It was early in the winter of 2001, the phone was ringing off its hook. I didn’t recognize the caller, but something told me to answer it anyway. The rough voice of Vance Trimble asked if I were interested in being a part of the Wewoka Times Writing Club, in which he was developing to add volunteer writers for Wewoka Times. Even though I was busy teaching English at Seminole State, and just established the English Honor Society, I said yes. I had no idea where this was headed.

I didn’t know who Trimble was. My passion was writing, so I was in. Ten writers were contacted, and a meeting was called. I learned that each of us was to write newsworthy stories in our area. Teaching several English classes, an idea came. I asked for volunteers to write what they thought would be good ideas to add to the Seminole-Wewoka area for young people. I’d heard from area college kids for years that they traveled to Shawnee or Oklahoma City for activities, so now they would have a voice.

Well, after collecting a stack of submissions, feeling confident, I typed them up and e-mailed them to Trimble. I didn’t know what Trimble was used to, nor did I know he’d just retired from writing and editing “big-time, hard-news” publications in large cities. He’d published Sam Walton’s biography, among other intriguing biographies. This dude knew how to catch and keep your attention with his writing style.

He called me and immediately (almost shouted) “What in the H--- do you think this is! This isn’t what I wanted!” (Something like that. But the first 4 words I’ll never forget! I had never had anyone speak to me like that. Ever!) I don’t remember what I mumbled, except “I’m sorry…I’ll try again.”

At that time, I had a beautiful 10-acre canyon where I’d held readings, mainly to college students and staff. When I shared this story idea, to my amazement, he liked it and sent out a photographer to take pictures for the story. When the story came out, I couldn’t believe that covering HALF of the page was a picture of my daughter, Cassie, and her 2 sons, and me sitting on a huge rock! The “new” idea to promote the paper was printing bigger pictures and some subjects in pics were neatly cut out and placed on contrasting background. I liked the effect.

Trimble began coaching us in newspaper writing weekly. He invited me into his home, gave me some of his books, and showed me a large framed newspaper front page that announced his receiving the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting (concerning Watergate, I believe). As I got to know him, I learned his love for classical music, and then he shared his plans to build a bell-tower in the Wewoka Oakwood Cemetery.

After telling him my husband was a brick mason, he soon invited us to a dinner-theater at the Candlelight Restaurant in Holdenville. It was quite an occasion, but why? Why us? Then, in the middle of the lively, entertaining conversation, he asked James if he’d build and brick the tall 44-foot brick tower that would be a memorial to his wife. It seemed like a good job until he revealed the height of the tower. James had been suffering with knee problems and knew he’d have to turn him down. He couldn’t risk a fall. I hated it, knowing it would be beautiful and meaningful to Trimble.

Vance Trimble was my guest speaker at an Honor Society induction; however, he seemed shy and barely agreed. He kept saying that kids of today didn’t care about an old man. But, the students welcomed him warmly, and he had great rapport with them, asking them about themselves instead of talking about himself. I liked that.

Another great memory was when he asked his writing club to attend an Associated Press banquet in OKC where he was presented an award. He even gave each of us an Associate Press card, allowing us to go to some events free. He made me feel important!

I never asked other writers if Trimble had said anything about their first writings. I felt like I was the only one, and probably was. But I am conscious of some of his advice, like catch the reader at the first sentence, or you’ll probably lose them. Use exciting, active verbs by showing them what happened, not telling them.

I never told him, but I sent that first writing over to The Seminole Producer months later and they published it. I wasn’t thinking, but he probably subscribed to the Producer, too, and mumbled a few “special” words if he saw it.

I hope he left enough notes about his life so someone will publish his biography. When I attended his 100 th birthday, he was quick of wit and wisdom.

Just recently, he passed about 2 weeks before turning 108. I will think of him often. The last few times I visited him in his home, he tried to encourage me to write a book on the history of the

Arkansas River, especially as a trade route through Tulsa. This is not something I will be able to do but I hope that possibly someone will catch the vision to accomplish this task. He said he would not live long enough to do the research, but the stories would be unbelievable. Most of his biographies are rich in history. I read the one on Fred Smith, who started FedX. And, the thick book on E.W. Scripps, a newspaper tycoon was one I didn’t want to end. To this day I don’t know how he knew me or why he chose to call me that day to join his writing club but feel fortunate that I got to know him and my own writing is enriched by the advice he gave.