In 2012, Ely native Mike Turnbull wrote his first book.
A decade-and-a-half later, he still hasn’t run out of copy.
Turnbull, a longtime coach and educator, just finished and released his ninth book - “Peeing in the Woods.”
This Monday, May 18, he’ll sign copies and books will be on sale at Zup’s Food Market, from 3 to 5 p.m.
“If anyone wants a worthless autograph, I will sign them,” Turnbull joked this week.
The latest book follows a series of similar writings by Turnbull, a 1977 Ely Memorial High School graduate.
Each of the titles, including “Peeing in the Woods” are a combination of storytelling and reflections about a wide assortment of topics- largely about life’s journeys and items including coaching, life transitions, family and travel.
“How would you say if your writing style is like discussion or small storytelling,” said Turnbull. “These are reflections, random thoughts.”
Indeed, Turnbull’s first book was titled “Random Thoughts of a Stupid Man,” and he has released several other books since.
The semi-career as an author comes after Turnbull spent 42 years in education, first as a high school social studies teacher and coach, and then the bulk of his tenure as a community college basketball, baseball and volleyball coach.
He spent four years at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, 20 years coaching multiple sports at Hibbing Community College and after a brief retirement, four more years as head volleyball coach at Iowa Lakes Community College.
Turnbull still works as a volleyball official and as an assistant baseball coach at Vermilion Community College.
The stories in his books run the gamut - and include many reflections on his long career.
“I really wasn’t thinking about it until I had enough people talking and asking me if I would write a book,” said Turnbull. “People would say ‘you should write a book sometime.’ The first one was almost on a bet. And then people would ask if I would be writing another book. Apparently there are a small following of people that enjoy these books.”
