After inheriting her Alaska historian aunt’s (Phyllis Downing Carlson) entire body of notes and published articles, fourth-generation Alaskan Laurel Downing Bill earned a degree in journalism with a minor in history to compile the work into short stories that would engage the public and further knowledge about Alaska’s past.

Laurel’s five-book Aunt Phil’s Trunk Alaska history series has won numerous accolades from literary organizations, as well as the gold medal for best nonfiction series from Literary Classics International. Her books, as well as a curriculum she created in 2018, are now being used by homeschools, charter schools, and several Alaska Native school districts.

This one-on-one interview shares Laurel Downing Bill’s background and experience in writing the Aunt Phil’s Trunk series.

Tell us about Aunt Phil’s Trunk.

This five-book Alaska history series highlights the history of Alaska’s indigenous people, early explorers, and adventurers who called the Last Frontier home. Readers are drawn into another world through lively storytelling and hundreds of historical photographs that show what Alaska was like back in the day.

What inspired you to write Aunt Phil’s Trunk?

As a fourth-generation Alaskan, I wanted to share Alaska’s unique history in an accurate and entertaining way so this and future generations can appreciate what our ancestors did to build the state we have grown to love so much.

How did your background and experience influence your writing?

While my background in telecommunications helped me see the big picture, I actually returned to college in my 50s to learn how to research and write stories that would engage the public.

I earned a degree in journalism and a minor in history from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2003, and then wrote several award-winning articles while employed as a reporter for the Anchorage Chronicle newspaper. My weekly Alaska history column, titled “Aunt Phil’s Trunk,” was a favorite with the paper’s subscribers and continues to be published today in The Senior Voice newspaper.

Now a critically acclaimed series, my journey in creating Aunt Phil’s Trunk has really been about celebrating Alaska’s colorful past.

What is one message you would like readers to remember?

I want readers to remember the people (and events) that shaped the Last Frontier, as well as see how those people struggled, survived, and thrived in Alaska’s harsh environment.

Purchasing the Books

Aunt Phil’s Trunk has received positive reviews from well-known literary organizations, media outlets, and reviewers around the world. A recent review in Alaska Magazine reports: “… the five volumes of Aunt Phil’s Trunk are a perfect introduction for newcomers to Alaska’s history, while even those familiar with the topic will learn new things.” In addition, Jack Magnus from Readers Favorite writes: “Laurel Downing Bill’s pictorial history, Aunt Phil’s Trunk… does what it sets out to do – it really does bring Alaska’s history alive… and is highly recommended.”

The Aunt Phil’s Trunk series is available for sale at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBooks, Kobo and Nook. The books are available at Aunt Phil’s website, too, and Laurel autographs each book readers order through https://www.AuntPhilsTrunk.com.

Readers, parents, educators, and book clubs are encouraged to visit the author’s website for more information about the book and updates on book signings, media appearances, speaking engagements, and more: https://www.AuntPhilsTrunk.com.

Connect with Author Laurel Downing Bill

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