KAT RICKER, an Ashtabula native, has written her first book, "Something Familiar," a collection of her best writing from the past 14 years. JIM LEISY / Submitted Photo
Published October 18, 2006 07:23 am - For Ashtabula native Kat Ricker, the publication of her first book, "Something Familiar," is sufficient reward in itself. She has no illusions of it making her rich or famous. Indeed, chances are Ricker won't be around to discover if her ultimate wish for the book comes true. "My ultimate dream is that in 100 ...
Something Familiar
Star Beacon
Kat Ricker rolls out her first book this month
By CARL E. FEATHER
Lifestyle Editor
For Ashtabula native Kat Ricker, the publication of her first book, "Something Familiar," is sufficient reward in itself. She has no illusions of it making her rich or famous. Indeed, chances are Ricker won't be around to discover if her ultimate wish for the book comes true.
"My ultimate dream is that in 100 years someone would come across it at a garage sale, pick it up for 50 cents and just love it," said Ricker in a phone interview to her home in Oregon last week.
"Something Familiar" is a collection of poetry and short stories Ricker wrote during the past 14 years. Published by her own publishing house, Trillium Press, the book is available online at amazon.com for $10.
A resident of Newburg, Ore., a town of about 20,000 population halfway between the coast and Portland, Ricker retains strong roots to the county. She is an Ashtabula High School graduate and was active in the theater department of the Ashtabula Arts Center for many years. Her three brothers and parents, John and Emily, still live in the area.
Ricker dedicated the book to her parents, and a childhood photograph of her father graces the cover.
"He really made me the writer that I am," says Ricker of her father, a retired English teacher. "All through school, everything I wrote, I would run by him. It's just a big deal for me to produce it with him in mind."
She also gives a lot of credit to the late Bob Keenan, her high school English teacher.
"He was really special," she says.
Ricker went to Youngstown State on a theater scholarship, but decided to major in English, as a backup to her chosen career. Life did a flip-flop on Ricker; the writing waxed while the theater waned as she matured.
"I'm glad I had (writing) in my back pocket," she says.
Ricker's next move was to get out of Ashtabula County and experience life.
"I really just decided I didn't want to be stuck in Ashtabula without seeing what else was out there," she says.
APARTMENT MANAGERS Mature Couple Experienced. To live in nice newer Northeast Ohio Complex. Good personality for leasing. Free r...>MORE
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN WEK Industries is looking for an experienced maintenance tech with a background in machine controls, industrial el...>MORE
MAINTENANCE MECHANICS Join our team of highly talented employees! Work for the world's 2nd largest producer of titanium dioxide pigment f...>MORE
LPN/RN Second Shift FT/PT
Come and join Rae-Ann Geneva, A Family Owned, Skilled Nursing and Rehab Facility. We ...>MORE
STNAs Home Care Agency has immediate assignments available for cases in the Orwell and Andover areas. Must have one year of ex...>MORE
DRIVERS Opportunities for Ohio Drivers! REGIONAL FLEET
3 Pay Raises in the 1st Yr. Great Pay & Full Benefit...>MORE
Part time Medical Equipment Delivery/Service Technician nician Cleveland to Erie area. Customer service skills required, clean driving record a must. Send resume to PO Box...>MORE
BARTENDER 5 years exp. required. Part time fill in for weekends. Send resume to 17 Wall St., Jefferson, Ohio 44047...>MORE
SEASONED FIREWOOD FOR SALE Mixed Hardwoods. Cut & split approx 16” $225.00 cord (+) or Slab wood, cut $150.00 cord(+). Delivered within 15 miles of...>MORE
MACHINERY & TOOLS SAFES- Large & small, Forklifts, extra forks, Pallet Jacks, air compressors, (1-20HP), complete torch sets, welding gass...>MORE
Tools Top & Bottom box full of mechanics tools, impacts, air ratchets, grinder, sander, board file etc. If interested bring 4 ...>MORE
WANTED TO BUY Immediate Cash for unwanted items. Call for details 440-319-4274...>MORE
Hayward pump (1-1/2 hp) & D.E. Filter for swimming pool, misc. pool access. $300 obo. 576-1585...>MORE