Finding Your Writing/Speaking Niche with the Presidents' Wives

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.

Her new book, The First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower, An Itimate Portrait of the Women Who Shaped America, 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.

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.

This book is a fascinating read. I'd also recommend it as a supplement to any U.S. history class.

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.

References to Lincoln During Obama's Inauguration

With so many references to Abraham Lincoln, during Barack Obama's Inauguration festivities, it might be helpful to have some resources so youngsters can learn more about our 16th President. He was criticized during his term in office and was blamed for mistakes in the Civil War fought at that time.

Yet he was important to the black people because he issued the Emancipation Proclamation giving the slaves their freedom. Also, his leadership ensured that our country stayed together.

Abraham Lincoln for Kids: His Life & Times with 21 Activities (For Kids series) by Janis Herbert
A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln (Picture Book Biography) by David A. Adler
A. Lincoln and Me by Louise Borden
Abraham Lincoln and His Family Paper Dolls by Tom Tierney
You Are There: Abraham Lincoln's Greatest Moments: The Emancipation Proclamation/The Gettysburg Address (DVD) starring Walte Cronkite and Paul Birch
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation: The End of Slavery in America by Allen C. Guelzo
Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America by Garry Wills
Just a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln (The Story of the Gettysburg Address) by Jean Fritz
Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips (One of my favorite books about Lincoln)Emancipation Proclamation Silk Necktie (produced for the NY Historical Society from Lincoln's handwritten original)

Books About Obama, the Presidency and Past Presidents

Whether you voted for Obama or not, he has become the President of the United States. As such, he'll affect our lives, our country and the world. So that the you and your youngsters can keep abreast of current happenings regarding the Presidency and the 44th President, I've compiled a few books and resources here.

Barack Obama, President for a New Era (Gateway Biographies) by Marlene Targ Brill
Barack Obama: Our 44th President by Beatrice Gormley
Barack Obama: Out of Many, One (Step Into Reading) by Shana Corey
Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady by David Bergen Brophy
The U. S. Presidency (Our Government) by Muriel L. Dubois
The American Journey of Barack Obama by the Editors of Life Magazine
The Story of Abraham Lincoln by Patricia A. Pingry
Time Line Presidents
Presidents Learning Placemat
Presidents of the USA Floor Puzzle

Do you have any favorite books or resources that have informed you about the Obamas, the Presidency, and former Presidents?