Nancy Townsley is set to launch her debut novel, ‘Sunshine Girl,’ on April 22 at Broadway Books, an endeavor that she says has been 37 years in the making.
The novel explores the realm of newspaper journalism over several decades through the experiences of three journalists deeply rooted in a family legacy of community news.
This theme aligns closely with Townsley’s career in journalism, which spanned from 1980 to 2017.
Graduating from Oregon State University in 1980 with a degree in technical journalism, Townsley began her career as the sports editor for the Newberg Graphic shortly after.
Reflecting on her early beginnings, she humorously acknowledges her limited qualifications, citing her past as a high school cheerleader as her sole credential for covering sports.
As is common at small-town newspapers, Townsley soon found herself taking on various roles beyond her title, covering education and city news, writing features, and even taking photographs.
Back in that pre-computer era, articles were typed on an IBM Selectric and physically pasted onto page galleys using “X-Acto knives and strange glue,” a process that reminisces fondly on the smell of the glue.
“I loved it,” Townsley said, recalling the joy of writing stories that connected with readers and reflected their community.
Over the next three decades, Townsley continued to report and edit for several publications, including the Lake Oswego Review, Beaverton Valley Times, and Forest Grove News-Times.
She also contributed work to the Portland Business Journal.
Townsley enjoyed her career immensely until the final years, when she felt a shift in the newsroom atmosphere.
Facing a change in the profession where journalists were increasingly criticized, she realized that the public’s respect for a free press was waning.
She chose to retire in 2017 without regrets, appreciating the rewarding nature of her career that allowed her to meet people and delve into their stories.
However, the allure of storytelling remained strong, and just months into retirement, Townsley began crafting her novel.
“I thought, well, let me try fiction.
I’ve always been just the facts.
Let’s see what this is all about,” she explained.
Eight years later, ‘Sunshine Girl’ was complete.
Here are seven insights into ‘Sunshine Girl.’
1. The title character, Eliza Donovan, is introduced as the daughter of Martin Donovan, the news editor at a Yamhill County newspaper.
Eliza, who becomes captivated by journalism at an early age, spends her afternoons in the newsroom watching her father conduct interviews and write stories.
2. Townsley describes Eliza as a character that embodies aspects of herself that she did not possess.
As a Baby Boomer, Townsley typically accepted orders without question, while Eliza is characterized by her willingness to confront conflicts, especially as she grows into her role as a reporter.
3. The narrative includes topics and stories that will resonate with those familiar with Portland-area news.
Townsley defines the novel as ‘autofiction,’ intertwining her autobiography with fiction.
She felt compelled to include stories that had a profound impact on her both as a person and a journalist.
4. When it comes to favorite characters, Townsley finds it hard to choose between Eliza and Martin Donovan.
“Eliza I love because I feel like she’s probably the most amalgamated character,” she said, drawing from her experiences and memories of female journalists throughout her career.
On the other hand, Martin is portrayed as a complex character—lovable but flawed.
“He makes misjudgments and tries to make amends with those he cares about,” Townsley noted.
5. The most challenging character for Townsley to develop was Mina Breckenridge, a young reporter who becomes intertwined with Martin and his family both professionally and personally.
Mina is enthusiastic about journalism and aspires to excel, but early readers did not find her particularly likable.
“I kind of clench up when I hear that word,” Townsley admitted but recognized the need for Mina to evolve throughout the novel.
6. In offering advice to her characters, Townsley focuses on fundamental human errors.
She’d suggest Martin lighten up and not take himself so seriously and that Eliza should ease up on her mother.
To Mina, Townsley would say, “Get your act together, girl!” emphasizing the importance of finding fulfillment in the present rather than constantly searching for something better.
7. Townsley aspires for readers to come away from ‘Sunshine Girl’ with a renewed respect for newspapers.
“I hope people get a chuckle here and there, enjoy the story, and appreciate a glimpse into newsrooms of yesteryear and perhaps contemporary ones,” she expressed.
A long-time advocate for journalism, Townsley wants readers to acknowledge its significance as an honorable and valuable profession.
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