By Aimee Durand
Some people are born with a novel idea, some get there after a lot of living.
Pocatello native Stella J. Raasch, who is celebrating the publication of her first young-adult fantasy novel based in Sun Valley, called “18th Winter,” is the latter.
Raasch has had a versatile career that includes eight years in the Air Force Security Forces, a degree in psychology, work in social services, as a freelance writer for a pet magazine with a technical degree in canine nutrition, and owner of a retail store for dogs.
A weak economy forced the closing of her business and sent her back to school, this time for nursing. While in between graduation from Bellin College, in Bellevue, Wisc., and securing her first nursing position, the idea of the legend of the Cyokiana struck.
“I was just sitting at the computer one day and threw a bunch of ideas down,” Raasch said, “centered around a young girl and two dogs that possessed a unique and intricate bond.” The characters resembled her own life with her dogs, Raasch said.
The choice to depict Sun Valley as the setting stemmed from Raasch’s childhood recollections of outdoor activities here. She spent many hours in Stanley and at Redfish Lake.
“I wanted a town in the mountains that was an active town,” she said. “It was a spot I have fond memories of as a child growing up.”
The novel leads the reader on an emotional journey with main character Collette who, like Raasch, loves skiing and snowshoeing and canine companionship, but whose simple pursuits are complicated by self-reflection, legend, magic and vengeance.
“Collette relates to me in so many ways it almost hurts,” Raasch said.
From story conception to publishing, Raasch dedicated five-and-a-half years to writing her novel. She took breaks from time to time, the longest being nine months.
“It was a struggle,” she admitted. “There were so many times when I wanted to give up.”
Her final inspirational push came in the form of a movie that gave her the boost she needed.
“I watched a movie called ‘Before Disney,’ and how Walt Disney started out,” Raasch said. “He just kept falling, and falling and falling,” she said. “But he didn’t give up.”
Raasch’s advice to anyone struggling with writing is to take breaks, but stay focused, seek out a professional opinion and lean into something that perpetually motivates you.
“It’s always about dedicating the time,” she said. “If it is that important to you, don’t give up!”
Raasch has also worked as a gastroenterology nurse, a CVAD nurse, and currently performs the pharmacology review for a healthcare organization in Aurora, Colo.
Her ambitions for the sale of the book include a second book, as well as starting a college scholarship fund to aid single parents and adults seeking career changes.
For more information about Raasch and the novel “18th Winter,” visit www.stellajraasch.com.
