Edee Kulper has just published Life on Orcas Island, a colorful photographic coffee table book – a time capsule chronicling the beauty, community, and festivities here over the past decade. Kulper, author of a blog of the same name for the past four years, has been wanting to write this book since she first visited the island with her husband in 2005. “I always wanted a book about the island to keep and one to send to my mom. The void has existed ever since we were tourists.”
Years went by, and Edee continued to consider the idea of publishing such a book. “I knew the learning curve of publishing my own book would be steep, and I’d have to find just the right people as my skeleton crew.” Her biggest fear was the thought of error in the finished product.
One day while chatting, Edee’s friend said, “Why aren’t you doing this book? Perfection is stagnation!” That was all Edee needed to hear. She has worked steadily on it ever since that conversation, employing the expertise of a professional graphic designer, editor, and local editor.
The library is hosting a book release event for Life on Orcas Island on April 7th at 6 PM. “It’s only appropriate, as I’ve spent countless hours working on this in the library over the past months. I’m so grateful for their beautiful, spacious place to work everyday. I’ve been in our house way too much in the last two years of isolation.” What perfect timing for this book to remind us of what it is about this place that we love as things are beginning to open up, masks are being doffed, and spring sunshine is bursting through the clouds.
The Orcas Island Historical Museum will be hosting another release event in late April or early May. There are over 250 people in the book, and if you are one of them, Edee will give you an $11 coupon in order to buy the book for $29.99 plus tax (instead of $40.99) at one of the book release events. Cash, check, and Venmo will be accepted. If you live out of town or cannot make it to the event, you can pre-order the book online at the retail price at https://store.bookbaby.com/book/life-on-orcas-island. It is also available for pre-orders on Amazon.
