Local author makes Amazon bestseller list, uses Winnemucca as inspiration
Things and places tend to become a bit banal when they are a part of everyday life—they lose their luster. For Children’s Author, Haley Argyle, Winnemucca is certainly not lacking in luster. For her first book, Flurry’s Nose: A Snowgirl Tale, Winnemucca served as an inspiration for both characters and scenery.
Originally from a small town in Utah, Argyle moved to Winnemucca with her husband and has made a wonderful life with their three children since. Writing Flurry’s Nose has been quite an endeavor for Argyle, but the book has swiftly climbed to a number one bestseller on Amazon.com. With themes of compassion, generosity, and self-respect, and familiar faces and settings, it is a great read for children.
“It’s hard to live in a place without being inspired by it. We walk past common everyday things and places and forget to stop and notice the beauty of it…I wanted the town in Flurry’s Nose to have the same quaint charm we have in Winnemucca.” explained Argyle during an email interview.
Throughout the story, Flurry makes her way around a town whose buildings were inspired by local places such as Winnemucca City Hall, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Simply Trendy Boutique, Angie’s Boutique, and other places in Downtown Winnemucca. The illustrations are based on places that people visit and drive by every day.
“Seeing the inspiration behind the backgrounds in a place you drive around daily is fun and a unique experience. Also, I think it’s amusing to see people you know and love in a story now shared with the world,” explained Argyle.
A key character in the story—”the sheriff”—was based off of Humboldt County’s most recent sheriff elect, Angel Cardenas, according to Argyle. The badge he’s wearing in the book even says “Sheriff Angel”.
Argyle recounted the first time she met Cardenas, during a traffic stop where he politely informed her that she was speeding and he “still did his job but was nice about it”.
“He was so lovely and reminded me to take a deep breath and that I was okay…A year later, when I wanted to illustrate and write my book, I saw signs around town with Angel’s name running for sheriff…I knew he was the type of officer I wanted for Flurry’s Nose,” she explained.
Argyle also drew inspiration for other characters from her friends and family such as: Stephanie Crawford and her daughters, Thresia Mouritson, and Rosie Swenson.
“My youngest son inspired the little snowboy at the end of the story. The sad faces he makes are adorable, but I may be a little biased,” Argyle lovingly explained.
It is no mystery how Argyle was able to create such wonderful illustrations and a unique children’s story. Her background includes ten years of private art lessons, time spent studying illustration and elementary education in college and working as a story time lady at her public library, and finally, teaching children for four years.
“I want the books I write and illustrate to be things I would be proud my kids are reading. Children’s book writing combines everything I love and studied,” explained Argyle.
The familiar setting and thoughtfully chosen characters are only a fraction of Flurry’s story, with the essence of the story being what truly sets it apart.
“Sometimes we need a silly snowgirl like Flurry to help us see that fashions and trends come and go, but self-worth and treating others kindly never goes out of style. In the book, you join Flurry as she journeys to find a new nose and discovers that helping someone in need makes her happier than she ever imagined. I am very passionate about the book’s meaning, and I hope it can inspire people to look outside themselves and help others,” said Argyle.
At the end of Flurry’s story, Argyle also includes questions about the story that can be applied to life, like “The police officer shared his light with Flurry. Flurry shared her light with the little snowboy. How can you share your light and help other people?”
“Many people in our community with good intentions want to serve but do not know who, what or where. I have been volunteering as an area specialist with a website called Justserve.org. It is a free service search engine. You only need your zip code to use. I don’t think many in our community know justserve.org is a resource available to families, youth groups, schools, and anyone wanting to make a difference. I’m excited to see how the children and adults in our area share their light with others like Flurry did, making Winnemucca an even brighter and better place to live,” Argyle said.