The multi-talented Rebecca “Becky” Rule is an author, humorist, storyteller, and performer as well as a radio and television host. She has been performing and telling stories in New England, especially in her home state of New Hampshire, for more than thirty years. She hosted the NH Authors series for ten years on New Hampshire PBS and now hosts the network’s Our Hometown series. As an author, her books include N is for New Hampshire, an ABC book with photographs by Scott Snyder; The Iciest Diciest Scariest Sled Ride Ever!, a picture book illustrated by Jennifer Thermes; Headin’ for the Rhubarb, A NH Dictionary (well, kinda); Live Free and Eat Pie, and That Reminds Me of a Funny Story. Becky lives in Northwood with her husband, John Rule, four cats and two dogs, all rescues—except for Reggie, the obnoxious wire fox terrier.
In preparation for her upcoming trivia book New Hampshire Trivia, we asked Becky a few questions about what makes New Hampshire special, her favorite fact to share at parties, and the highs and lows of writing trivia compared to writing other genres. We also get an exclusive look at what her next book may be!
What is your favorite fact about New Hampshire to share at parties?
It’s said that a NH native is hard to find. In truth, about 40% of people living in the NH were born here. The others have moved here because it’s such a great place to live and work.
You’ve made a career of telling stories about New Hampshire. What makes New Hampshire such a unique place?
It’s small. Manageable (geographically). Lots of water. Lots of hills and mountains. Lots of rocks. Lots of growing things, especially trees: second only to Maine in trees per square mile. It nurtures a vibrant community of creatives and people with deep connections to the earth, to history, and to each other. It is home.
You are also the author of many other titles such as N is for New Hampshire, The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever!, That Reminds Me of a Funny Story, and more. How does the process of writing a trivia book compare to the other books you’ve written?
Lots of research. Lots of organizational challenges. New Hampshire Trivia gave me a chance to tap into all I’ve learned from living here and writing about this place for decades, but in a fresh way. I got to think about what people already know about New Hampshire, what they might not know, and what, maybe, they should. Then came the challenge of forming those thoughts into questions—tricky but not too tricky. It was great fun. I learned a lot.
What do you hope people take away from your book?
I hope they dip in and out. I hope they laugh at some of the more outrageous tit-bits and find some fascinating ones to pass on. I hope they say, “I knew that already (good for me),” “I never knew that!”, and “What the heck? That’s amazing.” I hope trivia-night hosts, educators, visitors, newcomers, long-time residents, and old-timers will all find something in New Hampshire Trivia that is useful and surprising.
What will your next book be?
There’s always a next book. A children’s picture book called Who Loves Blueberries? is in the publishing pipeline. I’m also working on a collection of humorous NH essays published individually over the last decade (working title: Covid in the Time of Chickens) and a collection of short stories set in Bobolink, New Hampshire, during a blizzard. There’s a lot going on in this quaint village. Some of it startling. Some of it fairly horrifying.
Rebecca “Becky” Rule’s New Hampshire Trivia is a fascinating, educational, and entertaining collection of facts and stories that will test your knowledge and spark your curiosity to learn even more about this great state. New Hampshire may be a small state, but it has a rich history. Plus, Becky adds in her signature sense of humor to make this book of trivia fun and engaging. There’s something for everyone with 500 questions in such categories as History, Arts and Entertainment, Sports, Notables, Natural Wonders, Strange and Unexpected, and much more. A great gift for those who love New Hampshire, love history, or just love trivia.
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