I always thought I was a risk taker. But it turns out I never really was. Not until I reached my forties. Then something changed and I decided to go for it! Earlier in my twenties and thirties I took the common risk of marrying my college sweetheart, relocating to new places such as California and London, having children and searching for new opportunities in education and exploring the wine business. But was this risk-taking or was it just following a narrow path in life? I wanted to experience the world as much as I could, but at the same time I tried to make thoughtful, practical choices to benefit my future. I can’t recall a time in those days when I really went out on a limb or took a leap of faith to challenge myself. I chose the safe route and didn’t stray from the straight road. After all, I had a husband and three children to look after so practicality took over any fleeting thoughts of high risks or new ventures.
However, after I turned forty I felt the weight of familial responsibilities lighten and I had more time to pursue those big dreams that lay dormant for so long. The first challenge I accepted was riding in the Pan Mass Challenge, a two day bike ride to raise money for cancer research. I had watched my best friend ride for her husband (who died of colon cancer at age 40), and I wanted to join her. The only problem was that I did not own a road bike, I hadn’t even ridden a road bike or for that matter any kind of bike in years! Not to mention, I was out of shape and it was the middle of winter. But instead of making excuses and finding an easy out, I chose to accept the challenge. Like it or not, I was going to ride in that fundraiser for my beloved friend David. So, I dodged obstacles and joined a gym with spinning classes, bought a road bike in the spring, learned to ride with some efficiency by early summer, found friends to train with, and finally I was prepared for the 180 mile ride in August. Despite the trials, I took a risk and it paid off. I raised money for Dana Farber Cancer Center, paid homage to my beloved friend, became fit, and accomplished a tremendous goal.
After achieving that success, my confidence was soaring and I felt eager to find my next big challenge. When I happened upon my great, great grandfather’s Civil War letters in my attic, I knew I had found it. Years earlier I may have taken the letters to a museum or historical society, but I felt certain I could bring my family’s story to life through a novel, and not just any genre, but through historical fiction. I knew it would require loads of research and intense study into Ireland in the 19th century and America during the Civil War period, not to mention discovering my Irish family–who they were, what they were like and how they lived. I had limited writing experience, and writing education, but I had taken a few creative writing classes as part of my master’s degree and I thought I could give this a shot. Of course undertaking a big project like this would not come without sacrifice. I knew I had to be all-in and that meant not working, taking a break from my Master’s program, quitting my tennis team and generally being less available to my friends and sometimes my family. I had to immerse myself in this project in order to achieve a book with historical accuracy, dynamic characters and a compelling story. By finding my great, great grandfather’s letters I felt I had been handed an amazing piece of history, and I wanted to be sure I honored his life as well as tell his extraordinary story. This endeavor has been the “great risk” I’ve always wanted to take. It took three years to accomplish, and many times I felt like throwing in the towel and giving up. The highlights were traveling to Ireland, visiting my ancestors village, discovering the deed to his land in West Springfield, MA, and meeting Civil War and Irish historians who helped me with my research. The tough times were reworking my novel over and over again with the guidance of my editor, learning how to utilize social media and waiting to hear back from Literary Agents. I hope that my story will get noticed soon and that I can begin the process of getting this book into print. I don’t know if my novel will be a success or not but I’m satisfied with my work and proud of my achievement. I’m thrilled to have a piece of our family history to hand down to my children- and theirs. It’s important that my kids know where they came from and learn how their ancestors struggled and sacrificed when coming to America.
I hope everyone finds his or her great challenge in life. Opportunities can arrive at any time-we just need to be open to them and willing to put our heart and minds (and egos) on the line. Some risks may not pay off, but we can still learn from them. My great ventures have helped me realize that I can do more than I think I can. They’ve helped me grow. Whether or not the saying, “with great risks come great rewards” comes true for me, I feel satisfied knowing that I tried.
Cilla May says
September 23, 2015 at 9:32 amWhat an impressive goal, sacrifice and journey Ellen has accomplished! Perhaps she inherited this determination from her great great grandfather Florence Burke! Congratulations Ellen. I can’t wait to read this history of her family’s plight during the Potato Famine in Ireland, and the Civil War.
Ellen Alden says
September 23, 2015 at 12:45 pmIt has been quite a journey, Cilla. It’s a good thing I have such a wonderful, supportive family around me. Thank you for your lovely comments.
Janice baker says
September 23, 2015 at 10:16 amLove the pic! Perfect for your blog!
Enjoyed the back story of what prompted u to write the novel. Hope to see book in publication soon!
Ellen Alden says
September 23, 2015 at 12:44 pmThank you for your support, Janice. I will update my website when the book is in print!
Billy D says
September 24, 2015 at 9:24 amSounds like a great book, I love Storyland
Ellen Alden says
September 24, 2015 at 9:40 amThanks Billy! Sounds like we have similar interests. Ha, I meant to crop that photo but I ran out of time. Story Land is fabulous. I went to Story Land as a child, and now I bring own children there. Thank you for your support-I can’t wait for you to read my book.
Katy says
September 25, 2015 at 3:00 pmI’m glad you decided to go for it with the PMC and your book! I’m not a history buff, but I can’t wait to read your book. Please let me know when it is available so that I can buy multiple copies for myself plus friends and family.
Ellen Alden says
September 25, 2015 at 3:36 pmYou don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy my book, Katy. Its just a story of one Irish immigrant family trying to make it in America. It just so happens my great, great grandfather lived in Ireland during the Great Potato Famine and after he emigrated to America he joined the Union Army. Pretty interesting settings for a novel, huh? I will let you buy as many copies as you want when this books gets into print! Thank you.
Cathy Lareau says
September 28, 2015 at 10:03 amEllen it is impressive what you have accomplished. No doubt you inherited the same motivation and drive as your great great grandfather Florence. Reading your blog reminds me of how moved I was by your novel. Please let me know when it is available to purchase. I’d love to buy copies for my parents and extended family, many of which are obsessed with genealogy and our family’s journey to the US during the potato famine.
Ellen Alden says
October 4, 2015 at 3:59 pmThank you for your kind words Cathy! There are so many of us who are in the US because of the Potato Famine. You will certainly get a signed copy when the book is finally out!!
Charlene Galica says
October 4, 2015 at 2:42 pmHi Ellen: Florence and Ellen Burke are my 3 x great grandparents. I grew up in West Springfield, MA.
I can’t wait to read your book and read the letters from our ancestors.
Ellen Alden says
October 4, 2015 at 4:04 pmHi Charlene, Wow! I can’t believe we are both related to Ellen and Florence! That is amazing. Thanks for reaching out to me. I would love to talk to your father. Perhaps he can answer some burning questions I’ve had since writing this novel. Please let me know how I can contact your father if he doesn’t mind. I’d really appreciate it. Hope to tal to you soon.
Ellen
Charlene Galica says
October 4, 2015 at 4:57 pmHi Ellen: My dad’s name is Charles Murphy and his phone number in Florida is 813 782-6892. He loved his grandparents so much. His father was Charles Edward Murphy, son of Catherine L (Florence and Ellen’s daughter) and my grandfather Charles was killed at age 26 right during the depression! My father said the only thing that kept him going in a very very hard childhood was the Murphy/Burke grandparents!
Do you know what part of Ireland that Florence and Ellen came from. My guess is some part of county Cork
Ellen Alden says
October 4, 2015 at 7:18 pmHi Charlene. Thanks for your Dad’s number. Will you please let him know that you contacted me and that I will be calling this week? Thanks in advance. Yes, Florence and Ellen were from County Cork. I travelled to Southern Ireland while researching for my book. I can’t wait for you you to read it! I am trying very hard to find a publisher now-but if there are no bites then I will self-publish and have it available on Amazon by the new year. My father’s grandfather is Michael, Jerry’s brother. Somehow he ended up with the box of Civil War letters from Florence Burke (I think Florence’s wife Ellen passed them down to Michael (did Jeremiah die young?) then Michaels’s wife handed them down to my father’s mother and then down to my father. Hard to believe these letters are still readable after 125 years!
Charlene Galica says
October 6, 2015 at 11:17 amHi Ellen, I did let my dad know that you’ll be calling. You’ll find him to have the kind and warm personality of the Irish 🙂
I saw the portion of the letters on your website, they are in amazing condition for their age and the penmanship is beautiful, it is becoming a lost art.
I am so grateful that your great grandparents and grandparents passed those letters down. Please let me know when you self publish so I can buy the book (and my brother and nieces will too)
Ellen Alden says
October 7, 2015 at 9:58 amThank you Charlene and I can’t wait to speak with your father. I will certainly let you know when the book goes into print. I appreciate your support.
Cindi West says
October 15, 2015 at 10:51 pmHi Ellen, I too am anxiously awaiting the publication of your novel. I think you know that Vin is 75% Irish with four remaining siblings. I have been telling all of them of your endeavor and can’t wait to purchase this book to give as gifts to each of them. Vin’s ancestors are from Doneraile and Ballyshane, County Cork. The family names are Connor, Morrissey, Condon, Hickey, Connelly, and Earley. Vin’s great – great grandfather, Patrick Hickey immigrated during the potato famine. I have a 97 page binder titled Patrick Hickey of Madison (NJ) researched by Mark J. Woodruff, Vin’s first cousin and dated Oct., 1995.
Ellen Alden says
October 16, 2015 at 12:12 pmWow! Family genealogy is amazing, isn’t it? We can learn so much from our past and also recognize the sacrifices of our forefathers. For me, it also explains my red hair and freckles! Ha, Thank you very much for your support, Cindy. My book in print is not far away!