Dennis Pischke came into the office where I worked as a newspaper reporter and left a message to call him. When I did, I was told that he and his twin had an unbelievable story that they wanted to make public. I met with them and after a six hour interview, I came away with the most unbelievable feeling—one of knowing that this was a story that had to be told.
It began with a two part newspaper story that ran in the Interlake Spectator. From there, the story was picked up by CJOB Radio host, Peter Warren, in Winnipeg. The twins went on the air in April 1995 and it was announced that I'd be writing a book about their lives—which was really funny because we hadn't discussed it! As it turns out, writing a book is something I always wanted to do so I dove right in and began - the following day.
It was absolutely heart-wrenching. For the first few months I had trouble sleeping. I would go there, interview them and then have to drive home late at night and it took about 90 minutes. I'd think about what they talked about and I remember one winter night getting out of the car and walking to the house and thinking how terrible it would be if I didn't have a nice warm bed to climb into. I thought that sometime I should go out and sleep in the bush like those children had to do many nights—but I didn't have the courage to do it. That really had an affect on me—as I realized that this isn't just a “story” but a true recollection of things that really did happen. It was overwhelming at times.
I started in April 1995 and the book launch was at the end of November 1996. I quit my job earlier that year so that I could work on the book full time so I could finish.
Absolutely wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a better response. The book sold out so fast that another printing had to be done in January and there have been six printings since. I've often said that if I never have another writing success again, the memories of that time will carry me happily through the rest of my life.
Yes, we've become life-long friends. They are wonderful people who were so incredibly easy to work with. Although we don't see eachother a lot since the sequel was written, it's because my schedule is so busy with trying to write more books. We still go to booksignings together and have been asked to be the guest speakers at a conference this spring (see upcoming events for more info).
Outside of the area people were astounded. In the neighbourhood, unfortunately, many people knew much of what went on at the farm, although I shouldn't really say “knew.” Only a few knew details. Mostly everyone else suspected something was strange and just kept their distance. Also, there are some who say the Pischkes are lying. I've had a few people say, “Who do they think they are having a book written about them? There were lots of us who lived like that.” All I can say is: That's why this book was written. Not to glorify the Pischkes but to make it known to the world that there are children living in horrifying situations. People ask if it is still happening - the answer is YES.
I absolutely hate naming my work. I used to think that the name was the biggest thing, but then once I started writing these huge articles and then the book, I started to realize that it is an important but small part of what turned out to be an incredible project. It was getting down to the wire and everybody was asking me the name of the book and I kept saying that I didn't know. And then one day "Where Children Run" came to me while I was in the shower. It was so simple and yet, so PERFECT. I haven't had a second thought about it.
Is there a made-for-television mini series planned?
That question has been asked dozens of times. We have had discussions with a few different production companies, but nothing is in the works as of today. The reason for this is that it will be awfully challenging to write a script of this nature. I've started one but set it aside to work on my other book. Who knows, I may go back to it someday but I think it might be best for the story if a professional screenwriter took it on. If there is anyone out there interested, just give me a call. Nobody holds the option to the story right now.
I've heard there were a lot of “freaky” things that happened when the first book was being published? Can you tell us about them?
Where do I start? Well, you know that the cover is a scan of the stepfather's passport. It has his picture and date of entry, signature, etc. Well it all started when the computer file was sent to the book publishers. Hignell Printing was chosen because they are the premier small run publishers in Manitoba. They were excellent to deal with - I was so pleased. The cover was designed by their employee, Melanie Matheson (who just happened to be from the Moosehorn area which is the setting of the book). She designed three covers and when she showed me the second one, I knew instantly that it was the one. I didn't have her change a thing.
The books were delivered in time for the launch, but just barely. The folks at Hignell didn't tell me at first, but I guess this book caused them quite a bit of grief. It started with the printing of the cover. When it was coming off the computer, there was a system error that shut down their computers for days. They finally got everything going again, printed the cover and then overnight, the edges curled so bad it had to be re-run. Then the press broke down when the inside was being printed and it took days to get the press going again. It moved into bindery and then the real problems started. For some reason the book kept twisting as it came through the binder. They told me that usually it takes a few books before they can adjust the settings, then it runs usually with no problems. The poor binder had to stand there and adjust it every two or three books to get it right. We arrived and they were able to supply a few hundred, but then we were back again and as quick as they came off the binder/trimmer, they were packaged and put in our vehicles as we drove from bookstore to bookstore throughout Winnipeg. We were on the Peter Warren show again that morning, and the bookstores were selling out faster than we could bring them in. It was wonderful - especially for the twins who were signing autographs in the store!
Back at Hignell, the binder said that if the book was reprinted he was going to go on holidays that week. I heard later that after fighting with it for days, he went home and while relaxing his wife came in from shopping. She told him that she'd bought a book that she heard about that day. You guessed it - she pulled out a copy of Where Children Run and he almost fainted!
Once the books were finished a few days later, waiting on the loading dock, the key went missing. The story is that the key for that door hung on the same hook for 13 years without every being misplaced - until then. Some of the folks at Hignell started to think that the book was haunted . . .
Fortunately, the spirit was exorcised and the reprints went off without a hitch.
But there is one final note to add. The sixth printing was done in October 2001. One of the fellows in the printing room pointed out something on the cover that we'd never noticed before. The stepfather came into Canada in 1947 on September 11th.
We certainly do. We have it on good authority also, that the old farm site has become quite the tourist attraction. People have ventured all the way from Alberta to take a look at the place. Unfortunately, the old church is in pretty bad shape, but everything is still there. The owners of the property don't mind as long as the gate is not left open and that nothing is damaged.
Some people have gone to Steep Rock to see the twins and they are always happy to have visitors. Some have even been lucky enough to have one or both give a tour of the old farm. If interested in this, phone or e-mail me and it can be arranged.
Bookstores please call Publisher 
