Jeff Tribe has just his first novel, Account With Benefits. You can find the book at some local shops and online. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)
Tillsonburg Post correspondent Jeff Tribe has launched his first book, “Accountant with Benefits.”
The story takes place in Alberta and follows the life of Sherry Strong, who rises above childhood struggles and poverty by dedicating herself to her accounting career. Thanks to her ranching roots, she’s sent from her firm’s Calgary office to Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, where she helps Matt Logan transition his family’s ranch into a more sustainable operation.
“They say ‘write what you know,’ and Accountant With Benefits features strong, smart female characters inspired by the women in my life, a rural backdrop, and experiences from visits to my cousin’s ranch in Rocky Mountain House,” Tribe shared.
Though some might be surprised that a writer known for sports writing and photography is now venturing into fiction, Tribe traces this idea back 15 years ago. He was working with wrestling promoter Jay Mc Donald on a reality show pilot as an interviewer when videographer Aaron Wilcox suggested he should write Christmas romances because there was a market for it.
“He said you should be writing Christmas romances, that there’s a market and schmaltzier the better,” Tribe recounted.
The Beaconsfield writer came across several romance novels in a thrift store and thought he might try his hand at it one day. After being laid off from The Tillsonburg News, he decided to pursue writing a romance novel seriously. Watching holiday films with his wife finally pushed him into action as he took on what he called “a bit of a ludicrous but enjoyable challenge.”
“After 30-plus years in journalism one should be able to put together a good sports or feature piece, but I found this whole thing different – an unfamiliar style with its own set of rules,” he explained. He learned that ‘this is romance not literature’ along with the advice of ‘show me, don’t tell me.’
Following some rejections and taking a break from it all, he finally got the green light from editor Jay Lang at BWL Publishing-a Certified Canadian Publisher based in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Tribe agreed to tone down certain elements of the story before being passed on to seasoned editor Nancy Bell for further refining.
“With Jay’s support and Nancy’s guidance , I managed to fit Accountant With Benefits into the genre , included plot twists while keeping true to my original idea , ”he said. p >
elaborating more about the storyline , tribe said drama , character transformation , and romance ensue between the two lead characters as their relationship grows. P >< P Class = " vvp 6 k Ao X – 4 k 3 G Ho G R 52 W – 0 E Z – D i R = " A U T O " ID = " view er – zw 50 X N74 Y S T A B L E L AT – no x C – o I Z N Q M J D O C D – b97 R VJ F Y QT O C 0 S D F i H u x d t – i n l U s / s o r e e m e n t c t> s m i le } ` [ ‘ { | ] ++ “ ” ˚ˇ˙˘` // : ; ||/|. (detailed) @!#%^&*();”‘{}[]?’/`.
“My goal wasn’t to rival War and Peace; instead I just wanted it to be an enjoyable read that people can connect with through its characters and narrative,” he stated. “Whether you’re crafting news stories or writing romance novels, making it engaging is always key.”
“Writing this novel has certainly been different for me; however marketing Account With Benefits has taken me out of my comfort zone even more.” The book was BWL’s top seller initially but he’s also had to reach out locally asking stores if they’d stock his book. To promote it further Tribes created a short video (JT AWB Promo) on You Tube appeared on Dick Bourgeois-Doyle’s Dover Writes podcast and is set up for presentation during the Port Burwell Writers’ Festival over Memorial Day weekend. Additionally Victoria Body will host his book launch Saturday March 7th from 10 AM until 1 PM at The100th Mile located in Norwich where he’ll have both print copies as well digital versions available via Amazon by searching Jeff Tribe Accountant With Benefits or visiting BWL Publishing Inc.’s website.
You can also find copies available locally at Tillsonburg Sobey’s Station Arts Centre or The100th Mile Norwich or by reaching out directly through him
While Tribe remained tight-lipped about specific details regarding how things wrap up within plot points mentioned earlier though does hint at possible sequels revolving around Matt’s younger brother Jeremy who could be featured later on alongside another storyline titled ‘Queen Of Green’ born from experiences involving working within Norfolk County cannabis production facilities showcasing area’s beauty too.
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