How could an old guy living in the middle of Minnesota have any involvement in the Russian/Ukrainian War you are asking yourself? Well it’s kind of a complicated story so bear with me for a few minutes and I’ll explain how I got involved. In 2010 WestBow Press released my children’s book The Easter Sparrows. At that time I was not planning to have it become embroiled in a Russian/Ukrainian War. My plan was to hopefully have the book produce…..
As I mentioned in my last blog a six year writing stint for Minnesota Out Of Doors became my big break in getting my material published. That experience led to the production of the three volumes of Children In The Outdoors and an opportunity to travel the four state area putting on teacher workshops. But nothing lasts forever. In 1991 the magazine had financial problems and after a discussion with the editor I decided to retire the column. I did…..
I retired from teaching in 2001. After thirty-four years attempting to inspire middle school and high school students and instill in them a love for life long learning I decided it was time to pursue another one of my favorite pastimes, writing. For the next three years I wrote and illustrated a variety of children’s stories. Today three of them have become published books. Nature’s Christmas Story, The Easter Sparrows and Holiday Adventures for Kids are all available on Amazon…..
It seems like I have known Marilyn all my life. We first met when I was seven years old and she was Ms. Allen. You see she was my second grade teacher and then lucky for me she became my third grade teacher also. The moment I met her I knew she was special. I was sure I was ‘teacher’s pet’ until years later when visiting with former classmates I discovered they too thought they were ‘teacher’s pet’. She had…..
I began my first attempt at writing for publication about thirty-eight years ago. Needless to say my written word never made the best seller’s list in those early years and actually it hasn’t made it in the later years either. 🙂 But one good thing has resulted from such a lack of success. I can proudly state that I have earned my degree as a consignment connoisseur. My first three books, Children In The Outdoors, Volumes I, II and III…..
A self-published author wears two hats. The first and most enjoyable hat is producing the written word that hopefully will be enjoyed by many readers. The second hat doesn’t always feel real comfortable perched on my head because that is the hat referred to as ‘marketing the book’. Last week I and my support staff (my wife Kathie) climbed into our Chevy Cruze and headed to St. Cloud to do a little book marketing. As we were cruising down Interstate…..
Yep, I spent another Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday marketing my new book “The First Advent” along with my other five titles. Kathie and I attended the last county fair of the Minnesota summer in the little town of Madison which resides in the county of Lac qui Parle. I’ve always thought that was an unusual name for a county and assumed it was derived from the native American language but low and behold Google tells me they are French…..
When my two brothers and sister were small it was exciting to climb into the old 49 Ford and ride into town with our folks as they tended to some business. That excursion happened occasionally during the week but for sure on Saturday night. On Saturday the car not only contained the family of six but also a can of cream and chicken eggs packed and layered in special boxes designed to transport them to the creamery so that they…..
Writing books for me is kind of like being hooked on caffeine or nicotine. I just can’t quit. Of course I haven’t tried too hard either. I never know when an inspiration for a book will present itself. Several years ago I was at a craft fair selling my latest book “Holiday Adventures for Kids”. I had threatened to name that book “Amen” as I assumed it would be my last book. But as it went through the publishing process…..