(PHOENIX, Ariz., Nov. 19, 2004) – Phoenix College English and American Literature & Film professor, Martin Etchart, loves to write. In fact, he has just published his first novel.

Based on the Basque culture, Ron Carlson, head of Arizona State University’s Creative Writing Program, calls The Good Oak, “A story to be treasured.” It is a delightful tale that follows a grandfather and his thirteen-year-old grandson on a three-day sheep drive from Phoenix into the northern Arizona mountains. The trek takes place in 1974 and follows the voyagers as they travel through the beginning of Arizona’s suburban sprawl.

During their journey, the two find themselves passing through half-finished housing developments, rambling new golf courses, and abandoned buildings. Throughout their mini excursions, both of their lives are changed, but especially the grandson’s. He learns the value of accepting one’s heritage and culture along with the true meaning of family.

Etchart was inspired to write the book from memories of his own youth when Basque friends of his family took him to their sheep camp in Flagstaff. At that time, his interest in his own Basque heritage and culture began to evolve.

“My father passed away eight years ago so that was also an inspiration,” said Etchart. “Thankfully my two aunts were around to help me with the Basque language and translations. It was such a delight to get in touch with my heritage and it definitely brought me closer to my family.”

Etchart was so engrossed in his culture that he made it a focal point of his Ph.D. in Creative Writing. Etchart wrote The Good Oak as his Ph.D. dissertation and completed it in 18 months. Shortly after, it was picked up by the University of Nevada Press.

“I really wanted to write the book,” said Etchart. “It was something I was interested in, so it came easy to me.”

For students wishing to produce their own novel, Etchart gives this advice, “You have to write for yourself first. If no one else in the world reads your book, you have to want to pick it up and enjoy it yourself. You also have to practice. It is essential. Read, write, revise, write some more and read again. Those are the key elements.”

The Good Oak will be released on November 30. It will be available at various bookstores throughout the valley and at www.amazon.com.

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