Compile a "Seven Wonders in Your Home Town" Booklet

When substitute teaching the other day, I read a chapter in the book, The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs, 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.


Discover Your Own Wonders

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.

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.

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.

Make a List of Wonders

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.

For instance, wonders in my town of Plymouth, NH might involve:

•The Boy Scout fountain in the town square

•The former Draper Maynard factory building where baseballs and gloves once were made...and Babe Ruth visited.

•The old Railroad Station

•A possible Underground Railroad site

•A World War II fighter pilot...interview him and look through his pictures. He even flew with Charles Lindbergh on training missions.

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.

(c)2010 Mary Emma Allen

(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 )

Baffled by Social Media? Read Susan Gunelius's Amazing Book

So 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.

Susan Gunelius, a very knowledgeable author, teacher and speaker on this topic has many great tips in her latest book, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing: 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.

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.

Postcard Promotion for Your Books - Try Jennifer Chiaverini's Method

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.

I'm impressed with the use of postcards to announce Jennifer Chiaverini's new Elm Creek Quilts novel, The Union Quilters.  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.

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.

Do you have unique ways of using postcards to publicize your books?

Teaching Family History Writing Classes

What 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.

"Mom, you must write down the stories of your life," my daughter said.

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.

Any suggestions? Or interest?

Dream to Reality

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, New Hampshire of Yesteryear, 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.

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.

I've even been invited to give talks on the topic, another way I enjoy sharing my research and writing.

From this blog and those columns, I'm also contemplating a book.

(NH State House; sxc.hu image)

Farming Heritage Memory Book

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.

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.

http://farmgirlheritage.blogspot.com/2010/10/farming-heritage-memory-book.html

(sxc.hu image)

Reconnecting with Friend & Colleague Clara Gillow Clark

This morning I reconnected with children's author, Clara Gillow Clark on Facebook and discovered her web site and blog as well.  I met Clara when we taught workshops at the Highlights/Glens Falls School District multigenerational conference at Lake George, NY.  I participated in four or five of these conferences before they were discontinued.  Clara was there as well.

I particularly related to Clara because she began writing stories based on her family history, something that has fascinated me since I've found many interesting ancestors in my family, too.  Annie's Choice was Clara's first book and somewhat reminded me of my mom's story and a short story I'd written in 8th grade (a copy of which I still have).

Then Clara followed these with Nellie Bishop  and Willie and the Rattlesnake King, all of which I have in my library.  Now I've discovered Clara has written Hill Hawk Hattie, Hattie On Her Way and Secrets of Greymoor.  I must read these, too.

Has Blogging Made Us Sloppy Writers?

It bugs me!!

I just read a post by a highly respected and profitable blogger in which he gave hints on how to improve your blog writing.  It contained grammatical errors, non-sentences, and repetitive phrases.  All of these were "no-no's" when I was in school.  Miss Auchmoody and Mrs. Brooks (two of my English/grammar teachers) would have turned over while reading that post as published work.

Yet in the comments section of the blog, readers were full of praise for the post.  Yes, it did have good hints for making one's posts more exciting.  Nevertheless, I found it difficult to wade through the information because of the poor grammar.  (Perhaps that's the editor in me, although today's editors in print and online publishing often don't seem to consider grammar either.)

However, this person, whose work I read today,  is considered a very, very successful blogger who makes extremely good money at it.

So....do we need to forget the rules of grammar in today's world?  With blogging, text messaging, and social media abbreviations, correct spelling and sentence structure seem to have been forgotten. 

Do I need to loosen up and forget all I've been taught in order to be a successful, and profitable blogger/writer?  Something to think about. But I find it difficult to let go and become part of the group that's perpetuating poor grammar for future generations.

Does anyone use Strunk and White's Elements of Style any more? 
Or William Zinsser's On Writing Well?

Do Our Writing Niches Change with the Times?

Do our writing niches change with the times or simply adjust as we expand our horizons? 

Although I've written my "Country Kitchen" cooking column for more than 40 years, I've branched out into other areas:

• Due to the necessity of earning a living
• Markets available
• My changing interests
• New technology that introduces new subjects
• Living in different parts of the country

I've discovered that I must adapt, whether it's writing about the same topic and tweaking it or writing about something new.

For instance, when I started writing for publication, we hardly ever heard of Alzheimer's disease.  However, both my mom and aunt developed this illness and I became their main caregiver.  Through this experience, I've been able to write, blog and speak about this illness and help others cope. 

At another point in my life, after requests for quilts from customers, I turned my sewing business into a quiltmaking business and then began writing on that topic for magazines and online publishers.

You will find new niches cropping up in your life as new opportunities open up.  You'll leave some niches or come back to them.  You'll develop a style and audience that will begin to be recognized as yours.

What niches have you found?

You Can Write for Niche Markets
Niche Marketing for Writers, Speakers, and Entrepreneurs
Awesome Article Marketing: Dominate Your Niche and Get Rich
Blog Profits: Insider Secrets to Making Money with Powerful Niche Blogs

Finding Your Writing Niche as Feather Schwartz Foster Does

"Find your niche, Mary," a writer/PR friend advised me.  I've been writing for years in whatever field brought in income, and have wide experience in many areas.  However, nowadays, we're encouraged to find a niche and capitalize on it.

Feather Schwartz Foster has done just this with her research, writing, teaching and speaking about various Presidents' wives and their eras in history.  She has turned a hobby into a career.  And written books on the topic, such asLadies: a Conjecture of Personalities .

Even more interesting, she now lives in Williamsburg, VA, right in the midst of history and teaches classes there.

By checking out her web  site and signing up for her e-newsletter, perhaps you'll gain ideas for promoting a niche of your own.

A Shelf of Your Own Books

During a discussion on Facebook with another author, the topic came up concerning a shelf of books that are written by you.  She said this was her goal and she was on her way.

Then I looked at the shelf in my library where I keep copies of my books and realized, "I'm on the way!"

If I consider the anthologies in which I have one or two stories, as well as books entirely written by me, I have accumulated quite a collection of "my" books.

Sometimes we look at the books we haven't written instead of those we have completed, or at least have participated in.  Look at your accomplishments instead of failures or haven't done yets!

What have you accomplished on the way to reaching your dreams?

Tales of Adventure & Discovery

Book Review - Explore Rocks and Minerals!

My daughter was fascinated with collecting rocks and minerals. Her children have been, too. When my husband and I travel, we try to find rocks of the area and unusual natural items as souvenirs for the children.

 

A new book came to my attention recently - Explore Rocks and Minerals! by Cynthia Light Brown & Nick Brown, published by Nomad Press. It contains a great deal of information with projects, activities and experiments that youngsters can undertake. This would make a great resource book for teachers and home schooling parents, too.

 

In addition to projects and experiments, you learn about the various types of rocks found inside and outside the earth. You'll also discover where to locate them.

 

Did you know you can make your own basalt columns?
Did you realize that some islands are made up completely of volcanic rocks? Which ones?
Fossils are so fascinating. Learn about them and how to make your own.
Become a "rock hound," discover facts about rocks and minerals as you collect your own.

An easy-to-read book, Explore Rocks and Minerals! offers information that children and adults will find fascinating.

 

Appreciating & Writing Poetry Workshops

Do it now! Do it now! Don't delay!

These words ran through my mind after reading Shai Coggins' description of her new blogging network, Kidoosh, for which I write two blogs and co-author another. Shai said she didn't consider her network as complete as she'd like, and it needed some design changes.

However, if she kept putting off the launch until everything was perfect, she might never introduce it and her bloggers to the world.

So....I decided I'd better start putting together my book of poetry and my workshops. I've been teaching poetry in many of the classes when substitute teaching and enjoying it as much as the youngsters. I've developed lesson plans that children and adults can use.

Today, I began writing the outline for my workshops, which can be adjusted for each audience.

Onward I go!

(Image: sxc.hu)

New Vagabond Traveler & Potluck Columns at American Roads

My latest Vagabond Traveler article, Visiting Presidential Homes & Libraries, is up at American Roads Travel Magazine.

It was fun reminiscing and researching and writing this.

I also write a cooking column, Potluck, at American Roads, about foods and finds in my travels. The current one is Collecting Recipe Cards While You Travel.

I hope you enjoy these!

(Monticello Image: sxc.hu)

Kyra E. Hicks Discovers Her Niche

I've discussed previously that branding, or discovering one's niche, has become one of the popular ways of publicizing one's business or writing. We try to find common threads among our various interests so we can link them together.

Kyra E. Hicks has discovered a niche researching and writing about quilters and quiltmaking, especially as it applies to Sistah quilters and their work. She writes the blog, Black Threads, and most recently the book about slave quilter Harriet Powers.

This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces

presents the fascinating story of Harriet Powers and Kyra's interesting search for the quilts and the stories behind them.

Now, in her search, it would be such fun if Kyra could locate other fabric art done by Harriet Powers, because there are indications that the two known ones weren't her only quilts.

In your writing, have you found an area in which you can specialize? Have you found your niche or brand?

If not, begin to see if you have any threads that tie together, threads of common interest that can pull your work together for promotion and reader interest?

Branding Your Novels the Elm Creek Way

Branding has become a buzz word in the business world, a way to call recognition to your name or business name and thus acquire more sales. I've written a number of articles about branding and have been studying how it could help in my writing world.

One area an author can utilize branding is by writing a series of books with the same setting, same characters, same theme...at least some thread tying them all together as Jennifer Chiaverini has done with her Elm Creek Quilts novel series. I've written about this technique in the post, Branding - The Elm Creek Way.

Have you looked into developing a brand for your business or name?

Mary Emma Allen's Children's Anthology Reviewed

It's so exciting when an author discovers a glowing review to a book, a review they hadn't known about. This morning, while searching the Internet for other material, I discovered the review of my children's anthology, Tales of Adventure & Discovery at BookReview.com.

The reviewer seemed to grasp what I was trying to accomplish with my book and "hit the nail on its head:"

The stories are from the heart and home, reflecting an understanding of children and childhood in a way that reaches out to children and lets them feel connected to the stories.

I also discovered that the book is available on Amazon. A friend said she'd carry it on her site, too.

The Excitement of Getting Back to My Art Work

Something seems to be nudging me back to my art work. Many years ago I worked in oils, acrylics and watercolor. I also sketched and did pen and ink.

I took private lessons and my teacher, a well known artist in Waco, TX, encouraged me to keep going when we had to move from the area. Eventually I took a two-year correspondence course with the Famous Artists School. That stretched me in my abilities and introduced me to various medium.

I sold quite a few of my paintings. In looking over those remaining, I have to admit, I'm impressed! I can envision reprints, greeting cards and postcards, perhaps notepaper, even items like mugs, aprons, t-shirts and more.

Is that cheapening my work? I think it allows more people to enjoy it...and hopefully be uplifted.

Some of my variety of work:

• Scenery
• People
• Animals
• Home portraits
• Birds
• Abstract
• Mystical
  

In the form of:

• Canvasses of various sizes
• Greeting cards
• Postcards
• Book Illustrations

Then I became more involved in quiltmaking and writing. Nowadays, I find myself sketching on note paper and envelopes. I've pulled out a small sketch book I can tuck into a pocket or purse.

Something tells me I can combine all of these, especially with the new innovations of selling online.

(Image by sxc.hu)

Working with NH History in Schools

It was exciting to interviewed by a teacher doing a research paper and proposal for NH history projects in schools. I've written about the history of our state for many years in newspaper and tourist paper columns.

One of my popular children's stories, Sarah Jane's Daring Deed, in the anthology, Tales of Adventure and Discovery, is set in the pioneering era of our state.

The teacher interviewing me has encouraged me to develop the activities and extended history I've been planning for students and teachers. So...I'm trying to work this into my summer plans.
She may use some of these with her students. Then I'll get to see if they work.

Making Sense of the Chaos

For years, I've often put my rough drafts, current projects, and copies of columns and articles into files and the files into boxes or file drawers. Sometimes there will simply be clippings, pamphlets and other items that make their way there, too.

Then how, I ponder, do I find them?

At one time I was much better organized. However, after living in a multi-generational house for more than a decade and balancing several jobs or businesses along with my writing, I sometimes feel I'm buried in chaos.

So, after hearing a couple of speakers mention the 20 Minutes a Day to Organization process, I determined to stick with it. (I've started several times, saw no progress in my mess and gave up.)

I've been doing this for about two weeks. From the outside, it doesn't look like I've accomplished much, but I know I'm making progress. My husband says he can see the floor in our bedroom/living room area!

I've found some older drafts that I can revitalize. I discovered greeting card designs from the days I made these for sale. I've found research, family memorabilia and other items to stimulate my writing.

So I'll stick to my 20 minutes of making sense of my chaos.