My not-yet-published novel, Maharishiville, is set in a fictionalized version of my old hometown of Fairfield, Iowa. Fairfield is a small town nestled in the middle of farm country, and it just so happens to be the center of the Transcendental Meditation movement (TM). A third of the town’s 9,500 residents practice TM, causing evening traffic jams as they head off to meditate in two Golden Domes (one for women, one for men).
Outside of Iowa, I’ve come across exactly two people who know about the emergence of New Age in this old town. So imagine my surprise when I opened up the February issue of O magazine, turned to Oprah’s column on the last page and saw this (click on the photo to read the column):
Oprah not only knows about Fairfield — she’s been there!
The town and TM will be featured in an upcoming episode of her new TV show, Oprah’s Next Chapter (Sundays 9/8 central on OWN). I can’t wait. She shared a little bit about TM and Fairfield in a recent interview with Dr. Oz:
So aside from me and Oprah, do any of you know about TM and Fairfield?
you are amazing!
I do now!
Ah, this is so cool! I’m amazed at how serene Oprah looks in the photo. I might have to head to Fairfield/Maharishiville too!
Road trip anyone?
Have you sent her a copy of your manuscript?? You DEFINITELY should!!!
No but I sent her a letter with 1-page synopsis and a copy of the local newspaper coverage her visit (which was priceless – see my other post). It just felt too obtrusive to send the entire 3-inch thick manuscript! Maybe someday I can send her a copy of the printed book