Presque Isle man publishes ‘Golden Needles’
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Author Edward “Ted” Blanchard, of Presque Isle, recently published his second work of fiction, with the release late last year of “Golden Needles.” This follows his novel “Laura,” also a work of fiction, published just over two years ago.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
TED BLANCHARD, of Presque Isle, recently published his second novel, “Golden Needles.” It is available at Merchants on the Corner on Main Street. 
“It’s been two and a half years since my last book. This one’s a light romance — more nostalgic, set in the 1950s, with much of the novel taking place in and around Presque Isle,” said Blanchard.
Blanchard said it didn’t take long to write the book, once he got started.
“It probably took eight or nine months. I love to write and have been doing so for years,” he said.
The publication was a bit of a family affair, with Blanchard receiving help from his wife and daughter along the way.
“Dalice, my wife, looked it over. Tenlee DiPierro, my daughter in Portland, typed it and tried to decipher my handwriting. I appreciate all their help,” Blanchard said.
“Golden Needles” tells the story of young man’s first real love and how life’s twists of fate can abruptly change one’s life forever.
“These are things people can relate to in real life — how one’s life can change in a matter of seconds,” said Blanchard, not wanting to give too much of the story away. “You’ll just have to read it if you want to know more about the main characters, Rod and RaeLee, and how fate brings them together, only to abruptly separate them.”
The title is derived from Rod’s favorite getaway spot, where in the fall the needles of the tamarack trees are ablaze in golden colors before drifting to the ground. In addition to the love story, Blanchard also incorporates a love of the outdoors with the main character enjoying a great deal of time in the wilderness — both in Maine and Massachusetts, where personal life and jobs lead him.
Blanchard, who’s retired from the U.S. Postal Service, has published two other short stories as well. He and Dalice reside in Presque Isle.
Published in Bangor, “Golden Needles” is currently available at Merchants on the Corner on Main Street in Presque Isle. For more information, call Blanchard at 769-4181.
