 Great blogging ideas over at Writer Unboxed today. Basically, suggesting that you write about subjects that tie in with the platform for your book, which most likely you’re passionate about, and what connect with those who share your interest. I totally agree with this advice. But it is a bit harder for those of us who write about various topics. But I’ll take a stab at it.
Did you know WWII soldiers fighting the Japanese in the ill-fated Battle of Bataan kept themselves alive by eating python eggs? And monkey? The worst thing about eating monkey? When you dipped in the pot and your serving looked like a human body part. One soldier said later he felt like a cannibal. Which reminds me, the United States now has its very own officially approved apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. After a thorough investigation, the Bishop of Green Bay Wisconsin has ruled the Queen of Heaven manifested herself to Adele Brise in Champion, Wisconsin, October 9, 1859. (Deets here.) Leading directly to the Battle of Lake Erie, decisive victory in the War of 1812. The reconstructed Flagship Niagara that won the battle will participate this summer in a study of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. The three-week study from the decks of the Niagara will look at the amount of plastic present in the water, and how much plastic fish are eating. By the way, 100-years ago this month the Schwab Clothing Company in St. Louis reduced garment worker’s wages from $12 a week to $8, rousing 300 additional employees to join the on-going strike against the company. Labor Activist Fannie Sellins traveled the country urging people to boycott Schwab clothing, until the company went out of business in October 1912. Yes, I am writing about all these topics. Yes, I am passionate about all these topics. To win a copy of my forthcoming book—leave a comment below (before May 15, 2012) guessing which topic the book is about, and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win. Thanks to http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/confusion.htm for today's graphic.
Jennifer
5/5/2012 02:01:05 am
I think I may have inside info on the book so I won't guess. I thought your three examples were fascinating in that the first one is physical (hunger) the second spiritual (St Mary) and the third mental (measuring plastic levels). A character that is deprived in one of these areas has a struggle to overcome and therefore is interesting. Do we want characters that are "totally together" in at lease one of these?
Mary
5/6/2012 02:13:43 pm
Great to hear from you, Jennifer. You really gave this some thought. :) Characters who are "totally together" are never very interesting are they? 5/5/2012 07:29:35 am
Great post, Mary! I think it's going to be about the last one, the clothing company boycott. :)
Mary
5/6/2012 02:14:47 pm
Laurie, thanks for stopping by. At this point, looks like you have a great chance of winning the book. 5/7/2012 03:30:11 am
Wow! Those are very different and fascinating topics.
Mary
5/7/2012 04:16:18 am
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Joan! 5/10/2012 02:07:21 am
Hi, Mary! I'm going to guess it's about the Battle of Lake Erie...because I'm from Erie and would love to learn more about it! Have even seen the Flagship Niagara out in the water. The other topics sound interesting, too, though!
Mary
5/10/2012 03:10:41 am
Thanks for stopping by, Kerry. I visited Erie two years ago and had a great time. I was supposed to take a sail on the Niagara, but the crew got food poisoning and they had to cancel. I think that's the only time anything like that every happened, and I had flown across the country for the sail, so I was VERY disappointed. But I did get a personal tour of the ship, which I really enjoyed. I hope to go back for a sail, at some point. Would love to be part of the crew sometime, but not sure if that will happen.
Hmm, I'm going to guess the clothing boycott, though these are all fascinating facts. I love how you handled this challenge by giving a little bit of information on several intriguing topics.
Mary
5/14/2012 07:50:54 am
Thanks for coming by Lisa. Robin LeFever's post was inspiring wasn't it? Unfortunately, I just heard from my editor that my book's publication date has been pushed back to spring 2014. But I promise whoever wins a copy of the book from this little contest will receive it as soon as I get my hands on one. Comments are closed.
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I'm fascinated to discover little-known history, stories of people and events that provide a new perspective on why and how things happened, new voices that haven't been heard, insight into how the past brought us here today, and how it might guide us to a better future.
I also post here about my books and feature other authors and their books on compelling and important historical topics. Occasionally, I share what makes me happy, pictures of my garden, recipes I've made, events I've attended, people I've met. I'm always happy to hear from readers in the blog comments, by email or social media. Archives
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