A local citizen has accomplished one of his major goals by writing and publishing a book.

Eric Williams grew up in Newfoundland and made the journey to Portage la Prairie in his later years to be with family. The book titled Son Of A Newfoundland Fisherman Stories From My Youth touches on some incredible tales about Eric's father Winston and some of their harrowing journeys from commercial fishing.

Eric says a lot influenced him to create his work of non-fiction, including the help of some close friends.

"(While talking to one of my friends) she said, 'Oh my goodness, that would make a good movie.' She said, 'you should write a book about that,' so that's just one example," says Williams. "There have been several examples where people were encouraging me to put my stories in a book. So, it started with my grandkids and with some other suggestions. That's how it happened."

The book touches on life growing up in Newfoundland and reflects on memories Williams has accrued throughout his life, including the time he drained a large pond with the heel of his boot and the many high-risk fishing trips.

"We ran into a storm, a very bad storm. We came over a shallow area where we nearly got shipwrecked. (We were) within two feet from me not telling you this story," says Williams. "That's probably my favourite one in the book."

Over the book, we also hear about Williams's run-in with whales and the near-death experiences around those tales. The author has distributed copies to the Portage Regional Library as well as selling them himself. He says it was a gratifying experience.

"You think about doing something, you may put it on the back burner, and eventually it gets going until it's complete. I guess it's a sense of satisfaction," says Williams. "My book has gone into the U.S., all across Canada, up to the Yukon. It's very gratifying, and I think it's something to leave behind (for future generations)."

You can call or text Eric at 204-239-4979 to purchase a copy.