Thompson Brandt Releases First Fiction Collection FOLLOWING FOOTSTEPS IN FREEPORT

Author Thompson Brandt brings the life of his home city alive in the pages of his first fiction collection, 'Following Footsteps in Freeport'.

With spring and fall come inevitable high school reunions. For many, these events are a perfect opportunity to connect with old friends, meet new ones, and share nostalgic memories of their days matriculating at their alma mater. For the residents of Freeport, Illinois, there's something new to talk about this year, as one of their own has written a very poignant and funny collection of stories set in their own hometown, Following Footsteps in Freeport.

Author Thompson Brandt, who also happens to be a dean at Highland Community College and a civic leader in Freeport, wrote Following Footsteps in Freemont as a sort of homage to his town, and his familiarity with the area and the colorful people who inhabit it shines through on every page. A collection of short fiction stories, "some are true and some are partly true," and each focuses on a different aspect of small-town life.

Thompson's short stories are set in Freeport, itself, and the subjects are as varied and vivid as the Pretzel City. A wide range of life experiences and human emotions are explored in the pages, from the heartwarming tale of sending a daughter off to college for the first time, a third-grader's first attempt at writing, a horse named Maggie, and stories of love and friendship through thick and thin. Residents of Freeport will delight in this depiction of their beautiful home, and those who have only dreamed of visiting will relish the display of community that weaves the stories together like strong thread.

Additionally, author Thompson Brandt has chosen to assign all profits from the sale of this wonderful book to the Freeport Noon Rotary Club, giving back to the community that has so inspired and supported him.

Thompson Brandt is a college dean, civic leader, author, conductor, clarinetist, and photographer. Other subjects he has written about are Harry Truman, John Philip Sousa, and Jane Addams. His books have been published by Edwin Mellen in New York and the Stephenson County Historical Society in Illinois. Articles he's written have appeared in On Wisconsin, Illinois Heritage, and Journal of the Northern Plains. Following Footsteps in Freeport is his first attempt at writing fiction.

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