1985. Two autograph letters signed written to her editor the year that her first book, The Beans of Egypt, Maine was published. The first, 4 pages (two sides of two pages) mostly discusses readings and plans for readings (and meeting Joan Chase and missing meeting Tillie Olsen) and her acceptance into MacDowell (writers' residency program). The second letter runs seven sides of small note paper and explains that her husband Michael has a receipt somewhere for "about $8 for the gas we bought in Houlton"; that she forgot to get a receipt for the gas she bought when they got home; and she wonders if Michael will still get paid for driving now that they have royalty money. On the bottom of the 7th page, she notes that the blank 8th page can be used "for scrap." Receipts for the rental car and for phone calls made for publicity purposes are included, as is an unused invitation to the book launch. A telling, even exemplary, pair of letters: Chute's novel was praised for its authenticity in depicting the hardscrabble lives of her Maine characters, including their economic insecurity, and these letters reflect her not taking these kinds of expenses, or their reimbursement, for granted. The lot is near fine. [#036684] $600