The Autobiography Of A Pioneer Girl
During the ‘20s, her daughter Rose Wilder Lane started to encourage Laura to pursue her writing career. Laura wrote two articles describing the farmhouse interior for Country Gentleman magazine. It was in May 1930 that she wrote Pioneer Girl, her first book. Basically, it was an autobiography that detailed what it was like to grow up on the frontier whose target audience were adult readers. Rose, who would become a writer herself, served as her editor for the book and even helped Laura market it. Although the manuscript did not sell, it was still a success because this endeavor launched her children’s author career.
The Autobiography Of A Pioneer Girl
Published At Long Last
The Wilders no longer had any financial difficulties, but things changed after the stock market crash in 1929. Although they managed to hold onto the 200-acre farm, the family lost almost all their savings during the Great Depression. This was when Laura started writing more. There were two children’s book editors in New York who felt drawn to the autobiography, originally titled When Grandma Was A Little Girl. However, alterations had to be made. After listening to their requests, she expanded the story and made it more children-friendly. We are sure Rose’s publishing network helped as well. Harper & Brothers released Little House in the Big Woods in 1932.
Published At Long Last