Plains man finishes third book

Local author Ron Rude signed copies of his latest book Wednesday at the Rocky Mountain Bank in Plains.

The book, "Wild Horses Running," is Rude's third book and tells the story of the upbringing of a Plains man — Richard Beller.

Like in his second book, "Waiting For Otto," Rude uses fictional techniques to portray a real man's life. Rude said he didn't know how to categorize "Wild Horses Running," so in the afterward he described it as a "fictional biographical historical documentary."

Rude said that after they read "Waiting For Otto" a few years ago, Beller and his wife Gabrielle contacted him.

They asked Rude if he would tell Richard's story and he's worked on it, off and on, for the last couple of years.

"Richard had a pretty wild upbringing with all kinds of odd adventures," Rude said. "I think Gabrielle heard his stories and admired that about him."

Gabrielle Beller began writing down anecdotes about her husband's youth as he told the stories to his children. She eventually compiled an extensive collection from the stories he told. Rude said he originally tried to write Beller's story exclusively as a fictional piece but came to the conclusion it wouldn't work.

"I had about 50,000 words," Rude said. "I changed names and tried to make it strictly fiction but I realized it wasn't going anywhere."

Rude said he approached the story that way because he didn't want to pry into people's personal lives, but the Bellers assured him they weren't concerned with him prying and wanted Richard's life on record.

Beller said having the anecdotes Gabrielle had written down and having her as a reference was a big help in his telling of Richard's story.

"I wouldn't have gotten anywhere without her vignettes," Rude said. "Also, she's an excellent reader and she could tell me when I was off-target."

Rude lives in Plains with his wife Karen and has lived in the area since 1970. He taught English at Plains High School from 1970 to 1993 when he took over as superintendent of Plains Schools until 2002, when he retired.

Rude has known the Bellers for most of his time here, though not as closely as he has come to know them since writing about Richard.

"Wild Horses Running" was published independently and printed in Plains, but Rude hopes it can reach a wider audience someday. He is interested in finding a distribution company to help promote the book, but Rude said he's glad he didn't send the book to too many outside influences. He said the less revised nature of "Wild Horses Running" is a purer story and account of Beller's life.

"To stay true to the person, you have to resist some of the pressures to change the story," Rude said.

"I wouldn't make major changes just to make it more sellable."

Another aspect of "Wild Horses Running" that gives it a certain authenticity is the use of old photographs. Rude said the Bellers had many photographs for him to choose from and it came down to a matter of selecting the ones with the best resolution so they would look good in the book.

Rude said he was happy with the selection of the cover photo because it shows the exact place where Beller grew up. The number of old photographs seem to compliment the anecdotal stories Gabrielle Beller recorded over the years. Rude said most of the photos were likely taken by the woman who raised him and he refers to as his mother.

The book signing was Rude's second for "Wild Horses Running," his first being at the senior center in Dixon a few weeks ago. Rude said copies of the book are beginning to run out after being in print since late December.

Rude's first book, "The Backyard Horseman," is a nonfiction guide to horse keeping and was published in 1987. A second edition to "The Backyard Horseman" is in the works.

What comes next for the local author is anybody's guess.

Rude, 64, said he's not sure what project he might pursue next but he'll be happy as long as he is writing.

"I'm not going to make a plan," Rude said.

"Whatever happens, happens."