Juggling History, Writing, and Seedlings

 

As some of you may see starting at the very top of this weeks newsletter there are a great many changes going on. I thought why the heck not reinvent my business, join the Daughters of the American Revolution and go into overdrive with that, take on some genealogy research for a couple young ladies, potentially future DAR's, and continue writing all at the same time. Oh and don't forget I'm still not retired, so I work full time too. Sure why not. I got this! Actually, believe it or not with today's technology, calendaring, scheduling social media, Ai assistance, and all the other fun technology out there, I really do have this, but yes I do have moments where I hear the words my grandfather once said, "Be careful what you ask for. It just might come true." But of course he didn't have a crystal ball to see all the fun stuff I could use to help me do it all. So here is a little of what is going on and some of it is for you my dear readers.

The Great Rebranding Saga

I realized that my previous business, Untangled Family Roots, no longer fit my new business model. Yes, I still do genealogy research as a necessary part of the stories I write, but I don't do the research for other people as a part of my business. Instead the research I do turns into stories, so I figured it would be more fitting if my business name reflected that. I am happy to introduce the new business name, The Ancestral Pen. Of course with that brought on all the rebranding, social media, blog, website (I may just bury that. It was dead anyway), newsletter, etc. I did it though, everything is in place and ready to go. Check that one off the list.

Oh crap that reminds me I need new business cards. Put that one on the task list.

If you enjoy my newsletters and want more of this, you could always visit my blog as well where I share more great stories and even tips on how to turn those genealogy details into family stories. 

DAR Secretary and Social Media Czar

I would say I was elected, but there was no competition. It was more like they begged me to take an office, and then begged me to take on their social media. Oh heck, why not. I don't have enough to do, just write a book, plant and maintain my garden, work, chores, and maybe sprinkle a little fun in there this summer.

Well I wrangled that task into submission as well. With a list of social media ideas for posts, created a Pinterest and Instagram account to add to their Facebook account, and then throw it all in a calendar and stir, I have a recipe for social outreach success! Check another off the list.

If you're interested in joining our chapter or learning more about DAR membership requirements, please email me. We're always looking for new members who share an interest in historical preservation, education, and patriotism.

His Greatest Regret (And Its Upcoming Sequel!)

Yes, I know this is what you want to know. When will the book be out? Soon. I promise. Right now it's in editing. We are almost halfway through the book with that process. Trust me, it'll be better because of it. So remember what your mother said, "patience is a virtue."

The editing process has been eye-opening, to say the least. My manuscript is getting a thorough polish to ensure the story flows smoothly and the historical details are accurate. It's remarkable how much difference a good editor makes in catching inconsistencies and improving clarity. While it sometimes feels like facing a sea of red ink, I know the final product will be much stronger for it.

And because apparently one writing project isn't enough to keep me busy, I've already begun work on the follow-up book to "His Greatest Regret." The outline is done and I'm ready to begin writing the pros, but maybe I should slash a few things off my task list before I take on much more, right?

Gardening Season Begins

Of course it's that time of year when I get to listen to my husband complain that I'm turning our house into a greenhouse. Well, it works. When you live up north those poor little seeds need somewhere warm to start emerging from the soil, so my dining room table, the bar, and shelves all get turned into places for my plants to start their little lives. It's just for two months for Pete's sake. He can suck it up because he doesn't complain in the fall when I harvest everything and can his favorite salsa and Chow Chow.

The house has indeed become something of an indoor nursery. Until someone invents a way to control the weather and seasons to fit my schedule, and not the other way around, I'll just have to adjust to the seasonal demand.

Wrapping Up Before I Take On Anything Else

Ok, I think that's enough already. If I take on anything else, you are going to hear me scream "Uncle!"

So that's my life update: new business name, new DAR responsibilities, book in editing, a second book in progress, and a house temporarily transformed into a garden nursery. It's a busy season, but I'm managing to keep all the plates spinning thanks to good organization and technology.

Until next week, I hope you all are finding joy in your own projects, whatever they may be!

Other Books you may enjoy while you are waiting for the release of His Greatest Regret."If you haven't signed up and received A Mother's Last Gift, you might want to. It's the prequel to His Greatest Regret.