Case study: New rancher and mother finds home in rural Canada
Small-Town Chaos: Lessons on Country Life by Lenore Focht is a tender reminder of what transforms a place into a home.
This soon-to-be released memoir recounts Focht’s experience moving to a remote community of 450 people in rural Canada.
At first this teacher doesn’t know what to make of this quirky prairie town but discovers that to thrive she needs to put down roots.
So keep reading to find out more about Focht, how she began her life-story project and tips for your own creating…
Related article – Publishing: The ultimate guide to publishing a life story
Lenore Focht’s Small-Town Chaos
A story of growth
Over 20 years ago I moved to a very small, remote community to begin my career as a teacher.
The decades and experiences Liberty granted me helped me evolve from an insecure, scared, dependent young woman into a self-reliant, confident and experienced teacher and mother.
Also I became a rancher during this time period.
Indeed these new roles often resulted in hilarious and interesting experiences, which I wanted to chronicle for my children and also share with other women.
In addition I remember going through infertility, postpartum, the loss of a loved one and feeling as if I was alone.
However, what I recognised in speaking with other women was that I was not alone.
Therefore in writing Small-Town Chaos, I wanted to be a voice to connect with others regarding the many challenges and obstacles we will face in our lives and while holding a variety of roles.
Related article – No Woman Left Behind: A childbirth advocacy memoir by charity entrepreneur Kate Grant
Why start this memoir?
I wanted to write Small-Town Chaos as an example for my children.
Also to complete a goal I set for myself over 20 years ago while in university.
First I took a creative writing class and fell in love with the connections formed between authors and writers.
Then when an individual close to me died by suicide, I found comfort and began to heal my grief through writing.
Indeed I recognised I had frequently used writing to heal past traumas and old wounds.
Also I recognised the largest change in my life had come during those two decades in Liberty.
In short, I wanted to share my story of how these people and this place had helped me grow and heal when faced with life’s challenges.
Support for the book
My family are my biggest fans! As are my friends.
Every year I would write a catch-up letter, which I would send out with my Christmas cards.
Often it regaled stories of experiences, adventures and faux pas we encountered while learning to live on a farm and ranch.
Also I spoke very candidly about the challenges and fun of raising a young family.
As a result, my family and friends often thought these letters were incredibly funny and kept them from year to year.
Indeed they convinced me to begin writing Small-Town Chaos to share my voice and anecdotes with the world.
The evolution of Small-Town Chaos
Life events help carve out writing time
I have notebooks and notes in my phone for many book ideas.
But this particular manuscript was my first.
I began planning Small-Town Chaos about 10 years ago when I felt I had enough substance and experiences to fill pages.
But I was scared and didn’t know how to begin.
So I wrote a lot of blurbs or journal entries, which were nothing of substance.
After a large life event in 2018, I finally determined a structure, a way to start and end my story that made sense, had a theme and a main idea to ground the work.
In short, I had a purpose.
Next, in 2023, I had back surgery and being laid up for many months allowed me time to write.
As a result, I wrote the first draft between February and August, 2023.
From that point until now, I have edited, rewritten, added extra stories and submitted to many publishers.
Although I received positive feedback, I was unable to acquire the support of a traditional publishing house and decided to self publish in October last year.
Finally I began the process of copy editing, cover design, formatting and other technical aspects required to publish the book.
Related article – First draft: Don’t start writing a first draft before reading this!
Overcoming barriers to find rewards
The hardest part of Small-Town Chaos was finding a throughline or a theme.
Everyone says the best books are written about things you know.
Indeed I know my life but it wasn’t until I created a blueprint and had a reason for writing my life story that I was able to start and be successful.
Certainly the most rewarding part was holding the advanced reader copy in my hand and seeing my book in the world.
Of course the hugs and words of praise I got from my family when they saw it – a tangible thing, no longer an idea but finally a physical copy – made every struggle, late night and obstacle worth it.
Related article – Why is theme important: Use themes to create and edit life stories
Learnings from from Small-Town Chaos
Fave part of the story?
My best writing is found in the last chapter when I discuss the death of someone important to me.
It is raw and real writing I am very proud of.
However, my favorite part of Small-Town Chaos is the chapter listing my favourite things about country living.
This section reminds me how far I’ve come, how much my community matters to me and the depths to which I love my home.
Tips and ideas for new writers
My top tip for someone wanting to publish is to always have a plan and always show up for yourself.
Certainly it was very scary beginning Small-Town Chaos.
But with my outline, exactly what I wanted to say and how, I felt my writing time was used in the most effective way possible.
Being a very busy mum, who still teaches full time, meant writing time was precious.
In short, I had to be well planned to accomplish everything I wanted to during my designated writing session.
A second tip is to show up for yourself.
For example, I wouldn’t watch television until I wrote a page each day.
Alternatively, I would complete writing a certain section before the end of the weekend.
Therefore having unbreakable timeframes meant I could stay on track with my project.
Finally, get used to the word ‘no’ because many people will tell you no.
Indeed not everyone will like what you write.
But believing in yourself and persevering, even in the face of doubt and scrutiny, will help bring the piece to fruition.
Related article – Story outline: What is an outline and having life-story topics to write about
Final say
Small-Town Chaos: Lessons on Country Life by Lenore Focht is a captivating memoir full of hilarity and heartbreak.
It traces how independent city teacher Focht is transformed by the love, resilience and community found in rural Canadian town Liberty.
So grab a paperback or ebook version from Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Indigo (official release date August 26, 2025).
Also find out more and connect with Focht through Facebook or Instagram.
Happy writing!
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Your say
What is your favourite small town? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Have you hit a roadblock planning, creating, polishing or finishing your life story? Let me know so I can help!
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