Well-known Lakeshore Couple Tina and Jason Prigge to Publish Memoir with Fresh Water Press
In Fresh Water Press’ most recent call for submissions, we received Tina and Jason Prigge’s compelling pitch for their co-written memoir detailing the nearly fatal motorcycle accident that upended their lives in 2024. The community rallied with prayers, fundraisers, and support after a reckless driver crossed the center line, shattering Jason’s leg and leaving Tina a double amputee.
Through love for one another—and the community that embraced them following tragedy—the couple has persevered and are inspiring others through their personal story of resilience. The Fresh Water Press editorial team unanimously fell in in love with the Prigges’ book proposal and sample writing. We were enthralled in suspense with a hopeful heart for this incredible couple who defied the odds.
Tina’s sense of good spirit and humor is evident in her conversational writing. In telling stories, you can almost hear her narration in her descriptions. She writes clearly, allowing the readers to witness each scene as it happens.
Jason’s writing has master-level artistry in that one feels the writer’s heart upon reading his words. The focus in each of his stories is poignant and leaves a permanence of thought and emotion.
Both writers have the common strength of reverence in their writing, making them trustworthy. The story feels authentic and is, therefore, relatable. Their back-and-forth strong writing works well, making each section transition smoothly to the next. The different, though similar, points of view reinforce one another.
We believe readers will be drawn into this story. Tina and Jason have an appreciation for the Lakeshore community that they call home, which aligns perfectly with Fresh Water Press’ commitment to celebrate this area of the state with local literature.
About the Book
A memoir of love and loss and the incredible community of Manitowoc.
This co-written memoir details the experience of Tina and Jason’s near-fatal motorcycle accident, the aftermath, and who they were before. Filled with anecdotes and musings—and even a few poems—at the core this memoir is about the very serious accident that permanently altered their lives.
The book weaves in light-hearted and humorous stories from their lives. This memoir is an inspirational tale of the power of support to overcome despondency and inspire courage to carry on, the grit and determination to survive, and the levity that makes it all possible.
About the Authors
Born and raised on the Lakeshore, Tina and Jason are active members of the community, including as on-air personalities at WOMT radio and co-founders of Coolest Coast. Their business is Vagabond Creative Studio where they are creative storytellers.
The Authors’ Connections to the Lakeshore
Tina Prigge was born and raised in Manitowoc, Wis. After graduating from Roncalli High School, she attended DePaul University in Chicago and graduated cum laude in 1994. She spent three years teaching English conversation in Japan with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program and exploring Southeast Asia. She then spent a year backpacking around the subcontinent of India and Nepal, including trekking to the elevation of Everest base camp (18,000 ft) and via camel across the Thar desert.
Tina returned to Manitowoc and remains in her hometown because of its location on the shore of Lake Michigan. “Anywhere else in the world, I feel unmoored. The lake anchors me,” she said.
Upon her return stateside, she completed a decade of public service as assistant to the mayor of the city of Manitowoc and five years working for a publicly traded corporation before launching Vagabond Creative Studio with her husband/partner and fellow creative, Jason. A passion project they developed is the community brand Coolest Coast to promote and share the many positive attributes of life on the Lakeshore.
Tina serves as president of the Manitowoc International Relations Association (MIRA), and is a board member of the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra, and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of the Lakeshore.
Jason Prigge was born and raised in Sheboygan, Wis., just steps from Lake Michigan where he took long, solo walks. The lake inspired his creativity throughout his childhood and continues to provide ever-changing inspiration for his painting sessions.
“The lake is my muse and a sanctuary when times get rough,” he said.
After high school, Jason traveled the country, landing in Minnesota in the late 1990s. He moved back to Sheboygan, earning a living as a working artist, gallery assistant, and performer. In 2001, he moved up the coast to Manitowoc after meeting the love of his life, Tina, as a result of a serendipitous stage mishap.
Jason is an award-winning artist and muralist, including the “Greetings from Manitowoc” postcard mural in downtown Manitowoc. One of Jason’s passions as an artist is plein air painting, where he goes into the wild and paints the beauty before him on the spot. The natural beauty of the Lakeshore inspires him to capture it throughout all its glorious seasons. He can be found on any given day capturing beautiful Wisconsin landscapes on canvas.
Driven by creativity and a love for storytelling, he co-founded Vagabond Creative Studio with his wife/partner and fellow creative, Tina.
This power couple has received much recognition locally including: Joseph P. Schmitt Speak Up Award, Chamber of Manitowoc County, 2023; Award of Excellence: Economic Accelerator of the Year Award, Progress Lakeshore, 2020; HTR 2019 People of the Year; Weekly radio show on WOMT FM107.9. In 2025, Tina Prigge was named a Herald Times Reporter Person of the Year.