<p>Maegan Murray Photo Author Alan Howard signs a copy of his book "In Time" for Hermiston resident Chris Hull.</p>

Fictional tales of young love, troublemaking and the great outdoors are all part of Hermiston native Alan Howards new book.

The Hermiston High graduate and former teacher came back to Hermiston Saturday to promote his new book In Time on Saturday at the Hermiston Public Library.

Howard read excerpts from his vividly descriptive anthology of 10 short stories, which follow brothers Mitch and Nick on their paths toward adulthood. Each story starts off with a poem that acts as an introduction.

Though the stories have no factual basis, Howard said he did put a little of himself into the stories. A story about one of the brothers getting lost in the woods during a hunting trip rang true to his own experiences, he said.

The library was filled with old friends and acquaintances of Howards, all wishing him luck with his new book.

Howard said he relishes the opportunity to come back and reunite with some of his old friends and classmates.

I have really been looking forward to coming back to Hermiston and discussing this with friends, he said. There is nothing quite like going back to where I went to high school.

After the reading, audience members had the chance to come up to the author and ask questions about his book and purchase copies where they could also get them signed.

Many approached Howard to purchase copies and reminisce about their experiences growing up in Hermiston.

Bill Linder, an old high school classmate of Howards, jokingly asked if he was sure the stories were fiction.

I went through some of the same stuff, he said.

Howard said he is working on a deal with his publisher so that his book will be available for purchase online.