Mary Emma's Potpourri of Writing

Sign Up for My Mailing List (E-Mail and/or Postal)

2011-11-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

I currently have copies of my children's anthology, Tales of Adventure & Discovery, available for Christmas gift giving.

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.

(Just a note: My mailing lists aren't shared with anyone else.)

Promoting Your Book with Ideas from The Frugal Book Promoter

2011-11-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

Promotion...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.)

The Frugal Book Promoter, 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.

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 "How to do it Frugally Series."

I'm also excited that I'm featured in this edition, with mention, on page 218, of my participation in a promotion technique.

Have fun learning how YOU can promote your books without a great deal of expense.

Using a Blog to Promote Your Book

2011-11-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

Getting 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.

Starting a blog about your book has become very popular. 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.

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.

I'm developing a blog, Plymouth, NH...250th Anniversary, for my upcoming book, Plymouth of Yesteryear, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Creating a Book Sales Site

2011-10-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

In addition to writing and selling my own books, I've developed a book sales site, Mary Emma's Book Buzz Biz, where I'll mention books I have on hand for sale.

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.

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.

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.

Illustrating my 250th Anniversary Book

2011-10-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

I'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.

I've discovered, the more I do it, the more I enjoy sketching for my books.

Plymouth, NH's 250th Anniversary

2011-10-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

My 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.

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?

I've started a blog to keep readers updated about this project, Plymouth, NH's 250th Anniversary. Check it out periodically for my current status.

Family Story & Civil War Workshop

2011-08-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

Finding Your Writing/Speaking Niche with the Presidents' Wives

2011-03-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

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.

The Banker's Greed - Successfully Launching a Book with Advance PR

2011-03-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

Patricia Terrell (p. m. terrell) appears to be very successfully launching her new mystery novel, The Bankers' Greed, co-authored with T. Randy Stevens, due out March 31. Positive reviews, blogging, book trailers, web site updates and a schedule of author appearances have helped the authors and publisher, Drake Valley Press, get word out about this book.

Even two months ago, advance book sales were going well and book tour appearances had been scheduled.

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, "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."

Jessica's initial adventure and mystery solution is so captivating that reviewers and critics want to see more of her!

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.

Compile a "Seven Wonders in Your Home Town" Booklet

2011-03-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

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 H ill Hawk Hattie, Hattie On Her Way and Secrets of Greymoor. I must read these, too.

Has Blogging Made Us Sloppy Writers?

2010-08-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

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 S trunk and White's Elements of Style any more?
Or William Zinsser's On Writing Well?

Do Our Writing Niches Change with the Times?

2010-08-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-08-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-01-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-31T08:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-08-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Finding Time for Writing

2009-06-16T05:39:00.000-07:00

I find the time for my writing with current deadlines...like my b5 media blogs and Country Kitchen columns. However, finding time for my other writing projects, midst substitute teaching, working at the deli, and helping Jim with our business, seems to go by the wayside.

I must, this summer, squeeze in more than hit-and-miss time if I'm to finish:

Sarah Jane picture book
Papa Goes to War chapter book
Uncle Buffalo Bill picture book
Promoting my Family Story Writing classes

Decide upon a direction....and focus until I'm finished!

What is My Brand?

2009-06-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

Should writers brand themselves or be a multi-faceted writer?

There are differing opinions to this. If you focus on one objective, you will miss other opportunities. If your chosen field falters, you may not be able to move forward in it.

I've been a multi-faceted throughout my life and have had many writing experiences. Where do I go from here?

Do I focus (brand myself) on one area exclusively? Or do I venture into the various opportunities that come along, or that I seek out?

Check Out Google Blogger for Dummies to Enhance Your Blogging

2009-04-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

Blogging is the wave of the present and the future.

Do you want to enhance your blogging and learn more about getting the utmost from your blog? Perhaps you don't have a blog and want to learn how to set one up.

Check out Susan Gunelius' Google Blogger for Dummies. Here you'll find helpful instructions for setting up your Blogger blog as well for enhancing ones you already have. Learn about monetizing your blogs, too.

Read more about Google Blogger for Dummies in my review at Blisstree.

Writers Build Upon Their Published Books

2009-03-10T06:11:00.000-07:00

Writers are taught to "get the most mileage from the material they research and write. When we write a book, can we write others in the same vein or related to it? You'll even find this in the children's book writing field.

When I discovered the children's story book, The Quiltmaker's Gift, I didn't realize there were related books with quilt patterns and suggestions. In researching an answer for a reader's question about this book, I discovered more and wrote about them in Follow-up Books for the Quiltmaker's Gift.

You may want to check out these books:
The Quiltmaker's Gift
Quilts From the Quiltmaker's Gift
More Quilts From the Quiltmaker's Gift

How can you expand upon the books you write, whether they're for children or adults, fiction or non-fiction. Put on your thinking cap!

Books About Daylight Saving Time & Spring

2009-03-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Discover facts and figures (the curious and the ordinary) about Spring and Daylight Saving Time

Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time by David Prerau
Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time by Michael Downing
Crafting Springtime Gifts: 25 Adorable Projects Featuring Bunnies, Chicks, Lambs & Other Springtime Favorites by Tone Finnanger
Time for Change: Setting Clocks Forward by One Hour Thorughout the Year by Mayer Hillman
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle

Find a Topic & Specialize Like Feather Schwartz Foster

2009-03-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

Feather Schwartz Foster has become one of the foremost authorities on the First Ladies of the White House. She writes about them, gives presentations and teaches workshops. Feather through her research and writing, Feather has become a specialist or authority so her entertaining programs about the First Ladies are popular.

Her book, Ladies: A Conjecture of Personalities, presents the voices of the First Ladies in novel format in an entertaining way. The Ladies talk with one another without regard to time and express their thoughts and feelings. Garfield's Train, although not specifically about First Ladies, relates the death of President Garfield in novel form. Thus it ties in with the topic of the Presidency.

To further aid writers, Feather has written an e-book, On the Road with the Old Gals. Here she gives hints on how to promote one's book through lectures/speaking engagements.

Are your topics ones you can specialize in, become an authority in, so that you are invited to speak and teach?

Writing Prompts from Photos

2009-03-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

Check out Mary Emma's Writing Tips at One Book Two Book for suggestions on developing writing prompts from photos. One photo can yield ideas for many types of writing. In this post, I've used a photo from my childhood of Nubble Lighthouse, Cape Neddick, Maine.

I'm also incorporating this idea into a workshop I'm teaching this week for a group of homeschoolers.

(If you'd like to learn more about my workshops for young writers, e-mail me at me.allen@juno.com .)

Mary Emma Allen Published in Eternally Yours Anthology

2009-02-24T11:23:00.000-08:00

Potpourri writer, Mary Emma Allen has stories featured in the new release, Eternally Yours, an anthology of poetry, light essays, devotions and meditations, edited by Mary Ellen Grisham and published by Xulon Press.

Featuring some of the best Christian writers on the Internet, this book represents work that has appeared in the Eternal Ink E-zine since it’s inception in 1999.

In addition, Mary gives presentations and teaches workshops at schools, libraries, writers’ conferences, and for other groups. Some of her talks include topics such as Alzheimer's and caregiving, quilt history and quiltmaking, New Hampshire history, and writing.

I was pleased when Ms. Grisham selected some of my stories for inclusion in this anthology. It's exciting to encourage and inspire others with my writing.

Mary Emma Writes Guest Post at Women on Business

2009-02-17T15:21:00.000-08:00

I often write about home businesses, since freelance writing often is considered one. I've also operated other businesses from our home.

So when Susan Gunelius invited me to write a guest post at her Women on Business blog gives, I provided 10 Tips On Finding Time for Your Home Business.

Hopefully these tips will be particularly helpful if you're balancing family and business.

Incidentally, writing guest posts is an enjoyable way for an author to visit other blogs and web sites.

Discovering the Delight of a Gardening Mystery Series

2009-02-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

I’ve discovered a delightful mystery series by Ann Ripley with a gardener, Louise Eldridge as heroine. In addition to just solving a mystery in Death of a Political Plant, Louise has a gardening TV show near Washington, DC. We also learn much about gardens, gardening, and various types plants in the course of the story.

Included are essays by Ripley on various type of gardens and gardening history. Even though I don’t do so much gardening as I once did, I enjoy reading about various plants and their backgrounds. Some topics covered in the essays: bog gardens, low maintenance gardens, water gardens, annuals, garden tools and more.

I love to visit gardens, whether public ones, historic ones, or those simply growing around friends’ homes. Personally, I don’t have the time or patience I once did to dig and plant around our home. Perhaps one day I will again. My daughter enjoys this when she has time.

Other books in the Louise Eldrider garden mystery series: Mulch , Death of a Garden Pest, The Garden Tour Affair and Death in the Orchid Garden.

A Valentine's Journey Writing Prompt

2009-02-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Check out the writing prompt, A Valentine's Journey, at my b5 media blog, One Book Two Book.

This is a fun activity youngsters...and adults...may enjoy. I know a variation of it was fun for students I worked with the other day.

The Rainbow Fish - Is It Controversial?

2009-02-04T16:44:00.000-08:00

Periodically, comments crop up on posts concerning the picture book, The Rainbow Fish over at my One Book Two Book blog. Some readers seem to feel it's a controversial one and spouts socialist propaganda. Other readers see it as a lovely story with a light moral and unique, colorful illustrations.

Perhaps you'd like to check out these posts and let me know what you think.

Interpreting an Author's Meaning - Particularly in The Rainbow Fish

What Does The Rainbow Fish Mean? Is There An Underlying Meaning?

Rainbow Fish Makes a Comeback at Our House

(The Rainbow Fish available at Amazon - link above)

Writing Tips About Obama's Inauguration

2009-01-25T18:01:00.000-08:00

Mary Emma's Writing Tip of the Week

Each Sunday, I try to post a writing tip at my One Book Two Book blog. This week, since we've just experienced the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, I gave suggestions for writing about this occasion.

Even though these ideas were directed toward young writers, you still may find something to jumpstart your writing. If you have young writers in your life, teach school or home school, you may find them useful in that area.

Check out Mary Emma's Writing Tip - What Did You Think of the Inauguration?

References to Lincoln During Obama's Inauguration

2009-01-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

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)

Looking for News Trends or Topics

2009-01-22T16:25:00.000-08:00

When searching for topics to write about, look to current happenings and trends. Right now everyone is focused on the Obama family and their first days in the White House. Whether one voted for them or not, they're newsworthy. So writers might look for some "hook" that ties in with these events.

Ladies generally are fascinated by what the First Ladies wear, the fashion trends they set, how they entertain and with what taste they decorate the private quarters of the White House. I thought this would be newsworthy and fun to write about. So I've begun a blog, White House Fashions - Past & Present, to explore history and today through the style of the First Ladies, from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama.

My first post is What First Ladies Wear and mentions how I got started writing this blog, as well as highlights some of the ladies' styles.

Books About Obama, the Presidency and Past Presidents

2009-01-22T14:49:00.000-08:00

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?

Authors - Use Obama Techniques in Your Promotions

2009-01-19T11:12:00.000-08:00

Promotional Techniques in the Internet Age

More than any other presidential candidate, Barack Obama and his team appear to have utilized the wide reaching appeal of the Internet and the technique of branding to appeal to the masses and promote him as the best person to lead our country. Whether you agree or not with the results of the presidential election, you’ll have to admit that the Obama team used promotional methods that worked.

Can we as authors learn from this?

BRANDING – Finding a key word or buzz word that captured the attention and emotions of the public seemed important in the campaign. What did they settle on? Something very simple…. the word CHANGE.

This word has a different meaning for everyone. It can evoke images of change for the better or fear of change for the worst. Somehow the Obama team was able to construe images of changing one’s present situation for the better so that the majority followed blindly with images of something they considered “better” dancing in their heads.

As more and more people picked up on CHANGE, the campaign gained momentum for most Democrat candidates.

Can you find a buzz word that will appeal to your readers? It should be something simple…something that ties in with your book, your writing, and/or you. It should evoke appealing images and emotion in the minds of your readers (who will become your fans or followers).

However, be cautious that your buzz word doesn’t give the idea that you promise more than you can deliver.

USE OF THE INTERNET – In today’s world, it’s almost imperative that you utilize the Internet as much as you can. You saw this in the Obama campaign with web sites, blogs, and YouTube town meetings.

Web Site/Blog - Most authors have a web site and/or blog where they post information about their books and their lives. Blogs enable them to keep their readers informed on a day-to-day basis.

YouTube can help you with book trailers, talks, and demonstrations, even meetings with your readers. How did Obama utilize these online features to reach the public, whereas other candidates appeared still to be learning there was an Internet out there?

Do you have a Buzz Word?

Spin-Offs from Quilting Novels

2009-01-16T19:35:00.000-08:00

In the quilting field, we begin to see novels with a quilting theme that evolve into pattern books and even cookbooks. This becomes just one way a writer can produce spin-offs from their books. One of these books is The Quiltmaker's Gift.

I'd read The Quiltmaker's Gift to children when I was subsitute teaching and mentioned it on my Quilting and Patchwork blog. A reader inquired where she might find fabric with the Quilter's Gift as a theme.

As I was researching her query (and I haven't found any fabric yet, but asked for other quilters' input), I discovered some books with quilt patterns that accompany the story book, called Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift and More Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift.

Another quilter read my post at Quilting and Patchwork today and said she checked out these quilt pattern books and discovered they are "must haves." She's going to get one as a gift for a friend, too.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson Wonders, "What Has Happened to Literary Fiction?"

2009-01-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of This is the Place, The Frugal Book Promoter, and The Frugal Editor, ponders why so much sci-fi, fantasy and romance is published, but less and less literary fiction? I think you'll enjoy her ideas. At least they will get you thinking.

For me the real topic is this: Why is it that literary fiction seems to be losing readers? The only reason my literary novel This Is the Place sold well in 2001 (at least for a first novel) is that I am also a marketer and took lots of time nurturing the sales and thinking of angles that would appeal to large segments of readers (yes, like the romantic aspect, that it is based on a true story, etc)

Here are some reasons I think literary work is not being read, in no particular order:

* Literary fiction (including poetry) isn't being published, at least not in the numbers it was published in the past.

*Publishers are assigning their marketing dollars to their top authors and stars and very nearly ignoring their midlist people. In fact, they aren't building midlists in any genre as they once did which doesn't bode well for publishing in general as the big names age and retire.

*Our education system isn't encouraging critical thinking or reading.

*Our education system is failing to teach reading/vocabulary building, etc. at a level required by many literary novels. So must we dumb-down our literary writing?

*Evidenced by the way our culture votes for their leaders, it doesn't much value anything intellectual. No matter what your politics I think we writers might agree that Obama's critical thinking, speaking and writing skills might be an encouraging sign for the future.

Please don't forget to discuss the sorry state of poetry. I read recently that even poets aren't buying books or chapbooks of poetry. Sorry, I can't find the article in my files.

Carolyn's web site: How To Do It Frugally.

Books I've Found for Tots through Teens

2009-01-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

From time to time, I compile lists of books for young and YA readers. Here are some in categories I've been researching:

Bird Books: Stories, Information & Fun

World War II Books for Children & YA

Controversial Books

When you check out these lists, you'll also find the information about where they're available. Also, you may be able to find most of them in your local library.

Happy New Year's from Potpourri of Writing

2009-01-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

May 2009 be a wonderful year for you.

It's cold (3 degrees F.) and windy here where I live.

But we're looking forward to a grand 2009 with writing goals coming true.

Censorship of Books & Internet - Is This the Solution?

2008-12-30T08:48:00.000-08:00

Censorship

Do you express concern when someone tries to tell you what books you and your children can and can't read? Are you concerned about what's out there on the Internet that your children might discover.

So should the Internet have more government control? Books and Internet provide information for children and adults. Should the government control what we read and see? Or is that the responsibility of the parents?

Aaron Brazell provided an interesting post at Technosailor, UK Plans to Keep Kids Safe on the Web, Ignores History, about this topic, sparked by a proposal by the British Cultural Secretary. The Secretary has more control of the Internet in mind and expresses the desire that the US, when Barack Obama becomes President, will join him.

At Technosailor, you'll find some "food for thought," so that you don't accept this idea blindly.

I've also posted at One Book Two Book, Government Control of Books and Internet - Do You Agree? and at Obama Alert, More Control of Our Children and Our Lives?

What do you think?

Will Print Publications Disappear?

2008-12-25T19:23:00.000-08:00

Eco-consciousness

Saving trees and deleting the energy intensive processes involved in turning trees into paper is termed as being "eco-friendly" or "eco-conscious." We're finding that more and more print publications are developing an online presense.

Some have an online edition as well as a print one. Others are discontinuing their print versions as they publish solely online.

My daughter found that her favorite quilting magazine has developed an online subscription which costs less than the print version. The publisher will be offering both, but one wonders for how long.

My husband received a notice from a magazine he subscribes to that starting with the February issue, it will only be available online. He can no longer receive a print issue. If he doesn't desire this, he can get a refund. However, he says, even though he prefers a print edition, he does need the magazine for the information it contains for keeping current in his business.

Which do you prefer? Have you found a way to download online magazines onto an electronic reader?

My Fav b5 Blog Posts of the Week

2008-12-19T13:57:00.001-08:00

Favorite Posts

Periodically b5 bloggers post their favorite posts of the week. I write three blogs at b5media, Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and One Book Two Book. (The latter I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer.)

Sometimes it's difficult to choose your very favorite for the week. However, here are the three for this week:

http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/...ilt-mysteries/ http://www.onebooktwobook.com/mary-e...storm-of-2008/http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/not-h...-nursing-home/

Children's & YA Books About World War II Adventures

2008-12-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Dec. 7, was Pearl Harbor Day, the anniversary of the attack that caused the United States to enter World War II. I was a child at that time and remember the scary time it was, even though there was no fighting in our country.

I often write down my memories for my daughter and grand children and share them with others, too.I also have found some children's books about young people's experiences and adventures during those times.

Here are some children's books about World War II that I've enjoyed and have in my collection:

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff

The Art of Keeping Cool by Janet Taylor Lisle

The Night Flyers by Elizabeth McDavid Jones (An American Girl History Mystery)

Shadows on the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow

A Boy at War by Harry Mazer (A novel of Pearl Harbor)

The Spy Who Came in from the Sea by Peggy Nolan

Tea for 200 (not two..or you..or me) with JK Rowling

2008-12-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

Tea Party

To celebrate the release of her latest book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, famed author JK Rowling invited approximately 200 school children to enjoy tea with her. What an exciting experience!

Read more about this at my One Book Two Book blog. This book is a spin-off of sorts from the latest Harry Potter book, Deathly Hallows.

I wonder what they had for tea and refreshments. Possibly something with a Scottish influence since this was to take place in Edinburgh.

Giveaways? Here Are Some With Gifts for Youngsters

2008-12-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

One Book Two Book Giveaways

If you're a fan of giveaways, you'll find a series of them at a blog I co-author, One Book Two Book, running from Dec. 2-7.

Check out the rules and leave comments at the following links. You can enter any or all of the giveaways. These will make great Christmas gifts for youngsters, too. Enjoy!

Book Swim Giveaway
Readeez DVD Giveaway
Baby Can Read Giveaway
Wii Pop Star Guitar Giveaway
Fly Me To The Moon Giveaway
Giveaway - Celebrity Arthur Book from Speakaboos
Giveaway - Countdown to Bedtime Soundbooks
Giiveaway - ECO Baby Organic Playdough
Baby Potential Teacher Onesie Giveaway
Natural Pod Giveaway
RideMakerz Giveaway
Happy Green Bee Giveaway
Mead Writing Fundamentals Giveaway

Happy Thanksgiving from Potpourri of Writing

2008-11-27T06:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

We've been busy this morning getting the turkey ready. Yes, we're having the traditional turkey. My hubby selected it so has been monitoring the preparations. After I made the stuffing ("like Mother used to make!"), I left the rest to him. The engineer in him cooks to precision.

My daughter has been preparing her special recipes to add to our menu. She made her daughter's request of "glop" for breakfast...a combination of bread cubes, eggs, sausage, cheese, and milk. Some of us like that, while others have something else. (We live in a multi-generational home with six family members, a dog, guinea pig, and rabbit.)

Perhaps you'd like to see my Thankful Poem, a project on my Quilting and Patchwork blog.

How about writing your own Thankful Poem this weekend? Or any time of year?

Controversial Books...Is The Rainbow Fish One of These?

2008-11-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

The Rainbow Fish

I've often wondered where readers, teachers, reviewers and literary "experts" find the hidden meanings in books, unless the author has made a statement to this effect. Of course, if you know the author's beliefs and lifestyle, some may show through in their books. But how can we be sure all the interpretations aren't simply someone's opinion or speculation?

Whenever we've written about The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister at One Book Two Book, we've received a number of comments, some of them mentioning what a controversial book this colorful picture book is. Apparently to many people, it has underlying social and socialistic meanings. Some agree and others are vividly opposed.

You may want to check out:

What Does The Rainbow Fish Mean? Is There an Underlying Meaning?
Rainbow Fish Makes a Comeback at Our House

All this makes me wonder if anyone reads hidden meanings into my books and stories. It might be interesting to find out!

Remembrances of Veterans Day, Past & Present

2008-11-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day meant a great deal in my childhood. Two of my uncles served in the World Wars. My husband is a veteran, too, so for several years I was a military wife.

I've written about this day at several of my blogs and have included a post of Alicia Sparks:

One Book Two Book: Remembering Our Veterans on Veterans Day.

Alzheimer's Notes:Veterans Day Memories in Alzheimer's World

Quilting and Patchwork: Patriotic Quilts for Veterans Day

Alicia Sparks' Mental Health Notes: Help Veterans Obtain Mental Health Resouces

Do you have associations, past and present, with Veterans Day?

Thanksgiving Books for Fun and Facts

2008-11-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Books

If you're looking for Thanksgiving and harvest book ideas for your youngsters and yourself, check out my list and post at One Book Two Book.

Fun & Fact Books for Thanksgiving & Harvest Season

Favorite Thanksgiving Books

Do you have any to suggest?

October - A Time for Spider Month, Books & Activities

2008-10-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

October seems to be "Spider Month," when people are searching the Internet for information about spiders. Perhaps it has to do with Halloween.

Marcie Pickelsimer, my co-blogger at One Book Two Book, has done a great deal of research on this topic as it applies to children's books and activities. You might enjoy visiting our blog, especially the following posts:

October is Spider Month
Spider Activities for Kids: Young & Old
Spiders!
10 Best Spider Books
Spiders, Spiders Everywhere

Enjoy! Then you might want to leave Marcie a message telling her how much you appreciate all the research she has done on this topic and the books and spider activities she's found.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Writing Workshops for Tots Through Teens & Adults

2008-10-13T06:20:00.001-07:00

I love encouraging young and beginning writers. So I'm often invited to schools and libraries to present writing workshops in various types of this art form....fiction, non-fiction, poetry. Since I've also illustrated some of my books, I'll include art in these presentations, too.

For more information about my writing workshops, check them out at my Children's Author Tales blog. (Contact information is there, too.)

Discover Weekly Writing Tips at One Book Two Book

2008-10-01T10:39:00.001-07:00

If you or your family entertain thoughts of writing...for pure fun, to write stories for school lessons, or to record your thoughts in journals, you might enjoy the series I've begun at One Book Two Book, Mary Emma's Writing Tips. Although the weekly tips, prompts and activities are slated for young writers, they will work for anyone.

These will appear at One Book Two Book each Sunday. I also will suggest books and web sites where you can find help and inspiration, too.

One of my joys is sharing my writing with others and encouraging them in theirs, whether they're children or adults.

Related Posts:
Mary Emma's Writing Tips for Young Writers
Mary Emma's Writing Activities for Young Writers
Mary Emma's Weekly Writing Tips -Scary Stories

(c)Mary Emma Allen

Daily Giveaways at One Book Two Book beginning August 24

2008-08-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

Giveaways at OneBookTwoBook.com

You’ll find them daily for several days (August 24 - Sept. 6) for the Back-to-School Blast. Some days there even two drawings!

Among the prizes are many items to get the youngsters ready for school from snacks, lunch boxes/kits, back packs, books, and other supplies.

Stay tuned and have a blast! Visit One Book Two Book often.

Get One Book, Two Book’s Feed!

GIVEAWAY for HARRY POTTER PHENOMENON BOOK

2008-08-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

At my Home Biz Notes blog, I'm offering a random drawing giveaway of Susan Gunelius's new book:

"To celebrate the U.S. release of Harry Potter, The Story of a Global Business Phenomenon by Susan Gunelius, we’re conducting a random drawing giveaway of a copy of the book. (See my interview of Susan at Home Biz Notes for more information about the book and why Susan wrote it.)"

Check out the giveaway, especially if you're a Harry Potter fan or are interested in phenomenal marketing strategies.

One Book Two Book - Book Blog for Kids of All Ages

2008-07-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

I'm having great fun co-blogging with Marcie Pickelsimer at the b5media blog, One Book Two Book which features books and information for kids of all ages. You might want to check it out. Even become a regular reader!

We feature: reviews, interviews, giveaways, theme weeks, book news, word of the week, book quotes, reading related activities, and much, much more.

Come join us!

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Check Out the Giveaways on Four of My Blogs

2008-07-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

I'm running giveaways on 4 of my b5media blogs. How about checking them out? You may want to enter the random drawings.

http://www.onebooktwobook.com/monkey-trouble-book-giveaway-at-one-book-two-book/

http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/2008/07/28/bloggy-giveway-at-quilting-patchwork/

http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/a-glass-full-of-tears-giveaway-at-alzheimers-notes/

http://www.homebiznotes.com/a-drawinggiveaway-for-mary-emma-allens-anthology/

The giveaway at Quilting and Patchwork expires Aug. 1, 11:59 PM (Eastern). The expiration date on the others is Aug. 5, 11:59 PM (Eastern).

Writing & Publishing Month at Home Biz Notes

2008-07-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Want to learn more about writing and publishing? Also working at it from home?

Check out the exciting features this month at my b5media blog, Home Biz Notes. My coblogger, Yvonne Russell, and I are interviewing writers, featuring self-publishing businesses, talking to tax experts. We're hosting authors, doing book reviews, and posting guest articles as well as mentioning our own experiences in the writing/publishing field.

*Tim Bete with 10 book promotion tips
*Susan Gunelius and her new book about the Harry Potter phenomenon.
*Anne Wayman, blogger and writer
*Lois Collins and the Spencer Family Books
*Janie Lancaster and running serials in newspapers
*Kathleen Walls and GAP

This is only a sampling of what Yvonne and I have planned.

Come join us!

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Debbie Yost Writes About What She Knows

2008-05-20T18:24:00.001-07:00

"Write about what you know," has been the age-old advice for writers. Sometimes this works and sometimes writers choose a different path.

However, for daycare provider, blogger and writer, Debbie Yost, this advice is paving the way for her writing. Debbie appeared as a guest blogger on Home Biz Notes, a blog I co-author with Yvonne Russell at b5media. In a four-part series, Debbie provided information and suggestions for anyone who is considering a home daycare or currently is operating one.

Most of Debbie's suggestions also work well for owners of other businesses. Check out the post, In Home Daycare Business Series Roundup. Here you'lll find the links to all of Debbie's posts at Home Biz Notes.

What are you doing in your life that you can expand upon and write about...either for the print media or online? Make a list of "what you know" and see what will come from it.

I'd enjoy hearing how you make out.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Karin Abarbanel & Birthing the Elephant Visit Home Biz Notes

2008-04-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Karin Abarbanel stopped by my b5 media blog, Home Biz Notes, during her April author tour of the blogosphere. In my post, A “Birthing The Elephant” Strategy To Business Success, you'll learn about this unique and very helpful book for women entrepreneurs. However, much of the information has general application for men and women and their businesses.

Subtitled, The woman’s go-for-it! guide to overcoming the big challenges of launching a business, Birthing the Elephant, encourages women to design their destinies and gives stories from real people who have become successful in business. In fact Bobbi Brown, owner of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, writes the foreword.

If you have questions for Karin, about her book and business, leave them in the comments section of my post at Home Biz Notes. Also, post a comment and become eligible to win a free copy of Birthing the Elephant at the end of her tour! One lucky winner will be announced on April 30!

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

A Visit With Allison Bottke, Author of Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children

2008-03-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

Allison Bottke, author of Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children, stops by Potpourri of Writing during her April Blog Tour. She's spreading the word about a topic she feels desperately needs to be addressed and leaves a message already striking a chord in hearts around the nation about adult children whose lives are out of control and who often come home to live.

MARY EMMA: Welcome, Allison, to Potpourri of Writing. Thank you for coming to share with us. Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children comes out of your own personal experience with your son. Please tell us about that.

ALLISON: For years I really thought I was helping my son. I wanted him to have the things I never had growing up. I love my son, and I didn’t want him to hurt—but sometimes pain is a natural result of the choices we make. For a long time I didn’t understand the part I was playing in the ongoing drama that had become my son’s life—I didn’t understand that I didn’t have to live in constant chaos and crisis because of his choices. When I chose to stop the insanity and start living a life of hope and healing my life changed. It’s a feeling I want other struggling parents and grandparents to experience. I want other parents to know that change is possible when we choose to stop the destructive cycle of enabling. And we can stop it. I know, because I’ve done it.

MARY EMMA: Why do you think so many parents struggle with enabling their adult children?

ALLISON: We don’t understand the difference between helping and enabling, that one heals and the other hurts. We don’t realize that we handicap our adult children when we don’t allow them to experience the consequences of their actions.

MARY EMMA: How can we determine whether we are helping versus enabling our children?

ALLISON: Helping is doing something for someone that he is not capable of doing himself.
Enabling is doing for someone things that he could and should be doing himself.
An enabler is a person who recognizes that a negative circumstance is occurring on a regular basis and yet continues to enable the person with the problem to persist with his detrimental behaviors. Simply, enabling creates an atmosphere in which our adult children can comfortably continue their unacceptable behavior.

MARY EMMA: What are some of the most common ways that parents enable their children?

ALLISON: Being the Bank of Mom and Dad, or the Bank of Grandma and Grandpa. Loaning money that is never repaid, buying things they can’t afford and don’t really need. Continually coming to their rescue so they don’t feel the pain—the consequences—of their actions and choices. Accepting excuses that we know are excuses—and in some instances are downright lies. Blaming ourselves for their problems. We have given too much and expected too little.

MARY EMMA: What are some things that parents can do to break the cycle of enabling?

ALLISON: Follow the six steps to S.A.N.I.T.Y.: Stop blaming yourself and stop the flow of money. Stop continually rescuing your adult children from one mess after another. Assemble a support group of other parents in the same situation. Nip excuses in the bud. Implement rules and boundaries. Trust your instincts. Yield everything to God, because you’re not in control. These six things can start a parent on the road to S.A.N.I.T.Y. in an insane situation that is spinning out of control. However, a key issue in breaking the cycle of enabling is to understand whose problem it really is.

MARY EMMA: What does this book accomplish that other books on the topic do not?

ALLISON: Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children will empower readers with a no holds barred six step S.A.N.I.T.Y. format, stating in black and white the parental behaviors that must STOP, along with identifying new habits to implement if change is to occur. Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children will identify the false conceptions parents believe about themselves and their adult children and will counter each lie of captivity with the truth that setting boundaries is not only a good thing—but a vital part of hope and healing. True stories from other enabling parents and grandparents are woven throughout the chapters. Discussions with and observations from licensed psychologists and psychiatrists are also included.

MARY EMMA: Tell us about the S.A.N.I.T.Y. Support Group Network you founded. How can people get involved?

ALLISON: The “A” step in S.A.N.I.T.Y. is to ASSEMBLE a support group. This is a vital component in being able to look at our situations more objectively. We have developed a powerful Companion Study Guide that can be read individually or in a group setting. This Companion Study Guide contains all the information you need to conduct a S.A.N.I.T.Y. Support group in your neighborhood or community. Visit our web site here to find out more: http://www.sanitysupport.com/blogtourguests.htm.

MARY EMMA: Thank you, Allison, for visiting Potpourri of Writing during your blog tour. Is there anything you'd like to add?

ALLISON: I encourage your readers to tell me what they think about Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children. I really do want to hear reader feedback. They can reach me at: SettingBoundaries@SanitySupport.com. Please be sure to visit our web site at http://www.sanitysupport.com/blogtourguests.htm where they will find additional resources for helping them on their road to S.A.N.I.T.Y. Remember to tell a friend in need and help save a life!

Fact or Fiction? How Can We Be Sure?

2008-03-12T14:27:00.001-07:00

I found an interesting post, More Literary Hoaxes, on Heather Goldsmith's blog, A Creative Journal. She discusses some of the current literary hoaxes, whereby writers have tried to pass off fictionalized accounts as memoir or autobiography.

I left a comment at Heather's blog, but thought I'd include my thoughts here. Since I write a great deal of memoir in my "Country Kitchen" newspaper column, I began to wonder if my readers would think I made all this up. I attended a writers' group the other evening, and when the discussion turned to memoir as a genre, many were shaking their heads, wondering what to believe anymore.

We begin to wonder what's true and what isn't, don't we? Of course, when you write about your life, you may find you don't recall incidents exactly like others who experienced them with you. But these usually are minor things. If you fictionalize too much, you'll be caught up on it sometime.

When I was taking a children's writing workshop, we had to write about an incident in our childhood. The instructor liked mine but gave suggestions for making it more exciting. Since those details were fabricated, I was uncomfortable about writing it this way. So he suggested I make it a fiction story, incorporating the fact with fabrication. This turned out very well and sold to several children's magazines and appeared in an anthology. (I retained the rights so I could sell reprint and anthology rights.) Fiction based upon fact can be fun to write, but it should be labeled as such.

What do you think?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Author Dyan Garris Tours Home Biz Notes

2008-03-05T04:40:00.000-08:00

Author Dyan Garris stopped by Home Biz Notes today on her blog tour as she promotes her book, Money and Manifesting. She has a unique way of approaching the topic of making money.

"It is not enough to think positively, repeat affirmations, and attract positive energy. We must implement and integrate this learning into our daily lives. This is the real secret of manifesting money. It is the real secret of manifesting anything."

Learn more about Dyan's evolution as a businesswoman to author. She has an interesting story to tell and shares her ideas at Home Biz Notes and in her book.

Blog Writing - For Fun, For Profit, For Promotion, For a Cause

2008-02-20T13:41:00.000-08:00

Blog writing has taken off in the past few years and is used for various reasons. I'll mention a few of the reasons bloggers blog. Some of them interrelate.

FUN - Some bloggers write purely for fun, using their blog as an online journal. They may base much of their blogging around a particular theme, as my daughter does with her fabric art at Meandering Threads.

PROFIT - Bloggers write for pay, some for blogging networks, as I do for b5media, others for companies that need someone to maintain their blogs that provide information for customers.
If you'd like to see what it's like to blog for a network, check out my blogs at b5media (Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and Home Biz Notes).

PROMOTION - Authors are using blogs to promote their books and workshops; crafters promote their products on their web sites; businesses call attention to themselves and their products/services. You might not have a "store" on your blog, but you provide interesting information that will lead customers to your online and offline places of business.

A CAUSE - Bloggers write about topics that fire them up whether political, environmental, health, business, religious, as well as presumed and real slights and injuries. The blogosphere has become a powerful tool for people to voice their opinions and get their views across. Sometimes the power is used negatively, as well as positively.

I enjoy blogging, whether my personal blogs here at Blogger or those at b5media, so much that I teach workshops and give talks about Blog Writing so others can learn about this, too.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Highlighting Gary Maccagnone and St. John of the Midfield

2008-02-17T12:55:00.001-08:00

As he tours the blogosphere this month to promote his book, St. John of the Midfield, Garasamo "Gary" Maccagnone stops off at Potpourri of Writing today. He also is the author of the children's book, The Suburban Dragon and the collection of short stores entitled, The Affliction of Dreams.

After pursuing a college baseball career, business and marketing careers, coaching youth soccer and writing, Gary has combined soccer and writing in St. John of the Midfield. The idea for this book came about after Gary met former Bulgarian national soccer player, Jordan Mitkov.

In a synopsis of the book, we learn this book is:
An almost mystical story of Bobo Stoikov, one of the world's greatest soccer players, who escaptes death in communist Bulgaria to find the American Dream. Due to severe injury during Bobo's escape, he is unable to play once he arrives in America.
Though he finds peace and happiness in simply coaching soccer to youth travel teams, his eccentric ways of teaching and his success lead to a hate-filled rivalry, and eventually, his death.

To read an excerpt, visit Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours.

You can visit his website at http://www.garasamomaccagnone.com/.

Thomnpson also conducted an interview with Gary at The Writer's Life, February 15 posting.

May you have much success with your tour, Gary, and your book.

HOW ABOUT ENTERING THE "ALL ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S CARNIVAL?"

2008-01-13T17:11:00.000-08:00

The second the All About Alzheimer’s Carnivals is open for entries at Alzheimer's Notes, a blog I write with Liz Lewis at b5media. Here is a platform for you to write your thoughts and feelings about Alzheimer’s and caregiving.

Entering carnivals (collections of articles about particular topics hosted at one blog) proves to be very enjoyable, I’ve found. If you’ve never entered one, simply follow the directions by clicking on the link above.

I’ve also posted some suggestions for carnivals at my Home Biz Notes blog that I write with Yvonne Russell. You may like to take a look at these.

Tweak Your Topic for Carnivals
Home Biz Owners - Join the Carnival!
Participating in Showcases and Carnivals
Entering Your Home Business Post in a Showcase

Reading the numerous entries at a carnival also provides enjoyment. So if you don’t enter (and if you do), come over to Liz’s post at Alzheimer's Notes on January 19, when she’ll publish all the entries.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Achieve Your Dreams - Judi Moreo's Virtual Book Tour '08

2007-12-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

Repeat this passage: "Every step I take brings me closer to the realization of my dreams” until you understand its powerful message. (from Judi Moreo's You Are More Than Enough Achievement Journal)

Writing this Achieve Your Dreams post for Judi Moreo's Virtual Book Tour '08 seems to fall right in line with previous posts on my blogs the past week or so:

* Writing & Blogging Goals for 2008, here on Potpourri of Writing for The Blog Writing Project: 78 Blogging Goals for 2008, at Daily Blog Tips.

*Goals for my children's writing, Specific Children's Book Writing Goals for 2008, published on Tales of a Children's Author.

* I've also posted something on my Home Biz Notes blog,suggesting you Enjoy the Journey as you pursue your dreams.

So what are my dreams for the coming year?

*I still want my castle where I can write in the tower and have secret rooms to discover with the grandchildren.
*I want to do more speaking to Alzheimer's caregivers.
*Teaching workshops and sharing my stories with children comes in there, too.

How do we go about achieving our dreams?

*Focusing
*Doing instead of simply dreaming
*Believing (Repeating: "Every step I take brings me closer to the realization of my dreams.")
*Setting a plan of action
*Get input whenever we feel we're going off track.

Then: GO FOR IT!

Judi's Tour Page: http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/

(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen

SHOWCASING AUTHOR HOLLY FRETWELL

2007-12-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

As Holly Fretwell makes her virtual tour around the blogosphere this month for her book, The Sky's NOT Falling, Why It's OK to Chill About Global Warming, she's stopping at Potpourri of Writing.

Holly concern about global warming and the environment puts her in league with other writers and speakers in today's world. However, Holly has a "different" view from many who are getting their names in the news and making a "big splash" in the sea of world media. She uses a common sense, well researched approach in her book for youngsters (but of interest to adults, too), The Sky's NOT Falling.

Yes, there are environmental situations to be concerned about, but Holly encourages optimism about the future of our planet and the solutions we can find with human innovation and creativity, along with individual choice, not political agendas. She shows kids 8-12 (and adults, too) that "It's human ingenuity and adaptability...not mindless fear of change...that is most likely to guanantee the Earth a healthy future."

Holly doesn't just spout her facts and reasons without valid background. She's a professor of natural resources policy at Montana State University and mother of two, who has a well researched view about global warming and the hype...a view with which other scientists now are beginning to concur.

For additional information about Holly's book and the topic of global warming, Controversy Sells for Holly Fretwell, Author of The Sky's NOT Falling at Book Marketing Buzz.

For a review of Holly's book, read: Book Review- A Different View on Global Warming.

(Published by World Ahead Media, Los Angeles, CA.; ISBN #9780976726944. The book includes fun facts and reading for ages 8 and above.)

MY AUTHOR PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

2007-12-25T12:09:00.000-08:00

I teach a variety of writing workshops and author presentations for youngsters and adults.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: I adapt my programs to the age group and requests of the teachers. These range from reading and discussing my stories, illustrating stories, conducting writing workshops, and helping teachers develop lessons.

I also share the research and writing process of my works in progress:

Papa Goes To War, inspired by my ancestors during the Civil War

Uncle "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson - a picture book about my great great Uncle William Mathewson who operated trading posts on the Santa Fe Trail

Danger In The Mountains - a mystery set in the West

Sarah Jane's Daring Deed, a picture book about a pioneer girl.

(These often tie in with Social Studies classes)

Journalism and/or Writing on the Internet draw upon my experience as a professional journalist/newspaper columnist and blogger for a network

Poetry workshops also are popular.

AUDIENCE LEVELS - Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School. High School and Adult Education

TRAVEL - Yes - anywhere in the United States, with client paying travel costs and accommodations, unless I'm in that area for other business.

PUBLISHED WORKS:

Tales of Adventure & Discovery, a children's anthology which I also illustrated (An accompanying coloring book is also available.)

The Magic of Patchwork, a book about quiltmaking and its history with projects for young people and beginners

When We Become the Parent to Our Parents, the story of my mother's journey through Alzheimer'

More than 200 stories in children's magazines

Writing in Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont, a resource book for writers (out of print)

FEES: $100/1 HR; $200/1/2 day; $300/day, plus mileage beyond 50 miles from Plymouth, NH and accommodations if an overnight stay is involved.

CONTACT INFORMATION: me.allen@juno.com

Specific Writing Goals for 2008

2007-12-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

Maybe if I write them down in my blog, I'll be more accountable.

I have one friend who is always asking me, "Have you finished your Uncle Buffalo Bill book yet? What about the children's picture book?"

I continually tell her, with a sheepish grin, "I'm working on them."

Sooooo......

1. Finish the book about my Uncle Buffalo Bill Mathewson, the original Buffalo Bill in the West.

2. Finish my Sarah Jane's Daring Deed picture book.

3. Finish the rough draft to Papa Goes to War, a Civil War era middle reader book based on my ancestors.

4. Develop the activities for these books and place them on my web sites.

5. Draft some of my other writing projects, but concentrate on them minimally until I have the above finished.

Writing & Blogging Goals for 2008

2007-12-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

As we approach 2008, many of us will think about goals, but how many will seriously write them down and then follow through with a strategy to make them work.

The Group Writing Project: 2008 Blogging Goals at Daily Blog Tips has me energized.

1. Develop this blog (Mary Emma's Potpourri of Writing) into a popular one with at least 40,000 readers per month.

2. Host at least one author on tour here per month.

3. Post at least 6 times per week. (It's been hit and miss for the most part.)

4. Develop here and on my other writing blogs strategies for letting people know about my writing workshops, online classes, and talks for groups.

5. Find a way to earn a monthly income from this blog. (So far that hasn't been part of my strategy as I've written here at Potpourri for fun, but not for profit.)

6. Teach 6 classes on blog writing this year, starting with writers' conferences and publicists' workshops.

7. Reach an average of 10 comments per post.

8. Join and become active on one online community

9. Learn about RSS

10. Become knowledgeable about the "techie" stuff that creates ratings. (Can you believe I've been blogging but don't know much about these?!)

(My blogs at b5media you may find of interest: Quilting and Patchwork, Home Biz Notes, and Alzheimer's Notes.)

BOOK REVIEW - A DIFFERENT VIEW ON GLOBAL WARMING

2007-12-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

With all the scary information out there about global warming, it's refreshing to read a book by a natural resources policy expert that presents a different view, one complete with common sense and factual information.

The Sky's NOT Falling (Why It's OK to Chill About Global Warming) is an alternative for young people and adults to the fear-inducing books published today. Author Holly Fretwell, a mother of two and professor of natural resources policy, provides a balanced look at environmental issues and global warming scare tactics. She presents these in an easy to read and understand format for ages 8 and above.

Yes, there are environmental situations to be concerned about, but Ms. Fretwell encourages optimism about the future of our planet and the solutions we can find with human innovation and creativity, along with individual choice, not political agendas.

Ms. Fretwell debunks some of the "facts" running rampant about the environment and global warming in today's world. For instance, you've probably seen the picture of the polar bear and cub, supposedly adrift on a piece of ice because of global warming. Actually the picture was taken as a general interest one a scientific expedition. The photographer called attention to it as a polar bear and her cub on an ice sculpture. Nothing was noted about global warming nor the bears being stranded. Yet the photo was taken out of context and used for propaganda purposes.

You'll certainly want to take a look at the facts in this book about global warming and see what's really going on in a world beset by global warming scare. Check out the truth before deciding "the sky is falling."

(Published by World Ahead Media, Los Angeles, CA.; ISBN #9780976726944. The book includes fun facts and reading for ages 8 and above.)

STORIES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

2007-12-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

When you're writing, do you hope your stories will make a difference?

*Brighten someone's day
*Give them encouragement
*Let them know someone else has faced a particular challenge
*Make them laugh
*Entertained them
*Made them think about themselves and their lives
*Made them reminisce
*Help solve a problem
*Help change the world

Why do you write? These are some things to consider.

I hope my writing will make a difference, for the better in someone's life...somewhere.

THE TRADITION OF BEDTIME STORIES

2007-12-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

Bedtime stories have been a tradition for at least three generations in my family. I recall my mom reading to my sister, brothers and me...Heidi, Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses poetry, and Robinson Crusoe come to mind.

My husband and I took turns reading to our daughter. He often didn't at bedtime, but while I was preparing supper. "Daddy, you skipped that part!" I'd hear her exclaim when Jim tried to get through a book more quickly.

My daughter and son-in-law, both avid readers, started reading to their children while they were infants. Reading and children go hand in hand in our household...we all still bury ourselves in a book whenever we can in spite of today's electronic world.

Stories in the Kitchen

Although most of the bedtime story reading of my youth occurred in the evening in one of our bedrooms (there were four of us children) as we sprawled on the bed. However, on cold winter evenings, Mother gathered us in front of the wood burning cookstove in the kitchen (a favorite family congregating place) and read stories. While she read, we might munch on cookies and milk or cocoa.

Reading evolves into cooking, as children learn to ponder over recipes and mix up family meals. I recall making my first cake before I fully learned to read. Mother was ill and I decided, with the help of my younger siblings, I would make a cake for supper, along with fried potatoes and eggs.

At six years old, I couldn't decipher everything in the recipe book, so decided to dispense with it and put together the ingredients I'd seen Mother use. I recall my sister and brothers around me as we stirred the batter together, then poured it into layer cake pans.

Since the wood stove oven was the only one we had, it was only natural to bake the cake there. We must have stoked the stove and read the gauge on the front of the oven door adequately. At any rate, the cake turned out fine....except it was fairly flat.

Mother, when she saw it at supper, praised our efforts, as did Father and the hired man. It was only in later years that Mother told me she concluded I'd left out the baking powder.

(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen

(I enjoy researching and writing about holiday and family memories along with teaching workshops in Family History Writing. I conduct these online as well as in person at workshops.)

WHET YOUR APPETITE WITH "NOVEL" FOODS

2007-11-04T03:38:00.000-08:00

Often we snack while reading, but we also can whet our appetites with mention of the foods we find in books we're devouring. Sometimes there are complete recipes. In other cases, we'll find brief a description of a regional food that entices us to search for the recipe. Also, some of these food references may bring memories and recipes to mind.

For instance, I'm reading a mystery book set in eastern Maine. During the course of a discussion in the heroine's kitchen, her friend begins peeling apples and proceeds to make an apple cake which she serves with vanilla ice cream.

As I read, I began to get hungry for Nobby Apple Cake. a recipe I often make in autumn. The author casually mentioned other regional recipes during the course of the book.

Some books, like the mysteries by Diane Mott Davidson, naturally include food, as well as the actual recipes. Since Ms. Davidson's books became popular, you find more of this type.

Foods in Children's Books

Children's books also contain recipes that give the flavor of the area or era. While substitute teaching the other day, I read a chapter from "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare.

Kit found living with her cousins in Puritan Connecticut very different from life in Barbados. Learning to cook was just one of her many challenges. When making Corn Pudding for the family's breakfast, she became impatient. Instead of slowly spooning the cornmeal into the boiling water, Kit finally dumped in the whole cup. A gelatinous mess resulted which the family silently ate.

I mentioned to the students that Corn Pudding or Cornmeal Mush was a standby when I was growing up. Sometimes we had it for breakfast, alternating between oatmeal and cream of wheat. Mother also prepared this dish for Sunday supper instead of serving a full meal after the large dinner.

I liked it when Mother had some lumps in the mush. She was frustrated because it wasn't completely smooth. However, she didn't have the mess that Kit did!

Foods Add Authenticity

Referring to foods the characters are eating, adds authenticity to the story background. This doesn't have to be a detailed description, just mention of grabbing an oatmeal cookie filled with raisins, stirring up someone's favorite chocolate cake, making apple pancakes for breakfast. You'll often receive a sense of region and season this way, too.

Because of my culinary interests (I write a weekly cooking column for newspapers), I sometimes jot down the food and recipes mentioned in books, so keep a note pad beside me.

On the blog for my story, "Sarah Jane's Daring Deed," (http://sarahjane-pioneergirl.blogspot.com/ ), I plan to add actual recipes my readers can try. Because this is a pioneer story, I can see a recipe for Cornmeal Mush.

APPLE FRITTERS - a recipe from my childhood. This also might be a Sarah Jane recipe (although I didn't grow up in Sarah Jane's era!).

Beat 2 eggs. Mix and sift 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar. Add 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup cream, 1 cup peeled, chopped apples and eggs to the dry ingredients; stir. Drop onto hot greased griddle and cook as you would pancakes.

(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen

NICOLA BEAUMONT & LADY SOMERSET ON TOUR

2007-10-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

Nicola Beaumont is showcased today at Potpourri of Writing. Her latest book, The Resurrection of Lady Somerset, gives you mystery and romance in a English regency era setting. The author, with an English mother and American father, has spent much of her life in Britain, but currently lives in the United States.

During October, Nicola has been touring the blogosphere on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours. At the book tour blog, you'll find a synopsis and sample chapter of The Resurrection of Lady Somerset, that lady with a mysterious past. This novel has been receiving rave reviews.

To learn more about Nicola and her many talents, visit her web site, iNicola. She shares with you how she had two releases on the same day in September and a short story in July. Nicola also has a CD out, Prayer of the Heart.

Also keep up to date with Nicola's world at her blog.

SHOBHAN BANTWAL SHOWCASED AT POTPOURRI OF WRITING

2007-10-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Shobhan Bantwal, author of The Dowry Bride, takes a virtual tour of the blogosphere this month and stops by Potpourri of Writing. She was born and raised in India and came to the United States as a young bride, the result of an arranged marriage. Her mainstream women's fiction book, The Dowry Bride, was published by Kensington last month.

To read a synopsis and excerpt of The Dowry Bride, visit Pump Up Your Bok Promotioon Virtual Book Tours. Learn about Megha, as she realizes that her dowry isn't enough and her life is in danger.

Read more about Shobhan, her life and her writing at her web site.

I found Shobhan's photo gallery of interest, particularly those about a traditional Indian wedding.

Shobhan also relates how she came to write The Dowry Bride about the subject of dowry deaths. Through this book we learn about a culture of another country, yet are entertained at the same time.

STEVEN REILLY ON TOUR THIS MONTH

2007-10-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

Steven M. Reilly tours the blogosphere this month with his book, The Fat Lady Never Sings: How a High School Football Team Found Redemption on the Baseball Diamond and is featured at Potpourri of Writing today.

Intriguing title isn't it? And Steve has written an intriguing story about this high school football team. Read a synopsis and excerpt at Pump Up Your Book Promotion. He's a baseball coach and practicing attorney who actually coached the team in this book.

Described as a sports memoir, The Fat Lady Never Sings relates the true story about the 1992 Red Raider baseball team of Derby, Connecticut. Steve was assistant coach at the time.

For more information, visit Steve's web site . Also take the poll and express your opinion regarding who should play Ben Bartone in the movie version of the book.

(A great book for the young sports enthusiasts in your life... and for adults as well.)

CAROL O'DELL WRITES ABOUT CARING FOR HER MOTHER

2007-10-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

Carol O'Dell, author of Mothering Mother, visited my b5media blog, Alzheimer's Notes, recently to discuss her book and share why she decided to write it. This is a humorous and heartbreaking memoir about Carol's caring for her mother. Carol faced situations that many of us have in caring for a family member afflicted with Alzheimer's.

If you'd like to read an excerpt, visit Carol's web site.

You'll find my interview of Carol at Alzheimer's Notes, where she stopped during her virtual blog tour.

DIANE WOLFE ON TOUR

2007-10-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

Author Diane Wolfe tours the web during the month of October, promoting another of her Circle of Friends books. This one is Mike: The Circle of Friends, Book IV.

To read a chapter, visit First Chapters.

You'll find a synopsis and excerpt at Pump Up Your Book Promotion.

Diane writes for young adults and her Circle of Friends series which "focuses on pursuit of dreams and the overcoming of obstacles." Her books are meant to inspire as well as entertain as this Circle of Friends face obstacles and learn how to overcome the challenges of life.

Also visit Diane's web site and learn about her circle of young friends and fans, her tour schedule (she tours in person as well as around the blogosphere), a podcast, and her books.

At Diane's Circle of Friends blog, you'll receive daily updates.

Check out Diane, her life and her books...get set to be inspired!

Scott Zema's Blog Tour Stops at Potpourri of Writing

2007-09-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

Scott Zema, author of Three Steps to Investment Success, Buying the Right Art, Antiques, and Collectibles, stops at Potpourri of Writing during his September blog tour. He has written a book to help you learn "how to guarantee a profit on your acquisitions."

Scott is an appraiser who can give you tips to investment success. You'll find a synopsis and chapter excerpt of his book, at Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Tours: THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS.

If you want to learn more about purchasing art, antiques and collectibles that will be a good investment, check out Scott's book.

NIKKI LEIGH VISITS POTPOURRI OF WRITING

2007-09-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

Today Nikki Leigh visits Potpourri of Writing to discuss her latest book, Lady Lightkeeper. She gives us many ideas on how she gets her ideas and writes her book. I found this almost like a mini workshop.

MEA: One of the questions I'm frequently asked as an author, "Where did you get the idea for your book?" This always interests me, too. So I'll ask you, "How did the idea for Lady Lightkeeper come about?"

NIKKI: Lady Lightkeeper is the second book in the historic Misty Cove Chronicles. It’s the continuation of Lizbeth Sullivan Kinsey’s story. But, each book can be read individually. The first book, Widow’s Walk, started with a story idea I got from a picture that hangs in my living room. That picture gave me the idea of starting the story on the widow’s walk and it gave me a rough idea for a time period. Originally, this was going to be one book, but the story grew and grew as I was brainstorming ideas.

The main brainstorming happened on a trip from Virginia to Florida for my brother’s wedding. We actually were brainstorming so well, that I missed a turn and we went about 40 miles too far before getting back on track. Then two of us brainstormed by the hotel pool one evening. There was just so much more of Lizbeth’s story that I wanted to tell – and it’s not over.

MEA: Some writers plan their books with a rigid outline. Others say the characters sort of take over and "write" the book. Which applies to your writing? Or do you have another style?

NIKKI: I start with an outline – this is especially useful with a series where I want to tie things and people together. This also helps me to plan twists and turns in the story. However, I have no problem letting the characters take over and tell their parts of the story. I feel you can use an outline and still be flexible when new ideas hit.

I wrote the first book without an outline and it took a long time. However, the outlined books were put on paper much quicker and flowed so much better. I also do a lot of character creation to have a clear picture of them, their background and where they came from before I start to write. I really think this gives the characters and the story more dimension.

MEA: Do you have a favorite character? How did he/she evolve?

NIKKI: I really like Lizbeth. She’s been through a lot in these stories and I think her growth as a person, a mother and a wife is shown in the books. She started out as an independent young woman (not the most popular behavior in a fishing village in the 1840’s). But, she grows in a variety of ways through the stories. I throw a lot of problems at her, but she manages to get through everything.

MEA: Did you ever get bogged down with Lady Lightkeeper or your other writing and find it difficult to keep it going? If so, how did you resolve it?

NIKKI: I plan thoroughly enough that this isn’t a common problem. I’ve had to cut some of the things I planned to include when other ideas took their place. Usually, I have far more ideas than I can include, but I’ve learned to par them down to make the ideas useable. I planned to end Lady Lightkeeper at a much different place, but the end I used seems to make sense to me. But, I did include an epilogue to create some additional interest in the next book.

MEA: What would you like readers to take away from Lady Lightkeeper?

NIKKI: I think the resilient power of friendship is an underlying story in Lady Lightkeeper. I would love to have a friend like Sara and I’m not sure Lizbeth would’ve gotten through all the trials without Sara by her side. One reviewer even mentioned that the book is like reading a diary that was written by two women. The other thing I want people to get is the idea of a second chance for love.

MEA: Lady Lightkeeper is part of a series. Did these books start out as a series or simply evolve as you were writing the first book or finished it?

NIKKI: The story started out as one book, but the idea grew and grew and will now be at least 3 books and 1 short story. I’m introducing a couple of interesting new characters in the third book and they may need a book of their own in the future. Although I prefer the story from the beginning to the end, readers can read the books individually. Each book stands on its own.

MEA: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us about Lady Lightkeeper or your writing?

NIKKI: Other comments from reviewers that I really like are about the lighthouse and lifesaving details in the books. I hope people will enjoy the story, but they will also learn about the Lighthouse Service and the Lifesaving Service. There is a shipwreck and a rescue in Lady Lightkeeper and the equipment is authentic and the rescue is as I picture it after learning about the situation and the things the characters had available to help the stranded sailors. It took me a while to get this chapter right, but I felt it was important to help people understand what was involved in a rescue in the 1850’s.

A final note, I love to hear from readers. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments.

Web site: www.nikkileigh.com

Blog: www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com

Email: nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

Other books you'd like to mention:

Books released as Nikki Leigh
Stormy View – limited copies available from me
Widow’s Walk – Misty Cove Chronicles Book One
Lady Lightkeeper – Misty Cove Chronicles Book Two
Lilah and the Locket – Cape Hatteras Series – 1954
Book Promo 101 – Basics of Book Promotion (October 2007)
Journeys of a Lifetime – Readers Station Anthology (October 2007)
Book Promo 101 – Writer’s Resource Ebook (October 2007)
Stormy Shores – Contemporary Misty Cove Novel (November 2007)

Books Released as Shri Henkel365
Foolish Mistakes Smart Managers Make Every Day
How to
Open a Financially Successful Pizza & Sub Restaurant
Successful Meetings: How to Plan, Prepare and Execute Top-Notch Business Meetings
Non Commercial Food Service Manager’s Handbook

DWAYNE GERALD ANDERSON VISITS POTPOURRI OF WRITING

2007-09-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Potpourri of Writing, Dwayne. We're pleased to have you as a guest today as you stop by on your virtual blog tour.

Dwayne Gerald Anderson is a Canadian author. His most recent book, Partially Human, is a young adult science fiction story about a teenager who discovers he's not totally human. This is the third book Dwayne's had published...a great accomplishment for a young man of 24.

Dwayne also was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when he was 16. However, he's an inspiration for others, like my grandson, who have this condition. From Dwayne they can learn they have the capability for great accomplishments.

To read a synopsis and excerpt from Partially Human, visit Pump Up Your Book Promotion.

MEA: Frequently readers ask me how I get the ideas for my stories. It seems to be a rather universal question. So I'll ask you to tell us how you came up with the idea for Partially Human.

DWAYNE: The book was based on my own personal experiences with being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 16. Like me, the protagonist is discriminated against and mocked by many because of his "difference", though he ultimately is able to overcome it, move on with his life, and make an impact on society.

MEA: Often authors say the characters seem to take over and determine the direction of the story. Others keep to a strict outline and don't let the characters vary from that. What happens between you and your characters?

DWAYNE: I would say it's a bit of both. The actions of the characters do move the story along as well as following the outline I've written for the book.

MEA: Do you "get stuck" when writing your books or do you find they flow right along?

DWAYNE: Often, I think hard of ways the characters solve their problems, the dialogue they speak, or what happens in the story.

MEA: Do you put some of your own experiences in your books?

DWAYNE: My experiences with life have been the inspiration for my books. My experience with Asperger Syndrome inspired Partially Human.

MEA: What do you hope your readers learn, or take away with them, when they read Partially Human?

DWAYNE: I hope to teach others that people need to be accepted for who they are and not rejected for being different.

MEA: Do you have anything else you'd like to share with us about you, your life and your writing?

DWAYNE: I have more works planned, such as a sequel to my first two books, a medieval fantasy, two romances, and another general fiction.

Thank you, Dwayne, for visiting Potpourri of Writing today. I hope your tour will be very successful and great fun. You're an amazing young writer we need to keep our eyes on. There is much others can learn from you and your perseverence, as you share through this interview and your books.

To learn more about Dwayne and his writing world, visit his blog and web site.

Dwayne's blog: http://partiallyhuman.blogspot.com/
Dwayne's web site: http://www.geocities.com/andersondwayne/dwaynegand.html

My Virtual Blog Tour Tips Guest Post on Grow Your Writing Business

2007-09-09T17:33:00.001-07:00

Yvonne Russell, of Grow Your Writing Business, asked me to write a guest post about virtual blog tour tips for the touring authors. It appears as Virtual Blog Tours - The Latest Innovation for Promoting Your Writing.

Apparently I hit upon some key points for authors and writers to consider when they're touring the blogosphere, for Scot Herrick, of Ten Keyboards, who also writes about virtual blog tours, mentioned my guest post at Great Tips for Virtual Book Tours. He says, "This is a great article [mine at Grow Your Writing Business] for how technology can help a writer market their work."

Next I'll research how authors and others who are making these tours can publicize them. You can do all the touring you want, but if no one knows about it or doesn't visit those blogs where you're interviewed, it doesn't do much good.

Brenda Marks' Online Reception and Drawing

2007-09-08T03:39:00.000-07:00

What an intersting twist on the virtual blog tour. Those I've been hosting have been authors who go on month long tours.

However, I came across Brenda Marks' idea for an online reception and drawing to coincide with her show opening. Those who couldn't attend could leave a comment on her blog and have their name tossed into the hat for a drawing for one of her prints.

So, no matter what type of art you're involved in, you can enjoy virtual tours, virtual visits, virtual grand openings. Authors also can use this idea with a drawing for a copy of one of their books.

(Incidentally, I learned about Brenda's online reception and drawing at Alyson Stanfield's Art Biz Blog. http://www.artbizblog.com/2007/09/artists-virtual.html )

Do You Want to Start a Writing Related Business?

2007-09-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking of starting a business related to to your writing, but don't know where to begin? Did you start one recently, but find you could use advice?

Perhaps you want to expand your writing into speaking and teaching workshops, either in the writing field or a niche relating to your book topic. For instance, I've written about my mom's journey through Alzheimer's and my caregiving experiences. After When We Become the Parent to Our Parents was published, I began giving talks to caregiver groups, at nursing homes, in libraries, to senior citizen groups. Then I was asked to teach workshops whereby others could write about similar experiences. You can expand into these directions, too.

Perhaps you want to develop a publishing business? Or you want to teach cooking classes to further expand upon your recipe book. There are so many directions you can go with writing as a springboard.

So.....check out the Jump Start Your Business Contest at the b5media Business Channel and Home Biz Notes.

You'll find more details here......

MOTIVATIONAL AUTHOR JUDI MORENO VISITS POTPOURRI OF WRITING

2007-08-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

Judi Moreo, a leading authority in areas of communication and motivation, visits us today at Potpourri of Writing to talk about her new book, You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman's Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power. (See a synopsis and sample chapter )

An international business leader and entrepreneur, Judi has assisted corporations and taught workshops around the world. Teaching people to have confidence in themselves and succeed has been one of Judi's aims.

MEA: It's great to have you here today, Judi, to share with visitors at Potpourri some of your views and your reasons for writing your book.

JUDI: Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here.

MEA: I've found one of the first questions readers ask me is, "Why did you write this book? How did you come up with the idea?" So I'll do the same with you and ask why you decided to write this book.

JUDI: When I traveled around the world speaking to audiences of 50 to 3000 people, approximately 75% of the audience answered “Yes” to the questions, “Did you think you would be more successful by now?” and “Do you want something, but don’t know what it is?”

This book helps people decide what they want to achieve in order to accomplish that “something more” they know is their destiny. It will help you determine what you can change in order to live a more fulfilling life...a life of purpose, passion, and power.

I have shared tools and techniques with the readers ....things I used which immensely helped in my journey to becoming the person I knew I could be. It was my goal in writing this book and sharing my personal stories to make my readers lives a bit easier, more successful, and a great deal more satisfying. If it changes even one life for the better, it will have been worth the writing.

MEA: Your title calls this book Every Woman's Guide. So is the book solely for women, mainly for women, or can be used by men or women?

JUDI: There is only one chapter that would not apply to men as well. That’s the chapter on Wardrobe. It’s amazing to me how many men are buying and reading the book. In fact, we are in the process of doing the audio book now and the audio producer said to me the other day, “This is really good stuff. I wish I had known all this 20 years ago. I’d be much more successful now.” That surprised me because I didn’t realize that he listened to the words as much as paying attention to the mechanics of the recording.

MEA: I know there isn't a single answer for gaining confidence or achieving success. However, is there a key factor that will help women, something they can keep in mind when they face challenges? (And which they can learn more about in your book.)

JUDI: The title of the book is what I want them to keep in mind. You Are More Than Enough just as you are. You have what it takes inside of you to do what you want to do, go where you want to go, be who you want to be. Step out of your comfort zone. Step into the fear and go for it. You will never know what you can do, be or have, unless you try.

MEA: What have you had to overcome or learn to enable you to teach women the strategies for success?

JUDI: Fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of ridicule and rejection. Fear of failure. I moved to South Africa by myself, knowing no one really. I had met a few people, but I didn’t know them and I made myself step into the fear and survive. It gives one confidence to do something like that.

MEA: What do you hope readers will take away when they read You Are More Than Enough?

JUDI: I hope readers will gain the confidence to turn their ideas, dreams, and hopes into action.

MEA: Is there anything else you'd like to share with Potpourri readers?

JUDI: Yes. Just this. If I can do it…certainly you can too!

MEA: Thank you, Judi, for visiting and sharing information about You Are More Than Enough and your life.

JUDI: Thank you. It has been my pleasure.

Judi's web site for more information about her and her books: http://judimoreo.com

ALLISON BOTTKE VISITS POTPOURRI OF WRITING

2007-08-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

Allison Bottke is stopping at Potpourri of Writing on her international blog tour. Today, she will share information about her latest book, One Little Secret, as well as give you encouragement in your own writing. I first met Allison when she published one of my essays, Uncle Al's Flag, in the American Moments edition of her God Allows U-Turns series.

Now Allison has turned to fiction. One Little Secret is her second novel. (You can read an overview here: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/boomernovels.html#onelittle )

MEA: You describe your latest novel, One Little Secret, and your previous one, A Stitch in Time, as "Boomer-Lit." Would you explain to Potpourri visitors what you mean by this term and how your novels fit into it?

ALLISON: Typical “chick-lit” is written for a 20-30 year old target market. The protagonist is usually single, and struggling with her faith, career, family, love-life and things young women often struggle with. In my books, I wanted to approach the issues that baby boomers are dealing with, (women born between 1946-1964) things like the empty nest syndrome, aging parents, a change in career, retirement, menopause, and other health issues. I wanted to look at women in the prime of their life who were suddenly stepping out in faith to achieve the dreams of their heart. Women who weren’t afraid to take risks—who had the chutzpah to dare to dream big. That’s how “Boomer-Lit” was born.

MEA: One of the questions I'm frequently asked as an author, "Where did you get the idea for your book?" This always interests me, too. So I'll ask you, "How did the idea for One Little Secret come about?"

ALLISON: The idea actually germinated from a television interview I saw with Meryl Streep well over a dozen years ago. I think maybe it was with Larry King. She said she would love to work on a film where she got to sing. I’ve heard her sing and she has a fabulous voice (Alas, Prairie Home Companion didn’t do her justice.) I’ve always wanted to work in films and from that interview I began to write a script for her…figured I’d create a role she couldn’t refuse. Nothing like starting at the top of the Hollywood food chain, eh? I mean, seriously, Meryl Streep? But the more I though about it, the more the ideas came. I called the screenplay, Just a Housewife, because as the lead character, she would be anything but.

When Bethany House asked me for another novel after A Stitch in Time, I remembered this screenplay gathering dust on my shelf and pitched them the idea. And voila! Just a Housewife became One Little Secret. As an FYI to your readers, because I still dream of Meryl Streep playing the lead of Ursula Rhoades, I’ve developed a Hollywood Casting Call Contest on my web site where folks can vote for their favorite actors and actresses to play Ursula and Nik and some of the other cast of characters from One Little Secret. It’s a whimsical contest but if the book is actually ever adapted to a screenplay, I’m going to award the person who best guesses the actual movie cast with an all expense paid trip to Hollywood. They can check out the contest here: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/onelittlesecret_castingcall.htm

MEA: What an exciting idea, Allison. Do you have a background in the music scene or did you have to do quite a bit of research so this is authentic?

ALLISON: Nope-no background in music, alas…other than I love to listen to it. I’ve always been a big fan of the classic American standard love songs that singing icons such as Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Harry Bellafonte made famous. I conducted a lot of research online. As writers living in this century, we have an amazing gift…THE INTERNET. You can find just about anything you need online. For instance, I needed to know a great deal about the annual GRAMMY AWARDS, including what categories Nik and Cristoff would have been entered in, and who was nominated in previous years and such. I found everything I needed, including song lyrics, online.

MEA: (Since most Potpourri readers are writers, I find they like to know how an author researches and writes.) Some writers plan their books using a rigid outline. Others say the characters sort of take over and "write" the book. Which applies to your writing? Or do you have another style?

ALLISON: One Little Secret was only my second novel, therefore I’m still learning what works best for me. I’m trying new things on the third novel I’m working on right now. I don’t use a “rigid” outline, but I do have a beginning, middle and end…a three act structure. Because I think in visual pictures, like a screenwriter, I tend to write the same way. I learned about a word count break down early in my writing, the 25-50-25% rule …. If your novel needs to be 100,000 words, then 25,000 words go in part one, 50,000 words go in part two, and 25,000 word go in part three.

I used to think authors were a bit wacky when they’d say things like, “the character took over and I hadn’t planned for her to do what she ended up doing…” but you know what? It’s true! As you write a book, the characters do take on a life of their own and they can frequently dictate how things will go. Sure, we have the power to give them life on the page, but in giving them life, there are often times when a plan you have in your mind (or on your outline) will simply NOT work because of the way a character has grown or changed. It’s a funny world we live in…this “author life.”

MEA: You changed POV’s entirely with One Little Secret …your debut novel, A Stitch in Time was first person and One Little Secret is written in third person. Why did you change and which style do you prefer?

ALLISON: Like a ga-zillion other women, I first fell in love with the genre of “chick-lit” reading the 1996 release of Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding. The intimate first-person POV allowed us to experience Bridget’s angst-filled journey right along with her. I was too green to know that first person POV is one of the most difficult to pull off. With One Little Secret, I wanted to see if I could get inside the head of a male character—as well as have more freedom of description and story telling that third person allows. I had a blast with this style. I’d have to say that while I enjoy reading first person, I enjoy writing third person more. All three books in the Va Va Va Boom series will be in third person.

MEA: What is the Va Va Va Boom series?

ALLISON: I’ve just been contracted by David C. Cook Publishers to write three new Boomer-Lit books in a series I’ve called the Va Va Boom series. All three books will introduce entrepreneurial boomer babes who own their own businesses. Additionally, each woman has a deep dark secret and a deep dream desire. The first book in the series will release in 2009.

MEA: Did you ever get bogged down with One Little Secret or your other writing and find it difficult to keep it going? If so, how did you resolve it?

ALLISON: Are you kidding? Did I ever! As passionate as I am about writing and as much as I love it, life has a way of interrupting the chunks of time I need to stay focused. I have dyslexia and A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder) and it’s mighty tough for me to stay on track. It takes a concerted effort and the need to follow a great many systems for me to stay on target. Resolving the challenges I have is a never-ending growth process. I try something new if what I’m doing doesn’t work. I keep revising systems and trying new formats to achieve deadlines. Writing is a very personal thing, and we must do what works best for us. Sure, it’s good to pick the brains of others who are making it work in this industry, but when all is said and done we must figure out what works best for us.

MEA: I think that's very encouraging advice for writers, Allison...learn from others but find their own way and what works for them. And what would you like readers to take away from reading One Little Secret?

ALLISON: I write Christian inspirational fiction—and yet I don’t specifically write only for Christians. Yes, I am a Christian, but I have friends who are not. I frequently meet people who do not share my belief or my politics or my serious addiction to stiletto heels, but that doesn’t mean we can’t communicate. I think too many Christians live in a Christian bubble—how can we shed light on the dark places in the world if we don’t mingle with people who live in the world? I first wanted to write a fun fairy-tale…a dream-come-true adventure about a boomer babe who happened to be a Christian—but many of the people in her drama-rama were not. Yet she saw this as an opportunity to share her faith—not make judgment calls. I guess that would be the take-away, that sometimes God calls us to spend time at work or at school or at play to be around folks who don’t share our faith—and it’s times like that we can shine or sink.

MEA: Writing and publishing is a crazy industry. What advice would you offer unpublished authors to give them hope?

ALLISON: I know it sounds so incredibly droll and simple, but never give up and don’t take “no” for an answer! I kept at it and kept at it and kept at it. Recrafting my proposals and rewriting my first book. I got my start in non-fiction, but always in the back of my mind was the dream of one day writing fiction. However, more important would be to not compare yourself to another writer. There is always going to be someone better, someone smarter, someone more literary, someone more photogenic on the back of their book, and yada, yada, yada. But there is only ever going to be one you!

Some of your readers may know this about me, but for those who don’t, the fact I’ve been published at all boggles my mind. I’m a high school drop out with a ninth grade education and a GED. I quit school after the 9th grade to run away from home and get married. I was going to live happily ever after in my fairy tale dream. But that’s NOT what happened.

That said, writing is not about formal education, or who you know, or how long you’ve been at it. It’s about perseverance and risk and belief in yourself—and knowing that inevitably, God will make a way where there seems to be no way.

MEA: What great advice and encouragement! Is there anything else you'd like to share with us about One Little Secret or about writing in general?

ALLISON: I encourage your readers to tell me what they think about One Little Secret. I really do want to hear reader feedback. I’m working on my next novel to release in summer of 2009 and I take to heart reader comments. They can reach me here: AB@AllisonBottke.com and please, I’d love to invite everyone to participate in the Hollywood Casting Call Contest where a lucky winner can win an all expense paid trip to Hollywood! Visit my web site and select the actors and actresses you think would make the best lead characters in One Little Secret! Check it out here: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/bookcontests.html

And …we have a monthly newsletter that we call a “Dream-Zine.” I’d love to invite your readers to subscribe: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/dreamzine.html

And one final thing, we have a co-authored blog with six best selling authors blogging each and every day – BOOMER BABES WITH BRILLIANT DREAMS: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/blog/

As for what I’d like to share about writing, if your readers are serious about writing – if they are serious about taking their writing careers to the next level, then I would invite them to log on to my web site and download the MP3 files and handouts for the Teleseminar I conducted with host Randy Ingermanson called: CLEAN UP YOUR ACT. This is a 4-part series starting with organizing your office and files, to developing a mission statement, vision plan and strategic plan. It’s a comprehensive workshop I teach at writers conferences all over the country and your readers can listen to it in the comfort of their home or office. We’re so confident in the tools we have made available in this series that we offer a money-back guarantee.

Mary Emma, I didn’t set out to use your blog as an advertisement for my Teleseminars. However, this particular workshop series is so important for folks who really want to write but find themselves stuck. Thanks for allowing me to suggest it. You can find out more about it here:
http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/eventsteleseminars.html

I think that’s it – thanks for having me!

MEA: Thanks for joining us at Potpourri of Writing, Allison. It's been fun getting to know you better and to learn all the great advice and encouragement you have for writers. You'll find more information about Allison and her various writing adventures at the web sites below.

Web sites:
http://www.allisonbottke.com/

http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/

http://www.godallowsuturns.com/

Blog: www.BoomerBabesRock.com/blog

International Blog Tour – August Itinerary
http://www.allisonbottke.com/mr_blogtours.htm

Make sure to sign up for Allison’s monthly electronic “Dream-Zine” for all the current updates on writing opportunities, Teleseminars, book releases, and contests. http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/dreamzine.html

My Interview on Work From Home Momma

2007-08-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

The blog, Work From Home Momma, features an interview about my experiences in writing, quiltmaking, and other home businesses over the past 40 years. This interview, by Laura Spencer, is the first in her Work at Home Interview Series about women, particularly moms.

As Laura says, "Today's interview is with Mary Emma Allen, who began as a dressmaker [and quiltmaker] and eventually transitioned to the writing and blogging business."

This was an enjoyable experience, and I feel honored that Laura selected me to begin her series.