Karen Pease's new book, "Grumble Bluff" is now available. (Tracy Bessey photo) NEW PORTLAND — A little over two years ago, Karen Pease sat down at her computer with an idea. At that moment she began writing a novel called "Grumble Bluff," and today this junior-high-level story is a published book which all ages will enjoy.

Grumble Bluff is about two "tween" girls, Kathy and Greta, who are both experiencing their own personal life issues. Kathy is the victim of bullying while Greta's dealing with the impending death of her father, her only parent. In a peaceful forested ravine the girls' friendship grows, they learn how to deal with their personal problems, and how to laugh again.

Pease's daughter, Josie, then 11 years old, and husband, Steven, were the first to read the story.

"When Josie burst out laughing, and later when she choked up and got teary, I thought maybe I had a winner," Pease said.

After much encouragement from her husband, whom Pease says "gave Grumble a whole-hearted two thumbs up, which I knew he wouldn't do if he didn't love the story," she began to find an agent and finally a publisher who would take a chance on an unknown author. Two years later AEG Publishing Group in New York has published "Grumble Bluff."

The story hits close to home for Pease, who was overweight during her adolescent years and sometimes was picked on because of it. "That kind of experience stays with you, no matter how short-lived the taunting and humiliation are," states Pease. She hopes that her novel will "shed some light" on how bullying effects children, emotionally and physically.

Pease also states that she witnessed her best friend experiencing the death of her father during their high school years. This devastating experience is the story behind the character of Greta. "I was in awe of the inner strength she (her best friend) displayed in coping with her loss."

The setting for the novel comes right from Pease's backyard. On the family's 70-acre homestead in Lexington Township, there is a place the family refers to as "the beautiful spot," where Pease Brook carved a gorge in the floor of the forest and comes together with two other small brooks. At this spot there is a "deep ravine with constantly flowing water and huge overhanging hemlocks, cedars and yellow birches." Pease finds herself at peace in this spot and decided to "bring it to life for others."

Writing has been a big part of Pease's life. Her first real positive experience was in 7th grade at Kingfield Elementary School when teacher, Donna Mitchell praised her for a story she'd written about a teenage spy. Again in high school, Mt. Abram English teacher, the late Lillian Winter, encouraged Pease to write.

In the 80s she wrote a poem for Dot Lambert, of Kingfield, and read it at her husband Maurice's fire chief retirement party. The poem was "from the perspective of a fireman's wife." Pease received many compliments upon reading the poem. It was at this point that she thought, "Hey, maybe I'm good at this!"

Since that time Pease has written many poems and comedy pieces for family and local charity events. She has also been an Irregular columnist for over five years, writing the popular column "Observations from the F.A.R.M." which according to her Web site, www.karenbesseypease. com, is "humorous stories about life in rural Maine, about raising country kids, and about properly educating a husband."

There are several people that Pease attributes to inspiring her to write. Her parents, Jo and Chuck Bessey, have always been big supporters and of course, her husband. "He truly believes I have the ability to use my writing to support him in the matter to which he'd like to become accustomed," she jokingly states and notes that her quote isn't "grammatically correct."

Her three children, Guy Atwood, Jocelia and Elias Pease have also been big inspirations to Pease. She often writes about them, using them as a target of her wit. "They've never complained. I'm a very lucky lady!" she said.

Besides her family, the author says that her close friends Terri, Patty, Linda and Kay also have encouraged her to write. According to Pease, they've all "inspired me, boosted my flagging ego and offered uplifting words when I needed them."

A sequel to "Grumble Bluff" has been written, but its fate will be determined by how well the first novel does on the market.

"Grumble Bluff" can be purchased directly from the publisher's Web site at www.eloquentbooks.com/GrumbleBluff.html or at many retail and online bookstores.

Pease will be having a premiere book signing at the New Portland Community Library on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. when local children will be reading excerpts from "Grumble Bluff." Books will be available for purchase at the signing.