Author of Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke
When I wrote my children’s picture book, I had a clear vision of what I would like the illustrations to be—the only problem is, I can’t draw! Not at all. But I was confident I would be able to find someone who could illustrate, and who could bring my characters, setting and storyline to life.
This was not my plan. I have never even considered writing a children’s story before last summer. I certainly can’t draw, and I hadn’t read a children’s book in ages. However, everything changed when I was asked to write a story for a friend about her beloved dog. She had an excellent concept, but needed help developing her story. She provided me with photos of her dog taken all around the city of Boston. Surprisingly, with each photo, I created words and rhymes to match the scenes in the photographs. It came naturally and effortlessly. I imagined a child reading along with the story, pointing to the colorful illustrations, and rhyming and repeating the lines that he or she had memorized. I ended up writing several books for this friend, a series, and through this experience I realized: I absolutely love this genre!
Sally Gap, Wicklow County
Ireland is a gorgeous country, we all know that, but there is something beyond the aesthetic beauty that captivates me. With each visit, I dive deeper into the history of Ireland, especially the political and social history, and it makes me appreciate the culture and people even more.
I’m travelling back to Ireland for another promotional book tour! I cannot wait. Last year was filled with surprises and amazing opportunities, and this year seems to be heading in the same direction. I have a fast and furious itinerary, five days and three presentations, a stop at my favorite pub in Ballinhassig, and a chance to catch up with my Irish colleagues and friends!
Last year I presented Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke in similar areas, but this year I have a new Itinerary with brand-new venues. Here is a map of where I will be headed in Ireland:
My books are in schools. It’s really happening!! I always hoped my historical novel would be used for education. It has been a goal and a dream of mine ever since the book has been in print. Now, slowly but surely, private high schools and colleges are using Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke in the classroom to support their curriculum.
I remember in 2015, before my book was even published, I wrote a blog about the importance of Historical fiction to education. https://ellenalden.com/5486/historical-fiction-and-education-bringing-the-past-to-life And now schools are responding and including my book in their studies.
My new book cover is finally here! I have been working on a second edition version of Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke since November, and yesterday a box of books finally arrived at my doorstep.
A random trip to my attic turned out to be a life-changing event. When I uncovered the old, leather box and read the emotional and gripping letters of my great, great grandfather Florence Burke, I knew I had to do something special with them—share their story, honor them. They are personal letters from a husband and father to his wife and children, and they offer a window into the past of an Irish immigrant family struggling to survive in their adopted country.
It’s the end of 2017, so it’s time to check in with my book goals. How’d I do? Well, l did realize a few of the goals I think. Others may have been too much of a stretch. For instance, I did not get a call from Martin Scorsese begging for the movie rights to my book, and I did not reach 100 reviews on Amazon. However, the book did jump from 27 to 55 reviews, and it has achieved a solid 5-star rating! It’s unbelievable to me, really. What’s even more exciting is seeing reviews from Ireland and the UK and realizing that my book is being read and reviewed internationally, as far away as Australia! I am thrilled with the momentum that Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke is gaining, and I hope it will continue into 2018.
**Re-post of my December 2015 blog. Everyone can use some laughter in mid-December! Take 5 minutes to read about the hilarious experience. Enjoy!!**
The holiday season can bring out the best and worst in people. All December long we hear stories of disgruntled shoppers, rude clerks, crooked charities, unlawful companies and ruthless criminals. These people have no holiday spirit and they are certainly not spreading merriment and cheer. They are in the Scrooge camp.