NORWICH – In What Kind of Apple Are You? author Barbara Mudge takes a creative and forthright approach as she invites the reader to journey with her through a life of trial and tribulation, happiness and joy, and the positive lifelong lessons that can be learned through even the most difficult of ordeals.

The book has been a labor of love for the Florida resident, who grew up on a dairy farm amongst the rolling hills of southeast Norwich, and may never have seen the light of day if not for such adversity.

“I began writing in 1997 while going to college and raising five children,” recalled Mudge, who actually finished the book in 2001. “I was so involved with work, there was no time to publish it.”

A self-styled perfectionist, Mudge said she “always wanted to excel” no matter what task she might be performing for the New Smyrna Beach Utilities Commission, where she was employed for over 20 years.

However, following her resignation as director of human resources for the Cookman University Benefits Administration, Mudge knew it was time to wrap up the book and move on.