Joyce Moyer Hostetter

Footnotes: My Editor Loves Them and I Do Too (sort of)

2010-01-06T05:15:25Z

Some of the resources used in researching my work-in-progress.

My editor is fond of footnotes. So naturally I give them to her. The difficult thing is figuring out when to insert them into my manuscript.

When I begin a new book I devour everything I can on my topic and then eventually, as a plot line emerges, I write my story. At this point I work with the knowledge that I've absorbed during all the research. But I haven't taken at lot of notes. Instead I buy, borrow, and pay overdues on books that I can't seem to live without. I take pictures in archives and I save emails from experts I've interviewed. I want those facts at my fingertips and I know from experience I'll need them later. I slap sticky flags at crucial spots. I underline, circle, and make lots of sloppy melodramatic asterisks beside important info.

I write my story, revise it, tweak it repeatedly, and eventually I think it's ready to send to Carolyn Yoder. And then it hits me - I still have to footnote.

Of course I've tried to document as I go. But the truth is that documenting can seriously interrupt the flow of the story. So mostly I write and worry about footnoting later.

So I'm at that point now with my work-in-progress. The story is written and has been fiddled with and tightened and improved upon in various ways and I believe that I'm within weeks of submitting to my editor. (I thought the same thing back in November before I remembered the footnotes.)

I am, at this moment, in the midst of tedium. Rereading the manuscript, noting which items might raise some question of authenticity in my editor's mind. And pulling down every resource possible to verify the following and then some. (and you can skip over this tiny list if you like!)

When America entered WWII in December 1941 the draft age was 21
There was an exemption for conscientious objectors (COs) who, for religious reasons, could not participate in war.
Civilian Public Service (CPS) provided alternative ways for COs to serve.
CPSsers mostly lived in former Civilian Conservation Corps barracks and did forestry and conservation work.
They ate at trestle style picnic tables.
Some switched into work in mental hospitals which were grossly understaffed.
Some were guinea pigs in medical experiments
German neighbors could have been sent away to internment camps
Eastern State Hospital had a death house and a morgue and conscientious objectors helped with autopsies
There was an elevator in Sequeyra Building and a laundry chute that made a great sliding board in the turret of Taylor Building
The College of William and Mary charged 2 cents per day for overdue library books in 1943
Etcetera

I said it was a tiny list because, as you can imagine, this is just the beginning. Thankfully I have most of this info within reach. It's mostly a matter of choosing the best quote to back up my story. That can take awhile and I find myself reading whole chapters again or going back to the library for a book that I actually returned.

Have I mentioned this is tedious? But honestly, one part of me loves this task. It's so validating. It makes the story feel solid. I have the same excitement bubbling up in me that I felt when I began researching and feeling the story emerge. It's hard to sleep at this stage because I have this sense of something really important happening.

I hope my editor feels it when she reads the manuscript. And I sure hope she eats up those footnotes!

TEASER TUESDAY WITH A TWIST: A Voice of Her Own: Becoming Emily Dickinson

2010-01-05T14:05:21Z

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Since this is a history blog I'll do just that except with a twist or two. I'll quote from a history book that fascinates me and, since I'm fascinated, I won't limit myself to 2 sentences. And quite frankly, since this is supposed to be a teaser, I'll probably dish up something I really like instead of something totally random. (Really twisted I know!)

I've just begun reading a biography (oops! - make that a novel ) of Emily Dickinson. So, let's see what random words I can find therein.
"He holds us in a viselike grip, tells us to appreciate fine books but not to read them, to think for ourselves but to follow his rules. He wants his daughters to get an education but not to use it. He treasures his family but is seldom at home. He wants us to think of him only but can't be found; has a sense of humor but rarely smiles; wants to be loved but will not admit it." (p. 206)

Wow! I could learn a thing or do about creating characters from that paragraph!

I'm just getting started in this book but I cheated and looked ahead to the author's note at the end and I'm enthralled. I'll come back to the author's note another day though.

"Hidden History": Alaska in World War II

2010-01-04T20:11:51Z

A few years ago, my sister Jeannie and her hubby made it possible for Chuck and I to meet them in Alaska where they were enjoying an extended vacation.
In Anchorage we boarded this train which took us to Seward. We learned lots of fascinating history along the way so naturally I had some of those I-could-write-about-that! moments. Fortunately wisdom told me to leave the Alaska stories to Gary Paulsen.
Jeannie and Steve were waiting for us in Seward and the 4 of us took a day cruise into Resurrection Bay. Yep we saw whales and walruses and seals and birds. But let's talk about the birds.
The "birdhouses" in the picture are actually a WWII encampment on Barwell Island. Read this article to see how indeed these remnants of war became a death trap for seabirds.

It was a damp, chilly day in July when I took this picture. I tried to imagine how it would feel to be an American soldier stationed at this remote, frigid, and nearly inaccessible outpost.
The soldiers' mission was to protect Resurrection Bay from invading Japanese forces. This was a very real concern since the Japanese occupied several nearby islands in the Aleutian Island chain. Our forces managed to keep these islands but the conditions were harsh and the battle was hard fought.
The Aleutian Island conflict with the Japanese is often forgotten and overlooked but there are some books on the subject as well as some online stories .

Alaska At War 1941 -1945: The Forgotten War Remembered

Forgotten Warriors of the Aleutian Campaign

Thousand Mile War: World War II in Alaska and the Aleutian

Sunday Series: Heroes and Saints

2010-01-03T22:59:40Z

The altar that Father Damien built for one of the churches on Molokai, HI.

I decided to make Sundays a day to blog about people who've accomplished great things. I was working on a post about Sister Elizabeth Kenny when I suddenly realized that today is Saint Damien's birthday.

So I'll continue the Sister Kenny post later. It's just as well since I was getting sidetracked into reading her biography all over again.

As for Father Damien, I've certainly blogged about him before and enough is enough, I suppose.

Father Damien Birthplace Museum which I visited in May 2007

So how about a few crucial dates from Damien's life, a few images, some info about his right hand, and a couple of links?

January 3, 1840 - Born in Tremeloo, Belgium
March 19, 1864 - Arrived in Hawaii
May 10, 1873 - Arrived in leprosy settlement on Molokai
April 15, 1889 - Died of complications related to leprosy

Aerial photo used with permission by James H. Brocker, author of The Lands of Father Damien. (A fabulous book!)

When Damien died in Hawaii's leprosy settlement, he was buried beside the church in this photo. But his homeland of Belgium wanted his body and in 1936, Franklin Roosevelt agreed to return it.

Then in 1995 when he was beautified (second step on journey to sainthood) the remains of his right hand were returned to Hawaii.

Damien's coffin now on display at his birthplace museum in Tremeloo, Belgium.

I used to imagine that they simply cut his hand off. But, when I visited the Damien Birthplace Museum, one of my Healing Water experts, Father Paul Macken explained. Damien's body arrived in Belgium in the coffin pictured above. When they opened the coffin, his body disintegrated. So they separated the remains into 11 zinc boxes. One of them contained the bones of his right hand.

Here are Google Image results for Damien - there are some really great ones.

And there is loads and loads of info along with a myriad of pictures at this Damien related blog.

Oh, and DO check out this virtual tour of some Damien sites. Don't be shy. Click on the word Flash to see a 360 degree image. (Unfortunately a few are labeled wrong and you get mules when you wanted to see Damien's birthplace but there are some fabulous images that are worth exploring!)

Research: What I learn from old newspapers

2010-01-02T15:23:03Z

This page from a 1940's Virginia Gazette illustrates the importance of reading newspapers from the time of my story. At first glance, there's the obvious - prices of whole suites of furniture - $ 95. $ 75. $ 55.

(Sigh! I'd like to buy one great piece of vintage furniture for $ 55!)

A closer look provides info that's useful to describe a setting. Perhaps I want my character to scratch his name into the curved wooden arm of a livingroom chair. I don't have to describe the whole living room suite in order to do so but it sure helps to know what kind of furniture was even plausible during the time period. And depending on the context, I might want to quickly throw out a description of an entire room.

What I find really fascinating is the text itself. The manner of advertising

"Coil Spring Chairs & Sofas Have Been Stopped! "
GET IT NOW-OR YOU WON'T GET IT FOR THE DURATION!

(Same screaming message we're used to. Slightly different wording.)

And speaking of words. When was the last time you saw an ad that stated something was "smartly styled" or "very smart suite"?

I'm tweaking my 1940's work-in-progress right now. I don't believe I've used the word "smart" to describe furniture or any other inanimate object. But thanks to a vintage newspaper ad, I have a new context for that word.

Word choice is crucial to setting the tone for a historical piece. And reading old newspapers is an important part of my research process.

That is, if I'm smart.

This day in history: ELLIS ISLAND OPENED ITS DOORS (But what happened later?)

2010-01-01T14:28:00Z

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division,
Detroit Publishing Company Collection,
[reproduction number, e.g., LC-D4-10865]

On January 1, 1892, Ellis Island opened its doors, becoming America's processing center for immigrants coming to America. Before it closed in 1954, it admitted over 12 million people seeking freedom and a better life in the United States.

But some of those same people were eventually incarcerated in this place of "freedom".

During World War II, Ellis Island became a detention center for about 7,000 people who were considered enemy aliens. Most were Germans, Japanese, and Italian but there were others as well. In many cases, the individuals were naturalized citizens who loved America and would never betray it. Some Germans were shipped back to Germany in exchange for American soldiers who had been captured and imprisoned by the Nazis.

Ellis Island was only one of many sites where "enemy aliens" were interned. The German American Internee Coalition and The Freedom of Information Times offer much more info. So if you'd like to explore this topic you can:

read some personal accounts here
find lesson plans here
follow a Chronology of Suspicion, Arrest and Internment here

History is full of ironies.

We live in uneasy times but I hope the history that we are creating is one of hope, renewed trust, and new freedoms for people around the world.

INTERVIEW WITH MYSELF

2009-12-31T15:29:58Z

ME:susanwrites ) advise offering a service to others. I’d like to provide a place where readers find useful links, fascinating history, research tips, and interviews with the best history writers.</span>

ME: So this is totally unselfish? It has nothing to do with wanting a brand?

Myself: What? How’d you know? Okay, yes, actually. The wise ones also recommend that authors and bloggers have a recognizable brand. I’ve been reflecting on what my brand might be and and uh - it finally dawned on me that I have an interest in history. So I’m going with it.

ME: Starting when?

Myself: January 1, 2010. Yikes! That's tomorrow, I better go do some research!

ME: HEY COME BACK HERE!

Myself: Talk to you tomorroooooooooow...

COME JANUARY, THIS BLOG IS HISTORY!

2009-12-30T16:43:20Z

By "this blog", I am referring to THE 3 R's: READING, 'RITING, & RESEARCH. I view that particular blog as my general market blog while my livejournal tends to be a connection with the writing community.

ABC-CLIO: Your Complete Source for History Reference.

The 3 R’s are not dropping off into outer cyberspace. But still, they’re about to become history. Starting in January, the content will be largely history focused.

I’ll include interviews with:

Folks who write history.
People who’ve made history.
Archivists who preserve history.

And I’m happy to announce that there will be a regular (or regularISH) Q & A With Carolyn Yoder, my editor who knows way more about reading, writing, and researching history than I do!

Just so you know, I’m not strong at creating structure or sticking to it. So, in all likelihood, the info here will be totally random. Sort of one big smorgasbord of historical delicacies!

A few things you'll find at the buffet:

· Book reviews of historical fiction and non

· Interviews with history writers

· Links to history websites

· Classroom ideas from history teachers

· Research tips

· This day in history

·And the price of eggs in 1944

The way I figure it, history is an endless smorgasbord. Which means my blog ideas are infinite! So, even though structure is not my strong suit, I'll create some categories that allow for topical searches.

And if there's something you'd like to see here, by all means, speak up! I'll do my best to hunt down the info and serve it up in a palatable manner.

WHEN THE CARDBOARD BOX OF LETTERS BECOMES AN INBOX

2009-12-23T03:52:18Z

Jeannie and me ( Just a few years ago.)

When my sister, Jeannie, and I were young, people often asked if we were twins. We were close in age and size but she was prettier and didn't talk as much as I did. And she could actually sing!

Eventually, we grew up and I moved away. We stayed in touch via long "gossipy" letters. I lived for those fat envelopes in my mailbox.

Then, at Christmas we'd swap our letters back again so she'd have the ones she'd written and I'd have mine. Which means that we now have a pretty amazing record of a certain period of our lives, including cute things our toddlers said, arguments with husbands, and major emotional setbacks.

I've been grieving the loss of those letters lately.

No, I didn't toss them. They didn't burn in a house fire or fall off the back of a truck. I have them in a plastic tub in my attic.

It's just that now, when we write, our letters fly through cyberspace.They zoom into my Inbox along with FaceBook comments, Twitter messages, and inquiries for author visits. Only the username marks them as special sister stuff. And I can't find Jeannie's beloved handwriting in there anywhere!

But what worries me most is how quickly I read them and click on to another message. And how they scroll out of sight so I can almost forget they existed. It's easy to miss important details like the particulars of a medical procedure, the name of her friend who died unexpectedly, or the emotional tone behind her words.

And of course, we can't indulge in the old easy "gossip" of the handwritten letters. If hubby and I just had an argument I am so not putting that in an email!

At the moment, I have over 4,000 letters in my Inbox. They're not all from Jeannie (or my other sisters) and I do use a folder system (sort of). But still...

I tend to keep emails because I might need to refer to a phone number, recipe, or some sentiment. They aren't nearly as desirable as my sister's handwritten letters but they're all I've got and I'm hanging on.

Tomorrow Jeannie and hubby are coming to spend Christmas with us. I'd give anything to have a cardboard box of letters to swap. But, at least, I won't have to settle for a cyber hug!

Jeannie enjoying her 4 wheeler. Don't you know, she's a fun grandma!

GREEN EYED MONSTER BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: (Gift Ideas)

2009-12-18T19:59:30Z

So yesterday I discussed the green-eyed monster of the children's literature world. Me. And jealousy.

Today, I'm going to call attention to some of my fellow writers who I hope have much success. (Although if they do, I'm going to be really GREEN!)

These are writers of solid books I've read in the last few years. None have won the Newbery or the National Book Award. (Yet) But some have gotten starred reviews, been named to ALA lists, and are the favorites of readers around the country. Each has succeeded in one way or another. But success in one area does not mean bringing home the bacon. In the writing world, only a few books at the top earn a living for their authors.

In the midlist of books are some gems more people should be buying.

So here in no special order except what my image browser finds first, I give you: I spent a few hours driving to a writer conference with award winning Author, Lisa Williams Kline. (And another hour or so getting lost at the very end.) Lisa spoke eloquently at the conference about realistic books that have one magic element. Fascinating topic! Then I came home and read WRITE BEFORE YOUR EYES to see how Lisa incorporated this concept into her writng. This is a fun, contemporary read that tackles some weighty questions. Highly readable fiction! I met Kathy Erskine in 2003 when we carpooled to a writing workshop. At the time, Kathy was a twinkle in Philomel's eye. But at our workshop with Patti Gauch, she found her dream editor who later published QUAKING. Continuing on the theme of jealousy here, there is a paragraph in this book, that I totally wish I'd written. And the rest of the book? Well, I wouldn't mind if my name were on the cover too. Or of the forthcoming Mockingbird which is already getting terrific reviews. But back to that great book another time. The NIGHT OF THE BURNING won the Sydney Taylor manuscript award. I quote from this book often when I speak on writing historical fiction. Author, Linda Press Wolf took the snippet of info she had about her mother-in-law's childhood experience and turned it into a novel. I love this book as I do so many eastern European stories. But it's the storytelling that makes it work. HUGGING THE ROCK by Susan Taylor Brown is a quiet little verse novel that struggles with the loss of one parent and celebrates an unexpected connection with the other. It is profoundly spare in the telling. The page I am most jealous of in this book, has no text other than a title - Mother's Day. Would I be brilliant enough to let a blank page speak for itself? Probably not. I've never met Susan Taylor Brown but she's one the best virtual friends any writer could have because she 's so internet savvy and consistently shares her info and encouragement with the rest of us. DRIVE by Nathan Clement surprises us with unexpected perspectives - both in the art but also in the characterization of a truck-driving dad - a man who peeks in on his sleeping son before going to work, who works hard and well all day long, and who comes home at the end of the day to play with his kid. If you know a preschooler with a dad who drives truck (or works at any job) this is such a great gift! I met Nathan at a writer event and since then, he designed my webpage! (And bookmarks. And postcards of my books.) Nathan totally lives up to the sensitivity and work ethic exemplified in DRIVE. So, if you need some design work, hire him! CAMPING WITH THE PRESIDENT is history in a picture book. A slice of Theodore Roosevelt's life. A look at a National Park in the making. Lively language. A lot of info told in an engaging style with lovely pics. I've never met author Ginger Wadsworth but we swapped some emails, shared some LOLs, and really connected. I adore this book. I also never met Jeannine Atkins but we're LiveJournal friends AND, get this; she noticed from my blog posts that I am working on a story that takes place in a mental hospital. Turns out she had a book on her shelf she thought I might need. So she packaged it up, sent it to me and told me to keep it for awhile. Very risky move! That was back in the summer and I still have it. (But I prrrromise to return it!) ANNE HUTCHINSON'S WAY tells the story of a puritan woman who was imprisoned because she insisting on teaching a compassionate view of God. I love that Jeannine reminded me of this great historical character and I've even used the book in my junior youth Sunday School class. I haven't read UP CLOSE; HARPER LEE by Kerry Madden but it's gotten great reviews and I've read much about Kerry's sensitive research in her blog posts. And I will eventually read it. I did read Kerry's Maggie Valley Trilogy which takes place in North Carolina's mountains. I met Kerry a few years ago when she spoke to NC teachers. She's lovely and has many friends in the writing world who would agree with me. Her website and the feeling you get when you visit it, tell you a lot about Kerry! And these great southern books do, too. Last September I was lucky enough to sign books beside Emily Smith Pearce at an event that connects North Carolina authors with teachers and librarians. So, I bought ISABEL AND THE MIRACLE BABY, a small story that gets right into the head of a child who feels crowded out by her mother's illness and a new baby. Great voice going on in this book! And finally, there's WILD THINGS. Author Clay Carmichael and I connected frequently via Twitter and email this year. She was so good to inform me of award lists we'd both been nominated for and she introduced me to others. Wild Things is getting great reviews - from Kirkus to Fuse 8 and is showing up on Best of the Year lists, mock newbery discussions, and ALA lists! So watch out - things could get wild for this author! To all of these writer friends, Congratulations and Good Luck! Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of books or authors I love and cheer for. More to come on another day.

COLOR ME GREEN! (Or how do I look in a bright shade of envy?)

2009-12-18T01:12:23Z

Each morning I wake up to emails from two writing listserves. I also tweet, facebook, and hang out with writer friends on several blog sites. The word "CONGRATULATIONS!" shows up often as writer friends find an agent, sell a manuscript, or get a great review.

Warm fuzzies abound and not just at Christmas.

Throughout the year, writers suggest each other's books for awards and swap info about grant opportunities etc. We critique each other's manuscripts and promote each other's books. We share writing and research tips.

Sounds like one big happy community. Right?

Well, of course, right. But I think it's fair to say that just underneath all that goodwill lies an evergreen layer. Because ultimately we're competitors. There are only a few coveted awards and we all dream of winning them. Readers have a limited number of book buying dollars and we need them to be spent on our books!

No matter how well our books are received, most of us can usually find someone whose title is getting way more attention! It's hard not to be jealous.

Recently I was even envious of my friend Carol Baldwin's work-in-progress. She's unearthing such a fabulous story that I almost wanted to be doing her research and writing her book!

That's pretty, sick, isn't it?

Not sure where I'm going with this. It's just something I've been thinking about - the irony of good friends being fierce competitors. I don't think there's a thing we can do about it - except keep encouraging each other, be genuinely happy when the other person succeeds, and do our very best work at all times.

After all, goodwill is in season all year-round!

And while I'm on the subject of promoting friends' books - check out Carol Baldwin's book on writing. It's full of great writing experiences for the classroom but it's great for writers too. One of her character building exercises hugely influenced my work-in-progress.

BEST OF 2009 BLOG CHALLENGE: Best "Article"

2009-12-04T03:54:31Z

December 3 Article. What's an article that you read that blew you away? That you shared with all your friends. That you Delicious'd and referenced throughout the year?

I read a truly amazing article this year. I just can't remember what it was. So I'm veering from the prompt to blog about the best unpublished memoir I read!

It was written by an octogenarian about his service to his country during WWII. At the time, he was a 23 year old Quaker whose conscience wouldn't allow him to kill. So he served by caring for mental patients under trying and even life threatening circumstances.

A few quotes from this gentleman's memoir:

"Not one word of what I write is for the purpose of having a laugh at crazy men. They are the memories of my experiences with my friends and acquaintances. Many of the accounts are rather physical, but they are nothing compared to the violence and rancor of much of our times in the outside "sane" world."

"I remember my fellows clearly over all these years, while most of my other contacts have faded, because we were involved in very personal, stressful and satisfying events together."

"Everyone should have some experience working in a mental hospital."

What blows me away about this memoir is the deep respect this gentleman has for the men who were in his care. I hope this spirit comes through in my work-in-progress.

BEST OF 2009 BLOG CHALLENGE: Best Restaurant Moment

2009-12-03T03:54:15Z

My best restaurant moment of 2009 isn't a restaurant moment at all. But rather a dining out experience in honor of my sister Joanne's birthday.

It took place on the property where I grew up. Until recently we couldn't visit because someone else lived there. But then the house burned and the landlord removed the outbuildings. What's left is a pond, a creek, woods, and weeds.
Fortunately Joanne's best childhood friend, Ellen still lives next door and looks out for the place so now we can visit any time.

On this day our brother Ken sent Joanne on a scavenger hunt. Then we headed down to the creek area for a picnic lunch. We knew that our brother, Vernon was providing lunch. I think we expected a picnic blanket and sandwiches.
What we found was this tent.
And this table set for Joanne, her sisters, our mom, sisters-in-law and Ellen.
Vernon paid attention to the details!
We were more than astonished!
And thoroughly delighted.
He even had music playing under the serving table.
The food rivaled that of a Highlights Foundation workshop meal.
The brothers provided towels for wading in the creek.
So we took off our shoes and went in. We had an incredible time and to round things out our daddy and hubbies joined us for some exploring in the woods of our childhood.
Of course you can't really go home again but this was a lovely attempt.

BEST OF 2009 BLOG CHALLENGE: Best Trip (to Writer Heaven)

2009-12-02T17:31:35Z

The best little padded glider on the porch of the best little rustic cabin in writer heaven.

I have lots of ideas for blogposts right now. If only I'd write them! To complicate matters, I just discovered The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge.

So to get back into the blogging groove, I accept the challenge. Here goes.

The best for Dec. 1 = Best Trip.

Oooh, I have no idea what I'm going to say next. I traveled a lot in 2009. I went to the beach with family. I had some exhilarating research trips. I made lots of school visits, and spent wonderful days in Alamance County, NC. It's impossible to rate one trip above another.

But I'll do it anyway!

In August I spent a week at a Founder's Home Workshop with Editor, Carolyn Yoder and 10 other writers. I lived in a rustic cabin by myself where I could make my very own robust cup of java each morning before heading down to the house for a fantab breakfast.

From there the day typically moved into:

a long walk on a winding road through a pristine forest
writing on my work-in-progress
one-on-one critique with Carolyn
revising my work in progress
delicious nap on my padded glider
to-die-for hors doeuvres and gourmet dinner with the gang
group readings and feedback sessions
laughter, struggle, fear, hope, celebration

To top it off we had the opportunity to indulge in a massage, meet Carolyn's mom, and hear from Norman Finkelstein who used to be 6 feet tall before working with Carolyn Yoder. (I should write a blogpost on my best quote of 2009!)

Suffice it to say, I spent a week in Writers Heaven On Earth. And I'm happy to report that Ms. Muse is alive and well at the Highlights Foundation Workshops. If you're a writer who hasn't yet indulged, I urge you to find a way to do so.

If you do, then next December, come time to celebrate the best trip of the year, you will have something to blog about even though it was impossible to choose just one!

A few pics from my "Best Trip of 2009"
Norman Finkelstein who published Three Across with Carolyn Yoder and a whole lot of other non-fiction titles with a whole lot of other publishers.

Our retreat group - minus our Carolyn.

Oh, there she is! Hiding behind Captain Mac, whose story will be in Calkins Creek spring catalog. Author Mary Morton Cowan is in the pink on the couch in group picture. Want to know about forests and lumbering? Ask Mary. She also wrote Timberrrrr!: A History of Logging in New England.
Not a New England forest. This is my walking trail from my best trip of 2009.
I love upstate Pennyslvania!

THANKSGIVING 101: (For the good things that I've got!)

2009-11-26T16:24:01Z

Following in the tradition of my friend, Amy, I want to offer a non-traditional thanks.

Today I'm grateful for:

my 70's era crockpot (because I seldom use it anyway so never mind that it isn't uber cool and doesn't conveniently separate for cleaning.)
my hardwood floors that need refinishing (because they're not damp dirt floors and there are no holes in them!)
the roof that needs to be replaced soon. (because it's not a tent in a refugee camp)
for occasional backpain (because it reminds me to exercise and because in the grand scheme of things, it's nothing, really!)
for midlist books (because although I don't have millions of readers, I have many who tell me how deeply touched they are by Ann Fay Honeycutt's story) (sequel too!)
for a smaller royalty check than last time (because four years ago I was still dreaming of publication!)
fewer speaking engagements (because although I miss the connections and the income, I have more time with my family!)
for 1/3 of my family gathering today (because the rest are celebrating with their families in other places and anyway 100 plus people is a lot to fix turkey for!)
that I'm only responsible for broccoli salad and other trivia (because when you're number 6 out of 8 siblings you don't have to be the leader if you don't want to! Thanks Kathleen, my first-born sibling for taking charge and cooking two turkeys!)

And of course, I am thankful for the usual yada, yada. But I don't want to sound trite - so trust me, I'm overwhelmed with God's goodness in my life even when I complain about things that really don't matter.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS: Writing Invisible Lines by Mary Amato

2009-11-22T13:29:56Z

I did not create the book trailer below. But that doesn't keep me from wishing it were my idea! Such a great way to communicate how a book takes shape and grows.

Congratulations, Mary Amato!

HOW I MET ONE OF MY CHARACTERS (Thanks to one of my readers!)

2009-11-15T00:06:46Z

Last January, one of my readers, a teacher who read BLUE with her students, wrote to tell me how much she enjoyed it. She wanted to track down a particular video about Hickory's polio epidemic.

It's wonderful, of course, to know that a reader enjoys my books and that my story sparks an interest in history. But it's some kind of special when she offers to help research my work-in-progress because she lives near where it takes place.

When Candy Scherberger made this offer I thanked her and promptly returned to whatever else was overwhelming me at the moment. Then in August, I realized I was ready for her help. In particular, I wanted details related to the library at the College of William and Mary.

Clearly, August isn't the best time to ask a teacher for a favor. So I gave Candy an out but she promised to do what she could. Then, this week, she put an archivist in touch with me.

As a result, I know the name of the head librarian in 1942 - Earl Gregg Swem - who is now a character in my book. I know that the library, itself didn't have a name and that it was open and active during the summer (Whew! I needed that!),and I know that indeed, Mr. Swem hired student assistants. (I'm going to assume that one of them could be a love interest for my fictional character!)

In addition, I have links to hundreds of issues of The Flat Hat, the college's newspaper. And if there's anything I love more than an old newspaper rich with details of time and place, it would be - hmmmm what would it be?

Maybe the reader who helped me find it? Thanks a million, Candy!

JEANNETTE WALLS (Everybody Has a Story!)

2009-11-10T03:22:19Z

I loved The Glass Castle! So naturally when I heard Author, Jeannette Walls was coming to my hometown I ignored everything else and showed up at Lenoir Rhyne University.
Mike Collins, host of "Charlotte Talks", a local NPR program, interviewed her for a radio broadcast which you can listen to here.

Jeannette is funny and wise and has chosen a positive attitude toward her horrendous childhood.

We know that having her book on the NYT best seller list for 100 weeks made Jeannette a rich woman. But she doesn't take material things for granted. To her, flush toilets, the ability to buy groceries, and the chance to take piano lessons is a miracle. I love that about Jeannette, that she can still revel in the small luxuries of life.

And that she can see the upside of down things. She said "On the up side, "I'm a fighter and a scrapper. On the downside, I'm a fighter and a scrapper!" And "We all have demons. We have to put a harness on our demons, not cast them out!"

She has a new book out, Half-Broke Horses which tells the story of her maternal grandmother. I just finished that book too. Although it's fictionalized, it too, feels much like a memoir in the telling. Having read her grandmother's story, I can see a bit of what shaped her mother and also what has made Jeannette the resilient person she is.

American Association of School Librarians

2009-11-07T01:57:52Z

Last week I searched Google Images for a pic of this statue across the street from the Charlotte Convention center. Didn't find it anywhere. Now, I have a feeling it is about to show up all over Facebook with images of smiling media specialists.

That's because American Association of School Librarians' Conference is meeting in Charlotte. I spent the day at the conference. And Carol Baldwin and I fulfilled a wish to get a picture of ourselves with these books.

I attended one of several workshops Carol presented this weekend. I love watching Carol present which is a good thing since I'll be spending next week teaching with her at NCCAT. Carol and I co-lead seminars for teachers and also co-author the Talking Story e-newsletter.

From Carol's workshop I dashed to the exhibit floor where I signed books at the Author Pit Stop.

What a great event. Authors were assigned to various stations across on the exhibit floor and librarians tracked us down or just bumped into us. It was a leisurely way to connect and I saw lots of old friends.

I was honored to share a table with Jennifer Jabaley, author of the brand new Lipstick Apology. Here she is with one of her fans. I haven't read this book but the premise is intriguing and the enthusiastic response from librarians tells me this is one I want to read!

Jennifer and I had fun with Tessa, an effervescent librarian who I met on a school visit to South Carolina last year!

Stephen Messer, introduced himself to us also. Don't have a pic but he seems like a super swell fellow who wrote this forthcoming fantasy novel. Windblowne is due out in May 1010 from Random House. Does this look like fun, or what? Congratulations, Stephen! I hope you and your book fly high!
I signed books at my publisher's booth. And connected with readers there. But oh, the day was a blur and now I've forgotten who's in this pic with me. Maybe she'll speak up and tell me. (Please!)

CAMPING WITH THE PRESIDENT BOOK TRAILER

2009-10-28T03:24:29Z

A few weeks ago I blogged about this awesome book by Ginger Wadsworth.

Now there's an awesome trailer for it. Can't you feel Teddy Roosevelt's spirit here?

Bully for you Ginger!

THE SALT BLOCK: So much to do. So little time!

2009-10-23T15:23:23Z

If you drive through my hometown you may drive by the SALT BLOCK. And exactly what does that mean?

Simply this: Science, Arts, and Literature Together on one city block.

It's a city block with:

A Hands-on Science Center with ever-changing exhibits
A sparkling new planetarium
An art museum AND
A terrificLibrary!

The only problem with all this goodness in one place is sometimes a body just can't do it all! As on November 5 when I want to be in the art museum for a program on "Trompe L'Oeil - The Art of Illusion" and also at an event co-sponsored by my alma mater and The Hickory Public Library - an evening with Jeannette Walls!

Jeannette wrote The Glass Castle, a memoir which I loved and also Half Broke Horses which I've reserved at the Catawba County Library.

Since I can't do both the art and the literature event, I'll have to make a difficult choice. But then again, maybe it wasn't that hard. From the moment I knew Jeannette was coming, I knew I'd be going to hear her!

You can meet Jeannette and her mom here!

NETWORKING FROM "TALKING STORY"

2009-10-17T23:48:43Z

The second issue of Talking Story is out!

Co-publisher, Carol Baldwin and I focused on Networking in this issue. In it, we introduce some :

Tips for networking effectively
Authors we know who network well - ie susanwrites
Ways that classrooms can connect with authors (besides a pricey school visit)
Tips for online social networking and link to a helpful class on the subject
Some of the librarians who have helped us
Jan Broadfoot who helps NC teachers and librarians connect with local authors
An opportunity for a teacher to win $ 150.00 worth of educational books
A link to a book trailer contest with $ 1,000.00 scholarship prize.

Networking is a constant learning curve. At Talking Story we try to help you round the curve without embarrassing incidents.

TWO DAMIEN FILMS

2009-10-09T18:42:50Z

Want to know more about Father Damien, the missionary priest to Hawaii who is being canonized on Sunday? Check out these movies!
Molokai: The Story of Father Damien was co-written by Hilde Eynikel who also wrote a book by the same title. Stars are David Wenham and Kate Ceberano.

An Uncommon Kindness is a documentary narrated by Robin Williams.

Both are informative, absorbing, and well worth your time. If your public library doesn't have them, it's always worth asking. Chances are, they will order upon request.

SMILE: FATHER DAMIEN WAS HERE!

2009-10-08T18:47:50Z

If you were a leprosy patient shipped off to the Kalaupapa Peninsula, separated from home and family, would you be smiling?

I'm not exactly sure which of the residents of Kalaupapa painted these rocks. Or when. Likely a century after Father Damien lived and died.

But I do know that ever since he came, there have been more smiles on the Kalaupapa Peninsula.

And on Sunday, October 11, 2009 when Pope Benedict presides over his canonization, there will be lots of celebrating!

FATHER DAMIEN: He made it easier to believe.

2009-10-07T16:19:12Z

Children's art work depicting scenes from Father Damien's life - on display in the Damien Birthplace Museum in Tremelo, Belgium.

Confession: I don't really like the word "saint". It conjures up images of people too religious to be any earthly good. But if the Vatican has decided that Father Damien is a saint, then there must be another definition at work.

Because that man did a world of good.

He offered compassion to the desolate leprosy patients of Hawaii. He empowered them to improve their situation, hassled them as needed, and shared his food and pipe with them. He gave his life for them. He got their disease.

Before him, there'd been a few non-patients who lived or did religious work in the settlement but they were either transient or came as helpers to family members . Father Damien was the first to voluntarily stay in Kalawao and serve all its residents. He inspired others to do the same.

Joseph Dutton showed up one day, said he'd come to help, and proceeded to spend the rest of his life (45 more years) on the six squares miles of Kalaupapa Peninsula.

Dutton describes his first encounter with Father Damien.

He was now a leper in the advanced stage... The Father talked eagerly,... he called me "Brother," as I had come to stay, and gave me at once the full care of two churches. He was full of plans that morning, talking of what he wished for the lepers.

Joseph Dutton was a striking figure - a tall muscular man in a blue demin suit. He was neat and clean even after a "hot dusty trip."

There was little water in the leprosy settlement and Father Damien constantly hustled from one menial task to another. He was impulsive and careless about appearances so he must've looked like a mess much of the time. Probably the sort of person a lot of us would pull away from.

Brother Dutton wrote of him:

There were times when one did not care to be too much with Father Damien; that should be said. But there was love between us. This is not to say that our tastes and personal habits were the same, it would not be correct to say that.

He goes on to talk about repugnances. He doesn't get specific but I suspect that Father Damien never looked like the white robed, haloed image that seems to go with sainthood.

I'm not entirely sure what all defines a saint in the Catholic tradition. I know there must be evidence of a holy life and also of miracles.

In my tradition, a saint is someone who lives what he believes. As William Barclay put it, "A saint is someone whose life makes it easier to believe in God."

Just one reason why Father Damien will become Saint Damien on October 11, 2009. And it also explains why he inspired me to write Healing Water!

Quotations from The Heart of Father Damien by Vital Jourdain, S.S. C.C.