tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152258962024-03-13T00:13:41.397-07:00Mary Emma's Potpourri of WritingIn this blog, I'll share thoughts and insights about my writing and the events that inspire me.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-25752096366514716032016-04-15T06:16:00.003-07:002016-04-15T06:16:57.965-07:00"Lost" Relatives & Ancestors<br />
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LOST RELATIVES & ANCESTORS</div>
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In doing family research and writing the history of our ancestors, we may find some we didn't know existed. However, the ones I'm referring to as "lost," are those who don't have descendants. Will anyone remember them in years to come? Will anyone share stories about them? Or will they "drop off the radar" in the years after they've passed away?</div>
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As I record memories and family data, I realize several aunts and uncles, two of my mom's cousins and a close family friend played a role in my life, but have no children to record stories about them. Will they become forgotten or "lost" if I don't collect their information?</div>
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I have memorabilia my mom had accumulated. However, if I don't identify it, no one will know whose it was and what it was for. My daughter may recall vague stories I may have told her, but nothing significant.</div>
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For instance....</div>
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*Cousin Ina was a model in New York City in the 1920s. She later took over her husband's insurance business when he died and successfully earned a living. Ina took trips to places that fascinated us when she showed pictures and told stories. She also made up stories about the little elves that lived beside our bubbling brook when all took a dip in the swimming hole. </div>
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*Cousin Ella was a small dignified woman who often spent a week with us in the summer. She enjoyed walks in the meadows around the farm, looking for wild flowers and listening for birds.</div>
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*Auntie (Mother's sister) had a cheerful laugh and was an excellent cook. I wrote a poem about her, "The Cookie Lady." After she passed away, I was given the notebook in which she wrote family recipes collected from family members and neighbors.</div>
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Do you have family members and ancestors who may fall through the cracks if you don't record your memories of them? The challenge is to find time to organize the memorabilia. Then to make copies for family members who are interested.</div>
Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-12409712778438698942016-03-14T15:37:00.002-07:002016-03-14T15:39:05.280-07:00Memories of Nancy Reagan<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Memories of Nancy Reagan... I was a newspaper reporter/photographer when Nancy came to our small town during one of the Presidential campaigns. I have copies of those photos I took as Nancy met with a group of citizens in our town hall. She was so gracious and took time to have her photo taken with various individuals.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">One of the employees from our newspaper print room collected autographs. The older gentleman was delighted when Nancy signed hers for him and let me take a picture of them. This photo made the front page and was a highlight of Guy's life.</span>Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-7238290829049577632015-10-26T07:30:00.002-07:002015-10-26T07:30:38.681-07:00Collaborating With a SisterCollaborating with my sister on farm memories is proving to be delightful. She is writing poetry and making sketches as well as paintings of life on the farm as we recall it.<br />
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Although we live in different states, we do a great deal of mailing of thoughts, sketches, photos and family history back and forth. I feel it's important that we compile this information for our families and future generations. <br />
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I write about some of this on my blogs, as well as including some of these thoughts in my "Country Kitchen" column for the <b>McKenzie River Reflections </b>newspaper in Oregon. <br />
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Currently we're working on:<br />
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<ul>
<li>A history booklet of our farm</li>
<li>Seasonal memories</li>
<li>Poetry and paintings about the family farm</li>
<li>People important to our youth on the farm</li>
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You need not be writing about a farm, simply about your childhood home or homes, the village where you grew up, the school you attended, friends you remember. Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-16214518771127146192015-10-21T07:46:00.000-07:002015-10-21T07:46:33.920-07:00Writing a Family Farm History BookletI've developed a farm history booklet for my husband's home where he grew up. I got the idea from some articles my mother-in-law wrote about life on the farm as the eight boys were growing up. She wrote them just for memories. However, a friend suggested she send them to the local newspaper which had a memories section. The paper published the articles in eight segments.<br />
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Her friend Ginny cut the articles out, made photocopies, then put them into a booklet for Mum to give each family for Christmas. Over the years, all the families except my husband and me (I'm a packrat when it comes to family memorabilia!) had lost or mislaid the booklets.<br />
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So I decided to make copies, add a history of the farm given to Mum by former owners, and include photos of the farm. I discovered they were very popular among Mum's children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. So I need to make more in which I'll also include copies of two paintings I've done of the farm.<br />
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My Own Childhood Farm<br />
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"Why don't you make a booklet of the farm where you grew up?" a distant cousin asked. "I'd like a copy."<br />
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So now I'm digging out from my files my parents' reminiscences (I got them to write down some of their memories before they passed away) and old deeds which record my dad's purchase of the farm and deeds of former owners. I'll include some articles and poems I've written about the farm, along with photos and the copy of a painting I've done. My sister also has made sketches of the family farm.<br />
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Record Your Memories<br />
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Record your memories of growing up on a farm or your current experiences there for children, grandchildren and their descendants. It's an enjoyable project.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-3244149028985415402014-04-07T07:35:00.000-07:002014-04-07T07:35:31.439-07:00Dislike of Modern Fantasy BooksPerhaps I'm "old-fashioned," but I dislike the modern fantasy books and find them depressing. Are they contributing to the disrespectful attitudes of many who read them? Do they lead youngsters and young adults to look at the world with a depressing view?<br />
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This isn't to say that books should create a rose-colored and unrealistic view of the world and our lives. However, so many of the modern fantasy books delve into violence and present jaded characters.<br />
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I realize many people will say I'm wrong. They (adults and young readers) regard these books and series as wonderful. <br />
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I read fantasies, or "fairy tales" as we called them, in my youth. But they didn't seem to have so much violence and depressing outlooks.<br />
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I did come across one mother who refuses to let her children read these types of books until they're 14. What happens when the books are included in class reading in middle school and discussed in class? What happens when they want to attend movies of these books at a younger age? They will hear classmates and teachers discussing the books and movies. <br />
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Reading the books your youngsters are reading and discussing your "old-fashioned" views of them does help to give them insight into why you may not approve...and give them something to consider.<br />
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<br />Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-16261272536798027922014-04-05T09:28:00.000-07:002014-04-05T09:28:01.517-07:00Combining Book Writing with ScrapbookingI've had great fun illustrating my picture book about my Uncle William "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson using sketches and scrapbooking techniques. I wrote the story of his life first, then came up with the illustrations. Since I'd been teaching scrapbooking and family history research, I decided to incorporate some of these art techniques into the art work of this book.<br />
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The book initially was written to share with my family about their ancestor. Then I was asked to share the story of the life of my ancestor who was known as the first Buffalo Bill in the schools. So I began drawing pictures to accompany my presentations. These evolved into illustrations for the book.<br />
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The original book contains the scrapbooking additions and has somewhat of a 3-D effect. This comes through fairly well when I photocopied the book. Since I self-published the book, I was able to be creative and use some unorthodox techniques.<br />
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I'm also making postcards of the cover as promotional pieces.<br />
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Be creative with the books you write and publish. It's such fun.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-58324465456334952292014-04-04T07:08:00.000-07:002014-04-04T07:08:05.460-07:00Catching Up with Blog WritingI have, for some time, been quite inactive with keeping my blogs up to date due to a variety of situations...health, family challenges, work other than writing and computer slowdown. I'm now trying to catch up and to decide which of my blogs and writing projects should take priority.<br />
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Which will tie in with other writing projects?<br />
Which will promote my writing projects and books?<br />
Which will be the most enjoyable to write?<br />
Are there any I should delete?<br />
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Sometimes we get caught up in writing projects that have little or no direction and, although fun, might be better to put off for awhile. Concentrate on those that will help you move forward.<br />
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Your blogs, too, may be a way of sharing with family and friends without having to write to each one individually. I'm doing this with my family history musings since many of my family seem interested in their heritage.<br />
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Why do you write your blog(s)?Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-7133398254323646752014-04-02T07:24:00.000-07:002014-04-02T07:29:45.777-07:00Maintain One Project When Your Writing Slows Down<br />
Our writing often slows down for one reason or another...family situations, health, taking on other projects, loss of market, etc. When this happens, try to maintain at least one project that will keep you writing. <br />
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This might be:<br />
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<li>Daily journal </li>
<li>Letters to friends and family</li>
<li>Blog writing</li>
<li>Work on a book</li>
<li>Writing a column</li>
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Throughout the years, I've found my <em>Country Kitchen</em> column my standby. This was my first published work many, many years ago for my hometown newspaper. When that newspaper was sold and the new owner wanted to use syndicated columnists, I looked for another publisher.<br />
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Over the years <em>Country Kitchen</em> has appeared in magazines, newspapers, and blogs...sometimes in only one publication and sometimes multiple newspapers. I sometimes didn't get paid much for it, but it kept me writing and on a deadline. <br />
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Due to health and family situations, I've had to slow down temporarily with my writing. However,<em> Country Kitchen</em> appears weekly in the<strong> <a href="http://mckenzieriverreflectionsnewspaper.com/">McKenzie River Reflections</a></strong> at McKenzie Bridge, OR. I also have begun writing in my blogs again.<br />
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Find something to write about and keep looking for creative ways to promote your writing.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-75454006594461088602014-04-02T06:43:00.001-07:002014-04-02T06:43:27.349-07:00How Can I Use Postcards for Promotion?In participating in Jennifer Chiaverini's postcard promotion for her last book and hearing about her postcard/pin pal promotion for <strong><em>Sonoma Rose</em></strong>, I began to wonder how I can further use my postcards for <strong><em>Tales of Adventure & Discovery</em></strong> (a children's anthology of poems and stories). I had them printed when the book was published and have been using them ever since.<br />
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Send postcards when announcing events.<br />
Send postcards when writing to friends and colleagues.<br />
Pass them out at book signings.<br />
Give to friends to send out, along with a small gift, as Jennifer does with her pins.<br />
Include them with a book purchase.<br />
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I'm trying to discover some new and creative ways to further use these postcards.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-91078140315439120532012-01-27T13:28:00.000-08:002012-01-27T13:28:25.475-08:00More Postcard Promotion the Jennifer Chiaverini WayJennifer Chiaverini is promoting her next book,<strong><em> Sonoma Rose</em></strong>, with her "postcard and pin pal" technique. I participated in the promotion for her last book, but didn't hear about this one until after her quota of readers signed up.<br />
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For distributing the postcards Jennifer sends them, each volunteer receives a limited edition Sonoma Rose pin. This certainly is a fun way to promote...for the author and the volunteers.<br />
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Jennifer is author of the Elm Creek Quilts series.<br />
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Do you promote with postcards? Do you have any interesting techniques for distributing them?Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-55638058911237346682011-11-30T09:03:00.000-08:002011-11-30T09:07:02.164-08:00Sign Up for My Mailing List (E-Mail and/or Postal)Would you like to be on my mailing list (e-mail and/or postal) and receive updates about my writing projects, books, workshops, etc.? More and more authors utilize these methods, as well as FaceBook and Twitter, to let their readers and followers keep up to date with what we're doing.<br />
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If you'd like to be included, leave your e-mail in the comments section below. I'll touch bases with you and you can let me know if you'd like to send your postal mailing address via e-mail. <br />
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I currently have copies of my children's anthology, <strong><em>Tales of Adventure & Discovery</em></strong>, available for Christmas gift giving.<br />
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We're in the midst of sorting out the Christmas decorations and tree ornaments. I've been wrapping gifts that must be mailed a distance.<br />
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<em>(Just a note: My mailing lists aren't shared with anyone else.)</em>Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-13395324818520172262011-11-11T08:47:00.000-08:002011-11-11T08:47:18.167-08:00Promoting Your Book with Ideas from The Frugal Book PromoterPromotion...promotion...promotion. How to do it without a great deal of expense confronts most authors. Generally the object is to sell your books and make money from them. (Although there are a few authors write books for family use or as promotion pieces themselves.)<br />
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<strong><em>The Frugal Book Promoter</em></strong>, by Carolyn Howard-Johnson gives authors a multitude of methods for promoting their books the "frugal" way. "How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher" is Carolyn's subtitle in this second edition, which she has updated and expanded by more than 100 pages.<br />
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In this electronic age, there are new methods of promotion continually available, and Carolyn, an award-winning author and marketer, is aware of them. The book is only one in her <em>"How to do it Frugally Series."</em><br />
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<em>I'm also excited that I'm featured in this edition, with mention, on page 218, of my participation in a promotion technique. </em><br />
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Have fun learning how YOU can promote your books without a great deal of expense.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-8717667934527180732011-11-04T13:05:00.000-07:002011-11-04T13:05:51.237-07:00Using a Blog to Promote Your BookGetting the word out about your upcoming book becomes an important aspect of sales. Your ability to do this is important when you offer a book to a publisher or promote your own self-published one. In fact, most publishers these days look for your information about your ability to promote when you send them a proposal.<br />
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<strong>Starting a blog about your book has become very popular.</strong> The time to start it is long before the book is published. In fact, many authors use a blog to talk about their book before it's submitted to a publisher or they have it in print or e-book form.<br />
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However, when doing this, make sure it's a book whose idea can't be stolen. Give out hints, but not the unique aspects. Develop curiosity and interest, but retain the details.<br />
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I'm developing a blog, <a href="http://plymouthnh250th.blogspot.com/">Plymouth, NH...250th Anniversary</a>, for my upcoming book, <strong><em>Plymouth of Yesteryear</em></strong>, a compilation of my previously published columns and articles (of which I've retained the rights) for newspapers and magazines about the history of the Plymouth, NH area. I've pondered on this idea for quite some time but never got the wheels in motion. Yes, I did approach a regional publisher, only to have him tell me he didn't think there was wide enough readership for it to be worthwhile for him.<br />
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In 2012, Plymouth, the town where I live, will be celebrating it's 250th anniversary. This seems to be the appropriate time for publication. Also, I've decided upon self-publication. (I've done this before with a children's anthology of my previously published stories.) It seems practical since a local printer, who helped me with the other book, has print on demand capabilities. Thus, I don't have to contract for multiple copies and put out extensive funds.<br />
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I can promote the book along with activities and events sponsored by the local historical society. I can give talks to local groups. I can hold book signings at local bookstores and other places of business. I can provide workshops on history and writing.<br />
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I'm starting with my blog to begin promotion and for referring interested parties. They can watch the progress of my book. Also, I can begin to take pre-orders.<br />
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So...think about using your blog or setting up one to begin promotion of your book, too. Many well-known authors have used this technique.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-91078529297800555112011-10-31T08:21:00.000-07:002011-10-31T08:21:44.461-07:00Creating a Book Sales Site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPliUEbjjqnEAfmMuDiViGloYIyd33iobjf_t8zNMTGMqJpK9-WY_g_Sf0dEM1Vi-sa6TBfZG8I28cDyMhmZQuaHPAklWScCMcry9c3siLFKLcL7CNcDhrJcBwapKokDDJd924iA/s1600/619E-cBT34L__SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPliUEbjjqnEAfmMuDiViGloYIyd33iobjf_t8zNMTGMqJpK9-WY_g_Sf0dEM1Vi-sa6TBfZG8I28cDyMhmZQuaHPAklWScCMcry9c3siLFKLcL7CNcDhrJcBwapKokDDJd924iA/s1600/619E-cBT34L__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a>In addition to writing and selling my own books, I've developed a book sales site, <a href="http://maryemmasbookbuzz.blogspot.com/">Mary Emma's Book Buzz Biz, </a>where I'll mention books I have on hand for sale.</div><br />
During yard sale season in NH, my family and I sort through the various books we've accumulated, fiction and non-fiction, for adults and children, and offer them to our visitors. Books have been one of the high points of our sales. Some people come each year to see what we have new in the way of books.<br />
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Now that it's too cold and snowy for yard sales, we turn to web sites and blogs. A friend of mine has turned children's book sales into a business, particularly between Thanksgiving and Christmas, offering books on Amazon and e-bay.<br />
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Why not a blog or web site where you can mention your books? Those you've written and those you may have accumulated for your reading and research but no longer have space to store.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-51974447234337573522011-10-29T11:12:00.000-07:002011-10-29T11:12:58.359-07:00Illustrating my 250th Anniversary BookI'm working on some illustrations for my 250th anniversary book about Plymouth, NH. I'm also looking to find the negatives for photos I took when writing the original newspaper columns and magazine articles. <br />
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I've discovered, the more I do it, the more I enjoy sketching for my books.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-53586658981243325342011-10-29T09:22:00.000-07:002011-10-29T09:22:42.977-07:00Plymouth, NH's 250th AnniversaryMy latest book project, which will connect with some of my other writing projects in progress, is to compile my many newspaper columns featuring the history of the town where I live, Plymouth, NH. The 250th anniversary of the town will be celebrated throughout 2012.<br />
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Over the years, I've written about the history of New Hampshire and Plymouth for newspapers and magazines. Why not compile some of these into book form and use my illustrations and photos to accompany the articles/chapters?<br />
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I've started a blog to keep readers updated about this project, <a href="http://plymouthnh250th.blogspot.com/">Plymouth, NH's 250th Anniversary</a>. Check it out periodically for my current status.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-6214284455811348422011-08-21T18:58:00.000-07:002011-08-21T18:58:18.787-07:00Family Story & Civil War Workshop<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=www.aboutweblc-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0385498705&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>I held my Family Story & Civil War Workshop a few days ago. Had a fun time, but it's good I'm flexible and have had lots of experience with different types of writing.<br />
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Those attending were interested in writing poetry and stories for children, not so much based on family stories and Civil War research. Since I've written and been published in both these areas, I brought them information in their fields while I also taught them how to incorporate family and personal experiences into mix.<br />
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Also, as I showed them how I used some of my Civil War research for this type of writing, perhaps I also gave them ideas for research in case they developed "writer's block" with what they were doing.<br />
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Teaching writing workshops of any type is enjoyable for me. I like to inspire and encourage other writers. In the midst of doing this, I often find inspiration myself.<br />
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Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-26846572456525726462011-03-25T13:30:00.000-07:002011-03-25T14:28:28.197-07:00Finding Your Writing/Speaking Niche with the Presidents' Wives<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=www.aboutweblc-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1402242727&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Finding a niche for your writing and speaking venue helps writers further their careers. Feather Schwartz Foster has done this with the earlier First Ladies of our country. As a presidential historian, with particular interest in the presidents' wives, Ms. Foster writes about them, teaches at adult education classes and gives talks.<br />
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Her new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Ladies-Washington-Eisenhower-Intimate/dp/1402242727?ie=UTF8&tag=www.aboutweblc-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><em><strong>The First Ladies</strong></em></a><em><strong><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=www.aboutweblc-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1402242727" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></strong></em><em><strong>: </strong>From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower, An Itimate Portrait of the Women Who Shaped America</em>, you'll discover interesting facts about the nation's presidential wives you may not have known before. Often you don't hear about the wives who helped their husbands shape this nation's history. But many played an important role, whether behind the scenes or in the public eye.<br />
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Ms. Foster devotes a chapter to each of these ladies, from Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower, and gives us insight into their lives and tells about their unique accomplishments. There is a picture of each lady with her chapter.<br />
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This book is a fascinating read. I'd also recommend it as a supplement to any U.S. history class.<br />
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As a writer, you can learn from Ms. Foster on finding a niche to write about and to capitalize upon as you branch out into teaching and speaking events.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-27995858498094850932011-03-21T11:18:00.000-07:002011-03-21T11:18:17.174-07:00The Banker's Greed - Successfully Launching a Book with Advance PR<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=www.aboutweblc-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0972818693&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Patricia Terrell (p. m. terrell) appears to be very successfully launching her new mystery novel, <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bankers-Greed-p-m-terrell/dp/0972818693?ie=UTF8&tag=www.aboutweblc-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Bankers' Greed</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=www.aboutweblc-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0972818693" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>, co-authored with T. Randy Stevens, due out March 31. Positive reviews, blogging, book trailers, <a href="http://www.pmterrell.com/">web site updates</a> and a schedule of author appearances have helped the authors and publisher, Drake Valley Press, get word out about this book.<br />
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Even two months ago, advance book sales were going well and book tour appearances had been scheduled. <br />
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Even before the book has become widely available to the public, the heroine, Jessica Palmer will become part of a series! According to Ms. Terrell's latest newsletter, <em>"The initial reviews and critiques have been so favorable that a series is guaranteed, featuring Jessica Palmer, the daughter of a powerful and influential banker in Middle Tennessee."</em><br />
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Jessica's initial adventure and mystery solution is so captivating that reviewers and critics want to see more of her!<br />
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It bodes well for authors to study what Patricia and Randy have done to launch their book. Learn from their techniques and begin promoting your book NOW.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-59648350279863543342011-03-02T07:19:00.000-08:002011-03-02T07:22:09.521-08:00Compile a "Seven Wonders in Your Home Town" Booklet<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=www.aboutweblc-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1416934898&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>When substitute teaching the other day, I read a chapter in the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Wonders-Sassafras-Springs/dp/1416934898?ie=UTF8&tag=www.aboutweblc-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=www.aboutweblc-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1416934898" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />, to the fifth graders. (Their teacher is reading the entire book to them.) The young boy in the story wanted to see the Seven Wonders of the World. This wasn't possible, so his father suggested he look for seven wonders around his home town of Sassafras Springs.<br />
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<strong>Discover Your Own Wonders</strong><br />
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I discussed with the youngsters the possibility of discovering seven wonders in their town. Several of the students began naming sites and events they considered wonders.<br />
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This got me thinking about listing seven wonders in the town where I live. As a writer, the idea of making a booklet of the wonders, with activities for youngsters, seemed a possibility.<br />
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Look around your own town for wonders to see and do. Bring your children into the activity. Perhaps read the book by Betty G. Birney to get them involved. They will be amazed at what they can find. As in the book, these wonders may involve people.<br />
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<strong>Make a List of Wonders</strong><br />
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Start by making a list of the wonders. Research the stories behind them. Interview people. Then visit the wonders and take photos. Make a booklet of your own.<br />
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For instance, wonders in my town of Plymouth, NH might involve:<br />
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•The Boy Scout fountain in the town square<br />
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•The former Draper Maynard factory building where baseballs and gloves once were made...and Babe Ruth visited.<br />
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•The old Railroad Station<br />
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•A possible Underground Railroad site<br />
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•A World War II fighter pilot...interview him and look through his pictures. He even flew with Charles Lindbergh on training missions.<br />
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Then go further afield in the region. Discover wonders in nearby towns. While in these areas, take hikes, go geocaching, collect rocks and study geology, go swimming, and find that your adventures for 2011 can be inexpensive but great fun...by yourself, as a family, or in a group.<br />
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(c)2010 Mary Emma Allen<br />
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(Mary Emma Allen has been a travel editor for a hometown magazine, writes travel articles, as well as books for children and adults. E-mail her about the wonders you find in your hometown at me.allen@juno.com )Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-41133336539497820412011-01-28T13:35:00.000-08:002011-01-28T13:35:53.409-08:00Baffled by Social Media? Read Susan Gunelius's Amazing BookSo much is happening so fast in the world of Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, My Space, Linked In, etc.) that writers and business people often are baffled about how to utilize these new methods for promoting themselves and their business. Sometimes we're puzzled about how to simply use them...and wonder why we should.<br />
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<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=www.aboutweblc-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0071743812&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Susan Gunelius, a very knowledgeable author, teacher and speaker on this topic has many great tips in her latest book, <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/30-Minute-Social-Media-Marketing-Step-/dp/0071743812?ie=UTF8&tag=www.aboutweblc-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">30-Minute Social Media Marketing</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=www.aboutweblc-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0071743812" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>: Step-by-Step Techniques to Spread the Word About Your Business. She literally takes you step-by-step into this world if you're new to utilizing social marketing. Also, if you have been involved, she introduces you to more techniques that will help you spread the word.<br />
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Also, with Susan's methods, you don't need to spend hours at a time on the Internet, thus neglecting your business or your writing. She breaks it down into only 30 minutes a day.Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-48620279014230543862011-01-25T14:31:00.000-08:002011-01-25T14:31:57.807-08:00Postcard Promotion for Your Books - Try Jennifer Chiaverini's Method<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=www.aboutweblc-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0525952039&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>I've used postcard promotion for a number of my books, sending out postcards to announce the new release, even printing an order blank on the card. I've also had extra cards printed without order blanks and use them when I correspond with fans, family and friends.<br />
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I'm impressed with the use of postcards to announce Jennifer Chiaverini's new Elm Creek Quilts novel, <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Union-Quilters-Creek-Quilts-Novel/dp/0525952039?ie=UTF8&tag=www.aboutweblc-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Union Quilters</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=www.aboutweblc-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0525952039" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>. Jennifer mentioned on Facebook that she had 20 postcards and a Union Quilters' pin, to send to the first 100 people who responded with an e-mail. She would appreciate their distributing the cards, which announced her new book and listed her upcoming appearances.<br />
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I responded in time to receive the cards and have been handing them out to my daughter's quilt group, the local library and a local bookstore where I teach workshops. I'm also mailing them to friends who read the Elm Creek Quilts books and/or are involved in quilting.<br />
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Do you have unique ways of using postcards to publicize your books?Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-30248042398521544692011-01-13T19:17:00.000-08:002011-01-13T19:17:50.350-08:00Teaching Family History Writing ClassesWhat fun I've had recently, teaching family history workshops at Mansfield's Books & More. People need to save their family stories for future generations. I enjoy reading about my ancestors and their lives in letters and story.<br />
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"Mom, you must write down the stories of your life," my daughter said. <br />
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This got me thinking about teaching others how to do it, whether they want to be publicly published or write simply for family reading. I'm also planning on doing some online classes. I'd like to develop a workshop I can teach to groups via Skype or ooVoo.<br />
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Any suggestions? Or interest?Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-84754504435242535192010-10-19T11:22:00.000-07:002010-10-19T11:22:19.907-07:00Dream to Reality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguC7ZlO_g4D-r3jhOrzW5HXBd8V0aJzqo75VUf1cqdZUF5T2evluj2aBw1oxEAckE59He9Gb78MVZpp6h0rxqYfPwNIF9UNWE6P1lRyxjsb79A9WyMNMglUTVrxkyliqwuu2QcA/s1600/707645_nh_state_house_dome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguC7ZlO_g4D-r3jhOrzW5HXBd8V0aJzqo75VUf1cqdZUF5T2evluj2aBw1oxEAckE59He9Gb78MVZpp6h0rxqYfPwNIF9UNWE6P1lRyxjsb79A9WyMNMglUTVrxkyliqwuu2QcA/s1600/707645_nh_state_house_dome.jpg" /></a></div>In order to make a reality my dream of a blog about New Hampshire history, reflecting some of the topics I wrote about in my newspaper column, <em>New Hampshire of Yesteryear</em>, I MUST get to work. I'd like to have it as a reference for teachers who teach this topic in elementary and high school, as well as home schools.<br />
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For many years I wrote this column (under a couple of names) for New Hampshire newspapers and tourist publications. It seemed popular, based on the responses I received from readers.<br />
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I've even been invited to give talks on the topic, another way I enjoy sharing my research and writing.<br />
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From this blog and those columns, I'm also contemplating a book.<br />
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<em>(NH State House; sxc.hu image) </em>Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15225896.post-16437884809463548512010-10-19T08:19:00.000-07:002010-10-19T10:47:15.633-07:00Farming Heritage Memory Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEQv1ycLNbTbZRnCejIlpAeN0r-Un6Q8QB0ZCjWTERgvwtNnpa-Ae8l-dJpmOIImNHwIS7y4Azz0EOQUqobzTQW6c_m3EcW9kPeretthKUuCZ-Vj1XFUaEpFqLrKzYm31Hti8OQ/s1600/793712_red_barn_with_silo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEQv1ycLNbTbZRnCejIlpAeN0r-Un6Q8QB0ZCjWTERgvwtNnpa-Ae8l-dJpmOIImNHwIS7y4Azz0EOQUqobzTQW6c_m3EcW9kPeretthKUuCZ-Vj1XFUaEpFqLrKzYm31Hti8OQ/s1600/793712_red_barn_with_silo.jpg" /></a></div>One of my latest projects...at least one I'm contemplating...consists of compiling a book of my farming heritage memories for my daughter, grandchildren and other descendants. I grew up on a farm and am the daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter of farming people.<br />
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Since my daughter and grandchildren, nieces and nephews have never been involved in farming, I want them to have a sense of their heritage. Perhaps others will be interested in such a book, too. I've written about this project, and other farming memories on my Farm Girl Heritage blog.<br />
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<a href="http://farmgirlheritage.blogspot.com/2010/10/farming-heritage-memory-book.html">http://farmgirlheritage.blogspot.com/2010/10/farming-heritage-memory-book.html</a><br />
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<em>(sxc.hu image)</em>Mary Emma Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730860917118560304noreply@blogger.com0