Now that my book has been edited, published and distributed; what’s next? In the publishing world there is a grand finale announcing the release of your book to the media called a Press Release! My publisher will be sending a press release on my novel Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke this Thursday, June 2nd. The press release will be aimed at a target audience, namely those who read or write about books. I hope to pique the interest of those who may not know about my historical novel but are interested in similar subjects like Irish immigration or the Civil War. The press release seems to be a big deal because every author wants their book to be noticed by as many people as possible.
What I am more excited about is the other “finale” that happens soon after a book release and that is the Launch party! I can’t wait to celebrate with those that have supported and encouraged me along this three year endeavor. And what a night it should be! I have planned an event that includes a book signing and a table displaying my great, great grandfather’s Civil War letters, the original box where the letters were found, the tin photographs of my Irish ancestors. I have invited the artist who designed my book cover, Michele Boshar, to come and show samples of her amazing artwork and Brian Corcoran a talented Irish singer who has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years. In addition to these talented local artists, I invited Helen Thomas to display their Celtic necklaces and other locally made products, and Puff Love and Mr. Gelato to sell their delicious local treats. It’s basically a celebration of everything local; books, art, music, artisan crafts and goodies!
To top it off, I’ve arranged for two Civil War period “re-enactors” to come and bring the characters of my book to life! They are experts in their field and can answer any questions about this time period, the soldier will demonstrate how to load a rifle, and they will wear full period clothing and a Union Army Uniform. I hope my friends, families and historical fiction lovers will come to my book launch party! All of the festivities will be happening in the brand new courtyard in front of the Andover bookstore and Mr. Gelato on Main Street in Andover, MA. Here are the details:
Florence Burke, my Civil War hero
That’s it! I’m self-publishing!
I’ve never been good at waiting. After all, how do you move forward if you’re stuck in one place? My debut novel, a historical fiction entitled Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke, has been caught in “publishing purgatory” for seven months now, and I’m frustrated with the snail’s pace that Literary Agents and publisher’s move.
There has been interest in my book; in fact it has been sitting on the desk (probably on the bottom of a huge stack of other manuscripts) at a literary agent in London and New York and at a small publisher in Boston. But I can’t get an answer from them! A simple “yes” or “no” is all I am asking for so I can plan my next move. I prefer straight up rejections (and I’ve gotten plenty of those).
Fact, Fiction, or Maybe a Little of Both?
How should I preserve the historic letters of my great-great grandfather and how can I best share them with others?
A Biography? Hmmmm.
Initially I thought about writing a non-fiction book, a biography on my ancestor’s life. I pictured myself gathering data, creating a time-line, a family tree, and highlighting the exciting events. I would include the letters in their entirety so that my family, especially my children, could read them and appreciate the struggles their Irish ancestors faced while Immigrating to America. However, as I collected information and researched my great-great grandfather’s past, I knew non-fiction would not be the appropriate genre for me to express his life story.
Meeting John L. O’ Sullivan: Fate or Luck of the Irish?
Historian John L. O’Sullivan assisting me with research in Ballinhassig, Ireland
The best part of researching my great-great grandfather’s past was taking my whole family on a trip to Ireland. We hopped on Air Lingus as soon as our children were dismissed for summer vacation. Although it was the end of June when we touched down in Ireland, the temperature was in the 50’s, and, of course, it was raining. However, it didn’t deter us from driving along the western coast; stopping to take photos of the rolling green hills, endless pastures filled with cows, and the beautiful foggy views of the ocean.
My Memorial Day 2015
This Memorial Day was special for me. In the past it has always been about parades and barbecues– and enjoying a long weekend with my family. I would watch clips of memorial services on the news, and I would appreciate the tributes both nationally and locally. However, I never felt a true connection until I discovered that I am directly related to a soldier from the Civil War.
My great, great grandfather Florence Burke fought as a Union Soldier for the Massachusetts 37th Regiment. He left his young wife and three children to serve his newly adopted country. What’s more he spared the life of a wealthy man, taking his draft and heading to the battlefields in exchange for a parcel of farm land. He took a gamble with his life.
The Discovery
You never know what you’ll find in your attic. When my parents moved to Hawaii for my father’s position as head of school, they left several cardboard boxes of their belongings. I never touched them or thought about them until my daughter came home from school and said she needed a photo of me from my elementary school years. I remembered my mother said the stored boxes were mainly old books and family albums.