In a stunning setback to literature and culture in the Granite State, Fred Marple’s book “Welcome to Frost Heaves” has received the Readers’ Choice Award for Outstanding Work of Fiction at the 12th New Hampshire Literary Awards.
Sponsored by the New Hampshire Writers Project and the Center for the Book at the NH State Library, the New Hampshire Literary Awards celebrate the rich and varied talent in the Granite State. Readers’ Choice Awards were given based on votes cast by readers.
“I’m honored to receive this award,” said Fred Marple. “It just goes to show that good old-fashioned hard work, determination, and ballot stuffing still pay off.”
“Welcome to Frost Heaves” is a collection of semi-true tales, rumors, and outright lies from Frost Heaves, known as “the most under-appreciated town in New Hampshire.” The book was published by Islandport Press, which did so, according to Marple, “with reckless disregard for their reputation or bottom line.”
As the unofficial spokesman for Frost Heaves, Marple travels around New England telling stories and trying to raise awareness of the town. “So far, I have had limited success,” says Marple. “This is government talk for absolute failure.” He has appeared at churches, town halls, senior centers and the homes of most of his friends, usually right around dinnertime.
Marple is also known as humorist and author Ken Sheldon, whose writings have appeared in Yankee Magazine, New Hampshire Magazine, and many others.
“Welcome to Frost Heaves” is available at bookstores, online booksellers, and at fredmarple.com.