to be holding its breath. The crackle of papers extricated from a paper womb and then unfolded filled the silence. Thorliff closed his eyes, sighed again, and opened them to read the letter. His hands quivered, shaking the missive like a breeze rattling cottonwood leaves. He read, stopped to glance at his mother, then read swiftly to the end, his breathing keeping pace with his eyes.
He clutched the letter to his chest, his face shining like after the first summer sunburn. "They like it."
Ingeborg pulled out the chair and sank onto it. "Read it aloud."
" 'Dear Mr. Bjorklund ...' " Thorliff paused and grinned at his mother. "Theycalled me mister, can you believe that?" At her nod he continued.
"We are pleased to inform you that we would like to publish your story, The Long Winter Night, in an upcoming issue of Harper's Magazine. Your attention to detail and evocative wording made us wonder if perhaps this event had happened to you, since you hail from North Dakota. We will be pleased to pay you the sum of ten dollars upon publication of your story. Please keep us in mind for any further submissions.
Sincerely,
Michael Smith, Editor
Harper's Magazine ..."
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